thermal springs and spas in poland - stanford earth · pdf fileunder the auspice of: division...

Under the auspice of:Division of Earth Sciences

Chapter 1.6

THERMAL SPRINGS AND SPAS IN POLAND

Beata Kepinska

Polish Academy of SciencesMineral and Energy Economy Research Institute

Geothermal Laboratory, Wybickiego 7 Str., Krakow, POLANDe-mail: [email protected]

Summary

Geothermal waters from springs andwells are currently used in eight spas andwater centres in Poland. These resortshave long and interesting history, beingimportant part among all health spas inthe country. The demand for geothermalcurative and recreation services offered inspas constantly increases. The paper pre-sents several cases of geothermal resortsand some examples of initiated and plan-ned new projects which will be often exe-cuted as a part of complex systems ofgeothermal energy application both forspace heating and curative purposes. Inseveral places there are prospects to con-struct new geothermal resorts to be basedon warm waters supplied by wells. Bal-neo-therapy and bathing using naturalwarm waters constitute prospective sectorof geothermal activities and business inPoland.

Key words: geothermal waters, balneo-therapy, bathing, Poland

1. INTRODUCTION

The tradition of use of geothermalwaters for bathing and balneo-therapy hasold roots in Poland. The first writtenrecords report that since the 12th centurywarm spring waters have been used for

balneo-therapy in some localities. Throughthe centuries, warm springs were used inthe Sudetes and Carpathians Mts. Yetundergoing up- and down-periods, thispractise developed rather much in time, tothe point that some stations (Cieplice,Duszniki, Iwonicz) became quite renownspas in Central Europe. With time, severalother spas using geothermal waters havebeen founded which are still in operation(Sokolowski et al. 1999).

With such a background, the countryis still at the very beginning of geothermalapplication for space heating and otheragricultural and industrial uses; suchactivities date back to the 1980s only. In2001 three geothermal space-heatingplants were online: in the Podhale region,in Pyrzyce town and in Mszczonow town(Kepinska et al. 2000). Several otherfeasibility studies and utilisation projectsare in progress. Most of the project alreadyunder construction and planned providethe use of the geothermal waters for therecreation and therapeutics besides theirheat application.

In the recent years the growth of theinterest in recreation and water centresdevelopment, as well as water therapeuticsincluding the geothermal water applicationhave appeared in Poland. It concerns theoperational spas as well as – it‘s worth anotice – the localities, which have never

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International Workshop on BALNEOLOGY AND “WATER TOURIST CENTERS”___________________________________________________________________________________

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dealt in this field and they plan to developthat activity from the very beginning usingthe geothermal water discharged byexisting or planned wells. That sector ofthe recreation and therapeutics, which hasgreat prospects of development andeconomic attraction.

The demand for the geothermal cura-tive services is great and still grows. Thespas carry out the modernisation of thefacilities and upgrade their service despitethe financial and legal difficulties resultingfrom the change of the ownership andfinancing rules of the spa enterprises andfees for stay and service as well. Manyspas develop prosperously achieving theproper European standards.

2. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES

Poland possesses large low-enthalpygeothermal resources to be found withinca. 80% of its territory (Sokolowski 1995).They are connected with extensive geo-thermal provinces predominantly built ofsedimentary basins with numerous geo-thermal aquifers (Fig. 1) which are asfollows:- The Polish Lowland Province. Itforms the most extensive and prospec-tiveunit containing numerous geothermalaquifers (Palaeozoic-Cretaceous). The re-servoir temperatures range from 30 to130oC (1-3 km of depth). The TDS rangefrom 1 to 300 g/l.- The Fore-Carpathian Province. Geo-thermal aquifers occur in Mesozoic-Terti-ary rocks. The reservoir temperatures ran-ge from 25 to 50oC, while the TDS isvariable, from several to ca. 100 g/l.- The Carpathian Province. Geothermalaquifers are connected with Mesozoic-Tertiary formations. The TDS range from0.1 to ca. 100 g/l.- The Sudetes Region. It is characterizedby limited possibility of geothermal aqui-fers’ occurence in fractured Precambrianand Palaeozoic crystallinic rocks.

Considering the present prices of tra-ditional fuels, feasible geothermal plantscan be built in ca. 40% of Poland (Ke-pinska et al. 2000). The most favourable

reservoir conditions exist in the PolishLowland (Sokolowski 1993, 1995; Gorec-ki 1995, 1998; Ney 1995) and in thePodhale region (Kepinska 2000).

3. GEOTHERMAL BALNEO-THE-RAPHY AND BATHING

3.1. Generals

In Poland there are 36 spas applyingunderground waters for balneology andbathing. Among them eight spas use 20 -62oC geothermal waters (Fig. 1) issued bynatural springs or discharged by wells.Usually, both cold and warm waters areapplied. Main information on localitiesusing geothermal waters for bathing andcuring is given in Table 1.

Polish spas (including the geothermalones) act according to legal regulationconcerning spas and balneology, whichwas adopted in 1966 and updated in 1990.At present (2001) it is expected to pass anew law. The spa localities hope forprosperous sustainable economic develop-ment resulting from recreation and balneo-logy. It is expressed by establishing manyso called spa boroughs within the entirecountry. It may be sentenced that there is aboom in the production of mineral waterin many spas and their sale on both thecountry market and abroad. The develop-ment of balneology and spa services inPoland requires supporting state and self-government policy. Among others, theEconomic Chamber – Polish Spas was cre-ated for that purpose. It concentrates com-panies and institutions dealing in spas. Itsmain task consists in representing spas’interests against home and foreign bodies,acting for the development of the existingspas and establishing new ones, partici-pation in legislative works, promotion, andthe elaboration of the spa standards. Thenecessity of the adjustment of the spaservice to European standards is notice-able. The role of the local self-governmentin spa management, as well as the otheractivities serving the sustainable develop-ment of such localities should be empha-sised.

Beata Kepinska: GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS AND SPAS IN POLAND___________________________________________________________________________________

Fig. 1. Geothermal spas in Poland (geothermal division based on Sokolowski 1995)

Geothermal spas and water centres: 1. on-line, 2. under construction, 3 – planned to construct.Geothermal space heating plants: 4. on-line, 5. under construction, 6. planned to construct

Table 1. Polish spas using geothermal water for bathing and balneo-therapy (based onKepinska et al. 2000)

Maximum utilisation Annual utilisationTemperature,°CLocality Type of

waterintake

Flowratekg/s Inlet Outlet

Averageflowrate

kg/s

Energy useb)

TJ/yr

Zakopane w 36 26-36 25 18 14Cieplice Spa s + w 7.5 36-39a) 26 6.0 10Ladek Spa s + w 11 20-28 s 44w 20 10.8 16.8Duszniki Spa s + w 5.5 19-21 19-21 5.5 0.3Ciechocinek Spa s + w 56.8 27-29 20 4.2 2.8Konstancin w 2.5 29 12 0.1 0.2Ustron w 0.9 28 11 0.4 0.58Iwonicz Spa s + w 3 21 10 0.4 0.58

w – well, s – spring, a) mixture of 20-62°C waters from springs and wells (20-62°C),b) energy use (TJ/yr) = Annual average water flowrate (kg/s) x [Inlet temp.(°C) - Outlettemp.(°C)] x 0.1319


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3.2. Geothermal spas – selected cases

The oldest spas in Poland are locatedin the Sudetes Mts. (SW-Poland). Duringthe centuries, that region has been famousthroughout Central Europe for its land-scape and numerous health spas. Abundantmineral springs have been used there forhealing purposes. Some of them issuegeothermal water that contributed to theflourishing of certain resorts like CiepliceSpa, Ladek Spa and Duszniki Spa. In thePolish Lowland in two localities: Cie-chocinek and Konstancin cold and geo-thermal waters produced by the wells areused for curing and recreation. Threeresorts using geothermal waters for des-cribed type of application are situated inthe Carpathian Mts. (S-Poland): IwoniczSpa, Ustron and Zakopane. This regionabounds with the low temperature mineralsprings, which gave rise to numeroushealth resorts. The most famous amongthem are Krynica and Szczawnica. On thecontrary, warm springs are very rare thereand were known in Iwonicz and Zakopaneonly (Fig. 1), while at present geothermalbalneo-therapeutical and water centres arebased on water supplied by the wells.To give insight into geothermal spas andwater centres in Poland, some selectedcases are presented in this chapter.

Cieplice Spa

Having the warmest curative waters inPoland, Cieplice (Fig. 1) is one of the mostfamous and visited spas in Poland. Itsconvenient location close to the frontierattracts patient and tourists from theneighbouring countries – Czech Republikand Germany. Natural outflows of warmwaters were known there in the 13th cen-tury already when they started to beapplied for curing (Sokolowski et al.1999). The spa of European renownalready operated in the 17-19th centuries.

Geothermal aquifers occur withinfractured Carboniferous granites of theKarkonosze Mts. massif.

Currently, water flows out fromseveral natural springs and one well. Thesprings yield ca. 10 m3/h of water withtemperatures ranging from ca. 20 to 44°C.The well (750 m of depth) is capable to

discharge 40 m3/h of water with wellheadtemperature of 60-68°C (Dowgiallo 1976;Dowgiallo & Fistek 1998). The totaldissolved solids (TDS) are ca. 600 – 700mg/l (exceptionally up to 1000 g/l),predominant water type being SO4 –HCO3 – Na + F + Si. The content ofH2SiO3 amounts to 100 mg/l and is thehighest among all geothermal waters inPoland, very high is also the content offluorine F ion – up to 12 mg/l (Dowgiallo1976).

Waters are predominantly suitable fortherapeutic baths; and they are also usedfor other treatments, such as orthopaedic-traumatic and neurological diseases,nephropathy and the diseases of theurinary track. The spa offers a wide rangeof the curative treatment and physicalrecovery. Mineral waters are also bottled.

The oldest historical record ofCieplice comes from 1281. It was found ina document concerning the donation of"Caldius Fons" (warm springs) to theSilesian monastery of the Knights of St.John of Jerusalem from Strzegom byprince Bernard from Lwowek. In 1288 thefirst curative house was built and consentwas given to erect an inn for the growingnumber of patients. The Slavonic nameCieplowod y- "Chleplevode" (warm wa-ters) can be found in records of the papalfunctionary Gabriele da Rimini who visi-ted the Silesian villages to collect theoverdue taxes.

In the past centuries, the most magni-ficent patient who visited Cieplice was thePolish queen Maria d’Arquien Sobieskawho came there in 1687. The queen wasaccompanied by her numerous court, some1500 people. She was the beloved wife ofone of the greatest Polish kings Ian IIISobieski whose army stopped the Turkishinvasion in Europe in the famous battle ofVienna in 1683. Two of the warm springsin Cieplice were named after kingSobieski and his wife.

In the end of the 1990s, the other exis-ting well in Cieplice was deepened from661 m to 2002 m. The self-outflow of ca.90 m3/h water with wellhead temperatureof 87,9°C was obtained, while the measu-red bottom temperature (depth of 1870 m)was 97,7°C (Dowgiallo 2000). Those


works were carried out in the response tothe growing demand for curative water,planning the sport and recreation facilities,and the project of utilisation of the waterfor heating. Currently (2001) the well isbeing tested. Starting of the utilisationprojects depends on obtaining the properfounds.

Ladek Spa

The first records of warm waters inLadek come from 1242. The first bathinghouse was built towards the end of the15th century - since then it developedslowly but flourished in the 19th century.Among numerous visitors who stayed atLadek for curing, was John QuincyAdams, the sixth President of the UnitedStates. He declared at the end of his visitin Ladek: “I have never seen a spa, thelocation and appearance of which wouldbe as much favourable to healthpreservation and restoring as Ladek”.

Geothermal waters occur in the frac-tured Pre-Cambrian gneisses. The flowratefrom several springs amounts 1 - 17 m3/h,with the temperature in the range from 20and 30oC. There are also two wells (up to700 m) discharging water with wellheadtemperature ca. 46°C. The TDS is low:160 – 280 mg/l, but with high content offluorine ion F (up to 11 mg/l) and HSiO3

(up 70 mg/l). Radioactive watersharnessed at Ladek Spa are suitablemainly for treating patients with the motorsystem, vascular, oral and dermatologicaldiseases.

Among Polish resorts, Ladek Spapossesses one of the greatest therapeuticbases. Wide promotion and advertising ofthe spa also addressed to the foreignclients, particularly from Czech Republicand Germany is conducted. The culturalperformances are organised and spon-sored. A system of preferences and rebateswas introduced. Some interesting offersfor investors were prepared. Ladek is agood example of proper joint utilisation ofthe geothermal water in curing, recreation,and tourism. It is a town, which offers notonly curing services, but also variety ofrest, health preventive treatment andphysical recovery.

Duszniki Spa

Duszniki Spa is located about 40 kmwest from Ladek Spa. The first records onwarm springs from Duszniki come fromthe year 1408 already.

Geothermal aquifers are connectedwith the Pre-Cambrian shists formation.Currently, geothermal waters are producedunder artesian conditions from severalshallow (up to 160 m) wells. The wellheadtemperatures are 17 - 18°C. These relati-vely low temperatures result from the factthat waters are cooled down on the way tothe surface due to expansion of dissolvedCO2. There exists also one spring namedPieniawa Chopina. Geothermal watersfrom Duszniki represent the type HCO3 –Ca – Na – Mg. They are rich in iron, CO2

(up to 2 g/l) and HSiO3 (50 – 90 mg/l).The TDS amounts ca. 2 g/l (Dowgiallo1976).

Duszniki Spa is famous thanks toFryderyk Chopin - the great Polish com-poser and pianist (1810 - 1849) whostayed there for a healing treatment in1826. He was only sixteen when he cameto the resort along with his mother andsister. During his stay in Duszniki theyoung artist gave one of his first publicconcerts raising sincere admiration of theaudience. This was one of the first per-formances, which opened the gateway tothe world’s artistic career to Chopin(Sokolowski et al. 1999).

In the 19th century Duszniki, thenbelonging to the Czechia, was visited bynumerous Poles who had founded amonument of Chopin and a theatre bearinghis name. To commemorate of geniusartist and his stay in Duszniki, the warmspring was given the name „PieniawaChopina”. It is also worth noting that eachyear Chopin international music festivalsare organised in Duszniki – the oldest onein Poland, gathering outstanding musi-cians and numerous international audien-ces.

In Duszniki there are some medicineresearch units, which are managed bycountry universities of medicine. Theydeal with balneo-therapeutics. The spamakes a wide policy of its development,namely: expansion and modernisation ofrecreation and tourism infrastructure,


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sustainable development, Chopin Festivalof Music, promotion and advertising, co-operation with other spas in this region,joint promotion of the curing advantages,offers for investors.

Ciechocinek

Ciechocinek is situated in the CentralPoland, on the left bank of the VistulaRiver Valley (Fig. 1). As a health resort, itstarted to develop at the beginning of 19th

century on the base of curative brines withthe temperatures of 10-13°C outflowingfrom natural springs.

Geothermal aquifers are found in theJurassic sandstones. Currently the spa issupplied with cold and geothermal waterdischarging by several wells. Warm watersare tapped by two wells (depths of ca.1300 m and 1380 m) which produce 29 -37°C waters. The TDS is variable: 3 – 72g/l depending on the depth of the aquifer.Waters predominantly represent Cl – Na +F + Br + J +B + (SO4 + H2S) type(Krawiec 1999).

The content of iodine and brominecomes from the Zechstein salt formations.The salt minerals are dissolved by watersof probably paleoinfiltration meteoricorigin.

For curative treatment there are usedboth warm iodine-bromine brines, coldwaters, and peat for highly active peatbaths. Patients with gynaecologicaldiseases, rheumatism as well as thosehaving problems with circulation, centralnervous system and upper airways can betreated in this resort. The curing consistsin hospital, sanatorium, or part-time treat-ment. Along with water exploitation forcuring and bathing, the production of tablesalt (with iodine content), some kinds ofmineral water, lye and crystalline slimehave been carried out.

The development of the town and itsneighbourhood commenced after the firstpartition in 1772 when central Poland lostthe access to the Wieliczka salt mine. Atthat time, brine sources for salt extractionwere sought for there (Sokolowski et al.1999).

In 1836 the saline springs started to beused also for healing purposes. In mid19th century a specialist therapeutic stati-

on was established in the spring area. In1841-1860 the first shallow wells weredrilled. They discharged brines with thetemperatures in the range of 18°C.According to the project of S. Staszic – thepioneer of Polish geology and mining -specific wooden installations (2.5 kmlong) remaining the graduation towerswere built: they were used for sprayingiodine-bromine brines. In such a way, anocean-like microclimate was created, espe-cially suitable for natural curative inhala-tions. These installations have been in useso far.

After Ciechocinek was granted civicrights (1919), the therapeutic station was astarting point for a rapid development ofthe city. Then already about 25 000 personper year cured in Ciechocinek.

At present Ciechocinek is one of themain Polish resorts. A number of curedpersons exceeds 30 000 per year. Afterfinancial problems in the beginning of1990 were solved, Ciechocinek again ca-me in the development period. Followingitems make success and renown of the spa:- Variety and high quality of curing

service,- Production of curing means in a wide

range,- Spa facilities strictly satisfying the

requirements of curing people.- High quality and volume of the

accommodation and food base (19sanatoriums, 8 spa hospitals,numerous lodging houses, restaurants,bars etc.),

- Excellent urban layout of the spa –four spa parks, gardens, naturereserves,

- Wide promotion and advertisement.

Iwonicz Spa

Iwonicz Spa is located in the OuterFlysch Carpathians (Fig. 1). Geothermalwaters (ca 20°C) occur within the Eocenesandstones and are currently produced byseveral post-extraction oil wells (to 1000m of depth). The TDS values vary fromca. 8 to 20 g/l. The brines represent thetype Cl - HCO3 – Na + Br + J + (CO2 +H2S). Because of their origin, the waterreserves are non-renewable thus must beexploited with special care.


Rheumatism, skin diseases, diseasesof the motor, alimentary and respiratorysystems, and many other illnesses are tre-ated in this resort. Waters are used fordrinking and bathing treatments (peatbaths including), and also for curative andcosmetic salt extraction.

The first records of the use of warmsprings in this locality date back to 1578and 1630, when they were recognised anddescribed by the royal physicians. Thefirst bathrooms were built in 1793 and theresort soon started to flourish. At the be-ginning of the 19th century outstandingchemists and physicians granted favour-able opinions about the high curative valueof these waters. It was at the same timethat suitable utilities and objects forcurative purposes were built. Some ofthem have survived till the present. In1856 Jozef Dietel - professor of the Jagiel-lonian University, called Iwonicz a „princeof iodine waters”. Iwonicz water wasbottled and sent around the Europe. Firstwells (400 - 600 m deep) supporting theexisting springs were drilled at the end ofthe 19th century. Warm brine dischargedby one of them has been used till now.With time, the former springs vanished, soas the exploitation started from the post-extraction oil wells (Sokolowski et al.1999).

The interwar period was a real boomfor Iwonicz. Also at present this is one ofthe best known and most frequented Polishresorts. At present over 30 000 patientsand tourists per year visit Iwonicz Spa.

4. FURTHER PROJECTS

Besides already existing structures,there are plans to build new geothermalhealth and recreation spas. Some projectsawait realisation, several ones are in prog-ress of designing. The popularity of socalled water centres, several of which havealready been successful, raises the interestto build more such facilities. In general,the centres will be one of the elements ofintegrated or cascaded geothermal sys-tems. They are designed to use watersfrom deep and shallow wells, or thermalenergy stored in shallow ground horizons,often with additional use of heat pumpsand other renewables (i.e. solar). They

include, among others, a geothermal stati-on under construction in Zakopane, aswell as several others planned to berealized (i.e. Poddebice).

Zakopane and Podhale region

Zakopane is located in the southernPoland (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) on the slopes of theTatra Mts. (the highest part of theCarpathians). The Tatras, Zakopane andthe Podhale region, due to their naturalcharacteristics, constitue the main centreof tourism and winter sports in Poland.Over 3 million tourists visit this place eachyear. In the last years a construction of alarge-scale district heating system andother types of direct geothermal utilizationstarted to be carried out there (Kepinska etal. 2000) including balneo-therapy andbathing, because there is a great demandfor water and geothermal centres. The main geothermal artesian aquiferoccurs in the Eocene and Mesozoic car-bonates (depths of 1-3.5 km). The reser-voir temperatures reach up to 80-100oC;flowrate from a single well 55-150 l/s;TDS of 0.1-3 g/l; wellhead static pressure27 bar. Over ten geothermal wells havebeen drilled within this area so far. All ofthem issue waters which have curativeproperties suitable in the dermatological,rheumatic, and endocrinological diseases;apart from this, they can be used as anadjunctive treatment in patients withcontagious diseases. The tradition of using warm waters forbathing is connected with Jaszczurowka –a suburb of Zakopane. A 20°C naturalspring existing there was scientificallydescribed in 1844. Hydrogeologically, thiswas an ascension spring outflowingalong the regional fault which delineatesthe northern border of the Tatra Mts. Thewarm spring in Jaszczurowka had beenused by the local highlanders long beforethe middle of the 19th century. In the interwar period, in the 1920sand 1930s, Jaszczurowka flourished. Thewarm spring, two pools and the subsi-diaries existed in Jaszczurowka till the1960s. There were plans to modify theplace and adjust it to balneological andtherapeutic treatments. Unfortunately, af-ter drilling a well which was to raise the


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spring's output, due to the mixing withcold waters from the neighbouring stream,the warm spring disappeared. In the 1970s,a small geothermal bathing centre was

given to exploitation in the centre ofZakopane. It uses warm (26 - 36°C) watersfrom two wells. In summer this place isflooded with tourists.

Fig. 2. The Podhale region, S-Poland: geothermal balneo-therapeutical and bathing centresand geothermal space-heating facilities

1. geothermal wells, 2. other wells, 3. geothermal spring in Jaszczurowka (existing untill1960s), 4. locality with geothermal space heating system on-line (2001), 5. localities

planned to be geothermally heated (2001 – 2001), 6. geothermal base load plant(commissioned in 1998), 7. geothermal heating plants planned, 8. central peak

heating station (commissioned in 1998), 9. main transmission pipeline, 10.transmission pipelines planned, 11. geothermal bathing centre on-line, 12. geothermal

bathing centre under construction (2001), 13. possible localities of geothermalbalneo-therapeutical and bathing centres

There are exceptionally great possibi-lities to build water centres in this region.In fact, every locality where there arewells discharging geothermal waters up to80 – 90°C can have its own geathermalcentre tailored to the needs of both theinhabitants and tourists (Fig. 2). These can

be not only large but also smaller centresfitted in local architecture and landscape.There are two finished projects, one ofwhich has just started to be realized inZakopane (population 30 000) – main cityof the region. It will be one of the mostmodern geothermal water centres in


Poland, and will created on the site of theabove mentioned swimming pool existingsince the 1970s.

The project provides for the cons-truction of a complex for rehabilitationand recreation offering a full range oftreatments and services. There will beoutdoor and indoor swimming pools there.The plans also include the building of aconference centre as a integral part of thecomplex. The facility will serve 1000people per hour. The investment will befinanced with Polish sources, with themunicipal administration as one of theshareholders.

This is a long awaited project, indis-pensable to broaden the tourist offer of thecity and to improve the quality of rec-reation in the main tourist centre in Po-land.

Poddebice

The town is located in the CentralPoland (Fig. 1). This area constitutes therelaxation and solace base for the inha-bitants of Lodz – the second largest, afterWarsaw, agglomeration in Poland. InPoddebice and the surrounding areas (justas nearby Uniejow which has geothermalprospects, too) are within the area of theoccurrence of the Cretaceuos sedimentaryformations – one of the most promisinggeothermal aquifers in the country. In thisarea, reservoir temperatures amount to 70- 80°C, geothermal waters characterisewith TDS up to 60 mg/l. (Sokolowski1993, Ney 1995, Gorecki 1995). Watershave high curative and healing properties.

Poddebice is an example of a mediumsize town (population ca. 8.000) andcounty, which is dynamic and aims at thedevelopment of new spheres of balneo-therapy, tourism and recreation in the areawith no such traditions in the past. Thanksto a convenient location in the CentralPoland and the qualities of geothermalwaters, Poddebice has the chance ofbecoming a modern, regional centre ofbalneology and relaxation on the groundsof the warm waters.

The town and county have already de-veloped feasibility studies and technicalprojects of complex geothermal energyuse for heating, curing and recreation

purposes. Now they are trying to gainsuitable financial means and find inves-tors. As far as balneology and recreationgo, there are plans to establish a largelocal hydrotherapy centre. The project washighly rated by the renown Polish andforeign medical experts. The waters willbe delivered from new wells which haveto be drilled. At present (2001) theconstruction of a modern hospital is under-way where about 800 treatments will bedone every day. A sports and recreationcentre will also take advantage of thewaters. The biological rejuvenation centrewill complement the medical functions ofthe balneo-therapeutical hospital.

The existence of the new geothermalcentre will cause the development of thehotel base, services, agro-tourism andeconomy infrastucture, as well as - whichis very crucial - it will influence unem-ployment by creating new jobs.I n Uniejów - located about 10 km.from Poddebice - a geothermal heatingnetwork is being built, and in the futurethe construction of bathing andbalneology centre will take place.

5. CLOSING REMARKS

Although not too numerous, geother-mal spas offering curative and recreationservices are an important element of healthresorts in Poland. They have a long andinteresting history. There is a growingneed for this type of services, as well as anincreased interest of the potentialinvestors.

In the recent years, together with theprojects of a comprehensive usage ofgeothermal energy in Poland, there occur-red opportunities to develop new spas andwater centres. They can be created nearthe biggest city agglomerations in thecountry, which are political, economical,and business centres. Such centres expressgreat and constantly growing need forrecreation, biological rejuvenation andtreatment services. These facts are animportant stimulus for the creation of newwater centres, they should raise theinterest among investors and also generatefinancial benefits.

Geothermal therapy and recreation is apromising line of business with great


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opportunities of development in Poland,although not fully understood andexploited. One of the limitations of wide,adequate development is still insufficientpromotion and funds.

Acknowledgements: The author isgreatly indebted to Prof. J. Dowgiallo, Mr.A. Krawiec and Mrs. A. Lowczowska forsupporting helpful information used in thispaper.

REFERENCES

Dowgiallo, J. (1991). Geothermal systems ofthe Sudetes. Publs. Inst. Geophys. Pol.Acad. Sc., A-19 (236). Warszawa.

Dowgiallo, J. (1976). The Sudetes thermalwaters. Acta Geol. Pol., Vol. 26, No. 4..Warszawa, pp. 617 – 642 (in Polish,English summary).

Dowgiallo, J. (2000). Thermal waterprospecting results at Jelenia Góra –Cieplice (Sudetes, Poland) versusgeothermometric forecasts. EvironmentalGeology 39 (5) March. Springer-Verlag.

Gorecki, W. [ed.]. (1995). Atlas of geothermalenergy resources in the Polish Lowland.Krakow.

Gorecki, W. [ed]. (1998). Poland. [In] Atlas ofgeothermal resources in Europe.

Kepinska, B. (2000). The Podhale low-enthalpy system: geothermalcharacteristics. Proceedings of the WorldGeothermal Congress 2000. Japan.

Kepinska, B., Bujakowski, W., Ney, R. (2000).Geothermal energy country update reportfrom Poland. Proceedings of the WorldGeothermal Congress 2000. Japan.

Krawiec, A. (1999). New results of the isotopeand hydrochemical investigations oftherapeutical waters of Ciechocinek Spa.Prz. Geol. Warszawa (in Polish, Englishsummary).

Ney, R. (1995). Outline of geothermalconditions of Poland and regionalgeothermal basins. Bull. Polish. Acad. Sc.Earth Sci. Vol. 43, no. 4. Warszawa.

Sokolowski, J. (1993). Geothermal resourcesof Poland and possibility of theirutilisation in environmental protection.Exploration Technology, Geosynopticsand Geothermal Energy. No 5-6. Krakow,pp. 67-80.

Sokolowski, J. [ed.]. (1995). GeothermalProvinces and Basins in Poland. Krakow,124 pp.

Sokolowski, J. , Sokolowska J., Kepinska B.(1999). Using geothermal energy inPoland the passing millenniu. [in:]Cataldi, R., Hodgson, S., Lund, J. [eds].(1999). Stories from a heated Earth. Ourgeothermal heritage. GRC, IGA.Sacramento, California.

Photos of some facilities in geothermal spas presented in the paper

Photo 1. Ladek Spa – main balneo-therapeutics station named Wojciech(Source: Internet page www.ladek.pl)

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