Polish Water Authority Head Dismissed Amid Flood Preparations
The Minister of Infrastructure in Poland, Dariusz Klimczak, dismissed Joanna Kopczyńska as president of PGW Polish Waters on July 7, 2025, according to a brief statement released by the Ministry. The unexpected move comes as the country prepares for a significant rainfall event and potential flooding.
The Ministry of Infrastructure’s announcement offered no explanation for Kopczyńska’s removal, which took effect immediately. She had held the position since January 11, 2024. As of today, neither the Ministry’s website nor social media channels associated with PGW Polish Waters provide further details regarding the decision.
Rainfall and Flood Warnings Issued
Hours before the announcement of Kopczyńska’s dismissal, PGW Polish Waters issued a warning regarding an anticipated wave of rainfall across many regions of the country. “The rapid growth of water states should be expected, especially in mountain and highlands and urban areas,” a statement read. Authorities indicated that warning and alarm states are possible, particularly in mountainous regions and urbanized areas, with the potential for local flooding and flash floods.
Despite the impending rainfall, officials emphasized that the situation is currently “stable and monitored on an ongoing basis.” A key factor mitigating risk is the prevailing hydrological drought in much of the country, which has increased the flood capacity of many reservoirs. “Dry flood tanks do not pile water, are prepared to work in the event of rainfall,” the Ministry emphasized.
Background on Joanna Kopczyńska
Joanna Kopczyńska brings a substantial background in water management and environmental protection to her former role. She is a graduate of the University of Loránd Eötvös in Budapest and the National School of Public Administration in Warsaw.
Prior to leading PGW Polish Waters, Kopczyńska served as a deputy Director of the State Security Service of Studies Singling at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – the National Research Institute, beginning in January 2021. Her previous experience includes leadership positions in international environmental organizations, serving as Chairwoman of the Polish delegation to the Baltic Sea Environmental Protection Commission (Helcom) and the International Commission for the Protection of Odra against pollution. She also held roles as Deputy Director in the Department of Water Management and Inland Navigation at the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation, and as Director of the Water Management Department at the Ministry of the Environment.
The timing of this leadership change, coinciding with heightened flood preparedness, raises questions about the future direction of Poland’s water management strategy.
