As part of the EUIndTech2025 conference, the organizers arranged six study trips and walks aimed at showcasing technologically interesting sites in Kraków and the Małopolska region. One of the proposed excursions was a visit to Dobczyce, where the infrastructure for the intake, treatment, and transmission of potable water for the Kraków metropolitan area is located.
The participants began their tour at the “Raba” Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which is managed by Kraków Waterworks (Wodociągi Miasta Krakowa). The plant commenced operations in 1974, with water originally being sourced directly from the Raba River. It was only 13 years later, following the construction of a dam between Zamkowa and Jałowcowa hills in Dobczyce, that water began to flow from the Dobczyce Reservoir, which now supplies around 60% of Kraków’s population, as well as nearby localities. Today, the facility spans an area of 29 hectares.
Mr. Tomasz Żak, Deputy Manager of the Raba WTP, provided a detailed explanation of the plant’s technological processes. These include pre-ozonation of raw water, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and a two-stage disinfection process using UV radiation and sodium hypochlorite. The facility currently supplies water to approximately 350,000 consumers.
The next highlight of the visit was a boat trip on the Dobczyce Reservoir, organized courtesy of Kraków Waterworks. The tour was guided by Mr. Adam Panuś, who spoke about the reservoir itself, the tower water intake, and the picturesque surroundings. Due to sanitary regulations, the reservoir is not open to recreational use.
Following the boat tour, participants had the opportunity to walk along the dam crest, which spans over 600 meters, and to enter the interior of the dam, including chambers located below the reservoir bed and the sluice gate gallery. This part of the visit was led by Mr. Rafał Słonka, the dam’s director. Both the dam and the Dobczyce Reservoir are managed by Polish Waters (Wody Polskie).
