Outrage erupts as Poland drains lake for dam repair, revealing dead fish

The draining of Pilchowice Lake in Lower Silesia, Poland, is nearing completion, revealing a stark and controversial scene beneath the surface. While the process is necessary for the renovation of a century-old dam, vital for regional flood control, the sight of thousands of dead fish has sparked outrage among local residents.

The lake, which holds back the waters of the Bóbr River, is undergoing a 93 million zloty ($23 million) renovation. This includes modernizing the spillway and repairing the dam's crown to ensure its longevity. The draining, which began in February, has exposed not only the expected remnants of a former village and World War II military artifacts but also a disturbing number of dead fish, which residents have dubbed a "cemetery."

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The dam has a strategic importance for flood control in Lower Silesia.

Locals had warned that the fish would not be effectively relocated before the draining, leading to their deaths. They report that the situation is particularly dire at the base of the dam, where the sheer volume of dead animals, including other aquatic life, creates a "long white carpet." Concerns are also rising about the potential for dangerous substances, such as hydrogen sulfide, to form from the accumulated silt and any pollutants that may have settled at the lake's bottom over the years.

Jacek Bieńkowski, director of investments at Tauron Ekoenergia, emphasized the dam's strategic importance for flood protection in Lower Silesia. He stated that the renovation work is being carried out in compliance with building authority orders, which mandate urgent repairs by April 2026. Bieńkowski assured that the draining schedule was carefully considered, prioritizing the safety, health, and lives of residents in flood-prone areas.

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safety, health and life of residents in areas threatened by floods.