Sulejów Lake

Sulejowski Reservoir, located in the Łódź Voivodeship, is an artificially created water reservoir with an area of 27 km², making it the second largest reservoir in the region after the Jeziorsko Lake. It was built between 1969 and 1974 as a result of the construction of a concrete-earth dam on the Pilica River in the village of Smardzewice. The history of this place is linked to the water needs of Łódź, where previous water sources could not meet the growing demand of both residents and industry. A massive pipeline was constructed to connect the reservoir with Łódź, aiming to ensure a constant water supply. In the 1970s, the Sulejowski Reservoir reached a production capacity of nearly 258,000 m³ of water per day, making it the largest water supply system in the region. In 1982, a military aircraft Iskra crashed into the dam, an event that not only marked a tragedy but also became an intriguing part of the reservoir's history. The reservoir is also part of the Sulejowski Landscape Park, with designated protection zones, highlighting its natural values. The waters are home to many fish species, and the reservoir is used for water sports, making it a popular recreational spot for residents of Łódź and Warsaw. Numerous investments have been made in tourist infrastructure, such as holiday resorts and yacht ports. In popular culture, the Sulejowski Reservoir was a filming location for the movie "Trójkąt bermudzki" (Bermuda Triangle) and a music video by Artur Andrus. It regularly hosts training exercises for the Polish Army and rescue services. Recent plans to modernize the pier on the waterfront aim to further develop tourism and promote the area. The Sulejowski Reservoir is not only a water production site but also an important socio-cultural element of the region, combining retention, recreational, and training functions.