Reducing the risk of flooding in the city’s catchment areas by using hydrodynamic modeling in the investment process of the Municipality of Krakow (cooperation of municipal units) – restoration of lost natural retention

The paper will focus on cooperation between municipal entities, companies and private investors to improve the safety of residents. After the catastrophic effects of torrential downpours that have haunted the city over the years, it was decided to conduct hydrodynamic modeling. The task showed that one of the residential developments located in an area at risk of flooding in Krakow is not sufficiently protected, the number of planned two reservoirs will not protect the estate from flooding in case of heavy rains. The catchment area is subject to strong urbanization large urban investments were implemented by various municipal units.
The cooperation of all stakeholders in the catchment area in question in the implementation of a number of solutions, resulted in the leveling of flood risks in the area. As a result, an additional 5 reservoirs were built. KEGW’s decision was justified by reliable data and based on a simulation model. Thanks to the quick response and optimization of the settlement’s drainage plan by additional reservoirs, the situation of the settlement’s residents improved significantly. Despite similar rainfall that occurred in 2021, the settlement was not flooded. The cooperation of residents, the investor and individuals is one of the most important ways to fight for a safe city.

Graduate of the Cracow University of Technology, head of the Climate-Energy-Water Management Records and Reconciliation Department. A local government employee, he has been involved in water and wastewater management at the municipal, district and provincial levels for many years, joining government, local government and municipal projects. He gained experience in the field of management as director of the Cracow County Department of Environmental Protection, Agriculture and Forestry. He has also worked as a university lecturer in the area of water management.