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Reform Support
Supporting Strengthening of State Water Holding   

Supporting reforms to transition to a green economy and fight climate change

Funding Programme
Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP)
Year
2019

Supporting the State Water Holding Polish Waters

The Commission supported the Polish authorities efforts in improving collection of fees charged for the water services and effectiveness of the flood protection system. These two areas were subject to significant changes resulting from implementation of the new 2017 Water Act in Poland, which came into force on 1 Jan 2018.  

Context 

The aim of this project is to support efforts of the State Water Holding Polish Waters to strengthening their efficiency, and capacities in the following areas: 

  • Development of the restructuring plan for the water fee collection system in Poland
  • Development of the organisational plan for the Flood Protection Operating Centres

The need for strengthening and improving effectiveness in the aforementioned/ in the above fields was due to the fact that the water management system in Poland was redesigned in 2017 and 2018. This followed/ was a follow up to the implementation of the new water regulations.

The new Water Law resulted from implementation of the EU directives, mainly Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament of October 23rd, 2000), which established a common framework for action in the field of water policy in the European Union. 

Support delivered 

The Beneficiaries were originally Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation (later Ministry of Infrastructure) and State Water Holding Polish Waters composed of numerous regional branches and headquarters in Warsaw.

The project provider has assisted Poland with the analysis of good practices for charging of water services, options and recommendation for the redesigning of the water system, concluded with a workshop. It has also provided h a mapping of current flood management capacities in SWH Polish Waters, an organisational plan of its operational centres and a training plan.  

Results achieved 

The project delivered a set of recommendations and options for the Ministry of Infrastructure and the newly created body, SWH Polish Waters, aiming to improve water management in Poland. Following Poland’s decision on selection of the most suitable option, the implementation plan will be developed. Legislative changes aimed at implementing the new fee system may be introduced by amending the Water Law, which will be prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure in agreement with SWH Polish Waters.