Ekologiczne i gospodarcze problemy zbiornika retencyjnego Dobczyce

Abstract

Dobczyce Reservoir was built between 1974 and 1986 after that Raba river has been divided by earth dam (length – 617 m). The reservoir supplies drinking water to Cracow and settlements surrounding the city. The aim of that paper is to present economic problems related to building a reservoir of drinking water and consequences of human activity. Considering morphology, the reservoir is located in Pogórze Wielickie. Small relative heights and slopes with convex-concave profile predomination decide about easy access to that area. Mezoclimatic conditions have been favourable for agricultural development. At present the area is under the influence of very strong agricultural anthropopression as about 60% of land around the reservoir is arable. It is necessary to arrange a new natural order because of function changes of landscape. Control of natural processes is necessary because it protects drinking water exploitation from the reservoir. Location of Dobczyce Reservoir was determined by many reasons: system of the Raba river, favourable morphological conditions, good quality of water and small distance between the reservoir and city of Cracow.