In Poland, we have recently had a lot of rainfall and it is as a result of this that another lake has appeared. This body of water is Płociduga Duża located in Olsztyn. Interestingly, there used to be a lake in this place, but it was drained over 100 years ago. However, for a dozen or so years now, its slow rebirth has been observed.
Płociduga Duża is a water reservoir in Olsztyn, which was drained in the 19th century. This procedure was decided in order to create a place for grazing horses. Meadows were created there, and until recently the area was covered with reeds. Nature decided to take back what once belonged to her.
Intensive rainfall caused water to rise in the Łyna River. To such an extent that it had to find an outlet somewhere, and this happened in the area of Płociduga Duża. Beavers also contributed to this, as they perforated the flood embankment, as explained to PAP by Prof. Stanisław Czachorowski, an ecologist and hydrobiologist from the University of Warmia and Mazury.
Prof. Jolanta Grochowska, head of the Department of Water Protection Engineering and Environmental Microbiology at the Faculty of Geoengineering at the University of Olsztyn, adds that the reasons for refilling the reservoir with water included: clogged drainage systems.
However, experts have no illusions. The “new” lake in Olsztyn will not be filled with water for too long. In time, it will subside and reed beds will once again be visible in this place. Besides, this is the purpose of this reservoir, as it is used for retention purposes.
Prof. Czachorowski also drew attention to a certain local problem. It concerns meadows near the village of Bartąg in the vicinity of Olsztyn. In this place, the embankments were reinforced by the army and the scientist called it a “misfortune”, because he believes that these areas should also be flooded with water from the Łyna River. Although, as he adds, even periodic saturation of Płociduga Duża will have positive effects on nature.
Due to heavy rainfall the so-called Łynostrada was also flooded. This is a bicycle path along a causeway. That is why the Olsztyn City Office decided to temporarily close it. Some repairs are required, but these will only be carried out when the water level in Łyna drops. It was added that apart from the flooded route, “there are no other threats to human life or health or property damage”.
Source: geekweek.interia.pl
