Lake Mucharskie

The dam in Świnna Poręba, now known as Lake Mucharskie, is one of the longest-running hydrotechnical investments in Poland, with a history dating back to the 1950s. The initial land development plan was created during this period, but actual construction did not begin until 1986 and was repeatedly delayed due to financial crises and administrative issues. Even before its completion, in 2010, the dam played a crucial role in flood protection in Lesser Poland, despite unfinished work. The dam was officially opened on October 10, 2015, but the investment still required finalization; landslide reinforcements and the relocation of the last residents from the flooded areas were necessary. In 2016, the Parliament passed a new law, setting the completion date for 2017, which was ultimately achieved in July 2019 with the launch of the hydroelectric power plant. The dam stands 54 meters high and 604 meters long, with a capacity of 161 million cubic meters, making it a key element of flood protection for the region. Lake Mucharskie, with a maximum surface area of 1,035 hectares, serves retention and municipal functions, while also promoting tourism and recreation in the adjacent areas. The reservoir's name was officially changed from the provisional "Świnna Poręba Reservoir" to "Lake Mucharskie" in December 2018, following earlier controversies over potential names.