The Odra(ma)-Waters At Risk
Introduction
The Odra River, also known as the Oder River, flows through Wrocław in southwestern Poland. Stretching from Olawa on the south-eastern edge of the province to the vicinity of Glogow northwest of the Lower Silesian capital, the Odra River is one of the major rivers in Central Europe, the second-longest river in Poland and a true heart of Wrocław. The Odra River holds great significance for the city, shaping its identity, landscape, economy, and recreational opportunities.
The local tourguide Sean explains about the history of Odra.
Water Supply
The Odra River has served as an important water source for Wrocław throughout history. It has provided the city with a reliable supply of fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes. The river's water has been crucial for sustaining the city's population and supporting its economic activities.
Trade and Commerce
The Odra River has been a vital trade route for Wrocław, connecting the city to other regions and countries. Historically, the river facilitated the transportation of goods such as grain, timber, coal, and other commodities. Wrocław's position on the river allowed it to become a significant trading center, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Tourism and Recreation
The Odra River has become a popular tourist attraction in Wrocław. The riverfront areas, such as the Wrocław Promenade, offer stunning views, leisurely walks, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Boat tours and cruises are also available, allowing visitors to explore the city from a unique perspective. The river plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting tourists to Wrocław.
Participants of the story
For the locals in Wrocław, the Odra is a special place. It is meaningful to the city and the surroundings. We talked to some of the locals and they provided us with insights on how the Odra has a meaning for them.
Irek and his daugther by the river.
First we meet Irek – a citizen of Wrocław who was born and raised here. While talking about the river, he shared his childhood memories of fishing and swimming in the Odra River. Unfortunately, his children do not get to have the same experience, as there have been changes in the river's condition. Still, he acknowledges his pride in raising his kids on good terms with the Odra while they are walking, fishing or sailing in the river.
Veronika (left) and her friend.
A local student, Veronika, was also eager to share her deep affection for the river Odra. She expressed that Wrocław can't be imagined without it. For her, spending time with her friends, having drinks at the local bar, or fishing with her uncle are genuinely the best leisure activities.
Marta on the boat where she is working.
Our third participant is Marta who moved to Wrocław a long time ago and is now working on the biggest boat of Odra. For her, Odra has always had a special meaning, since she has been coming here almost every day for six years. In her spare time she enjoys fishing by the river with some of the local fishermen, and she couldn't imagine Wrocław without Odra.
Sean next to Odra.
Next we have Sean. He has moved from America to Wrocław to be with his wife, and is now a local guide on the history of the city. While standing next to the river, Sean enlightened us on some of the issues with pollution in the river, and some historical perspectives on the evolution of Odra.
Portrait of Dr. Thomas Heege, CEO EOMAP
To provide us with profound knowledge and essential expertise, we contacted Dr. Thomas Heege – a managing director at EOMAP: Home - Earth Observation & Environmental Services. Since 1994, he has worked as a data scientist in environmental consulting, studying space, satellite, airborne, and drone-based sensing for coastal and inland waters. Dr. Thomas Heege supplied us with the latest measurements and analytics.
Embracing Nature's Beauty: Popular Activities at the Odra River
As Irek claims, having a rest with a couple of drinks at the river is always the answer. For those who are seeking anything more active, you should go fishing or camping. Do not forget the sailing! Locals are huge fans of it. You can even take a specific course as Irek’s son does. Unfortunately, swimming is not the option because of poor quality of the water in Odra.
For Marta, Odra is the center of Wrocław’s development. Going on a boat ride is the perfect activity. You will travel the middle of the city, enjoy the views while having drinks and taking photos on a boat. Whenever you get tired of noisy boat parties, you should enjoy fishing or take your dog for a walk. Marta also warns those who like taking risks, as swimming is banned and the fine is about 500 pln.
In case you are eager to try fishing, you should definitely find some special places, as Veronika recommends, not in the city center.
Water quality assessment of river Odra
Marta shares her doubt about the quality of the water, due to the visible pollution of the water. On the other hand, she thinks that the fish in the water are an indicator of the freshness of the water.
To get an actual answer: “Clean or not clean?”, we turned to Dr. Thomas Heege who supplied us with his methods and instruments on how the water quality can be measured.
To ensure a safe use of the river water, the water quality has to be monitored constantly. This is being done by satellite imaging as well as in situ stations and climatological data. From this data, a warning system has been established to inform the local authorities about possible problems regarding water quality. Dr. Thomas Heege, a data scientist and environmental consultant from Germany explains how this works.
Ecological disaster of the Odra river
Talking of the pollution, Marta is sure that it was just a one-time accident and there are no signs of it repeating in the nearest future. She admits not being interested in pollution even though her business suffered from an accident with tons of dead fish. She also recognizes the responsibility all people share for polluting nature, specifically Odra.
It seems all citizens agree on a fact, that any accidents connected to visible signs of pollution are random and minor, as Irek talks. For him, it is all about comparison, as now the river is much cleaner than it used to be while being used for transportation of goods. However, Irek also implies that the possible reasons for the pollution can be connected to Czech industry, whose factories are dumping waste into the river.
To get an expert opinion on the cause and effect of the fish-accidents, we talked with Dr. Thomas Heege. He explained that any waste-dumping is not the only factor which needs to be taken into account. Extreme heat waves (the direct consequence of global warming) have a terrible impact on the level of the water, causing the death of tons of fish.
In 2022, disaster struck at the Odra River when hundreds of tons of fishes died in one of the most devastating environmental crises of the last years. The cause: a small, one-celled Algae with the name of Prymnesium parvum. Because of its golden hue it is also called the “Goldalge” in German. Its toxins attacked the gills of the fish, leaving them to suffocate.
This golden Algae could thrive in the Odra River because of the high salinity of the water, low water levels and hot, sunny weather.
This year, there are already signs that the disaster of 2022 could repeat itself. Data from Thomas Heege´s company EOMAP shows an increase of Chlorophyll-a, which is used in oxygenic photosynthesis, in the Odra. This could be an indicator for a high density of Algae.
Screenshot of the eoApp – Chlorophyll-a values on the basis of Planet satellite data – © EOMAP
Measures taken?
Having identified the problem, we also interviewed people on the subject of any solutions possible and measures already taken. The uncertainty and lack of knowledge on this topic confirm our thesis about demand for more efforts to cover the eco-catastrophe in Odra, as well as raise awareness on the climate change issues in general.
What does the future hold?
Due to the results of our research, we witness the absence of necessary awareness among the citizens of Wrocław on the potential eco-catastrophe for the river Odra. In the future, a lack of knowledge about the potential risks could result in activities that disrupt the eco-balance and worsen the situation. For instance, if locals are unaware of the sensitivity of certain habitats or nesting grounds, they may inadvertently disturb or destroy them, leading to negative consequences for local flora and fauna.
Moreover, due to lack of interest, locals may be less inclined to support or participate in conservation initiatives. This lack of involvement can hinder efforts to address environmental challenges and maintain the river's health in the long term.
Warning systems like the one developed by Dr. Thomas Heege and his company can help manage the risks that pose a threat to Odra river. To mitigate these risks, raising awareness and educating locals about the eco-catastrophe risks at the Odra River is crucial. Efforts should focus on promoting sustainable practices, enhancing understanding of the river's ecological value, and encouraging active participation in conservation and disaster preparedness initiatives.