Heatwave Increases Water and Electricity Use; Companies Assure System Readiness

Poland is grappling with extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and some regions approaching 40 degrees Celsius. This intense heatwave is significantly increasing demand for both water and electricity.

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We appeal to residents to use water rationally, especially during periods of high temperatures. We encourage watering gardens or lawns late in the evening or very early in the morning, when the network is less loaded, and evaporation losses are significantly smaller.

Water utility companies across the country are observing a notable rise in daily water consumption. However, they maintain that their systems are prepared to meet the demand. For example, Aquanet in Poznań reported that current daily usage has not surpassed the average for the previous summer period, with the system operating at about 75% of its production capacity. The company noted its highest load occurred on June 25, when temperatures reached nearly 39 degrees Celsius, resulting in a 28% increase in daily consumption compared to the summer average.

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In recent days, we have recorded an increase in daily consumption, but it does not exceed the average for the summer period last year. The load reaches 75% of production capacity.

Similarly, water providers in Warsaw and Gdańsk are monitoring increased water usage, primarily in the mornings and evenings, coinciding with activities like garden watering. Warsaw's utility company, MPWiK, stated that its two water sources, the Vistula River and the Zegrze Reservoir, ensure a stable supply even if one source experiences shortages. Gdańsk Waterworks reported that the current increase in demand falls within expected norms for the summer season, and there is no need for consumption restrictions.

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The scale of the increase in consumption depends primarily on the intensity and duration of the heatwave.

Despite assurances of system stability, water companies are appealing to the public for rational water use. They encourage residents to water gardens and lawns during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to minimize evaporation and reduce the strain on the water network during peak hours. This call for conservation aims to ensure a consistent supply for all residents throughout the heatwave.

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In the summer period, the company observes natural, slight daily fluctuations in water intake – increased demand typically falls in the morning and evening hours. This increase is within the norms provided for this period. Our water intakes meet the demand also in the summer season. Therefore, Gdańsk Waterworks has not appealed for water consumption limits and there is no such need currently.