Under the auspice of: Division of Earth Sciences

Chapter 1.6 THERMAL SPRINGS AND IN

Beata Kepinska Polish Academy of Sciences Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute Geothermal Laboratory, Wybickiego 7 Str., Krakow, POLAND e-mail: [email protected]

Summary balneo-therapy in some localities. Through the centuries, warm springs were used in Geothermal waters from springs and the Sudetes and Carpathians Mts. Yet wells are currently used in eight spas and undergoing up- and down-periods, this water centres in Poland. These resorts practise developed rather much in time, to have long and interesting history, being the point that some stations (Cieplice, important part among all health spas in Duszniki, Iwonicz) became quite renown the country. The demand for geothermal spas in Central Europe. With time, several curative and recreation services offered in other spas using geothermal waters have spas constantly increases. The paper pre- been founded which are still in operation sents several cases of geothermal resorts (Sokolowski et al. 1999). and some examples of initiated and plan- With such a background, the country ned new projects which will be often exe- is still at the very beginning of geothermal cuted as a part of complex systems of application for space heating and other geothermal energy application both for agricultural and industrial uses; such space heating and curative purposes. In activities date back to the 1980s only. In several places there are prospects to con- 2001 three geothermal space-heating struct new geothermal resorts to be based plants were online: in the region, on warm waters supplied by wells. Bal- in Pyrzyce town and in Mszczonow town neo-therapy and bathing using natural (Kepinska et al. 2000). Several other warm waters constitute prospective sector feasibility studies and utilisation projects of geothermal activities and business in are in progress. Most of the project already Poland. under construction and planned provide the use of the geothermal waters for the Key words: geothermal waters, balneo- therapy, bathing, Poland recreation and therapeutics besides their heat application. In the recent years the growth of the 1. INTRODUCTION interest in recreation and water centres The tradition of use of geothermal development, as well as water therapeutics waters for bathing and balneo-therapy has including the geothermal water application old roots in Poland. The first written have appeared in Poland. It concerns the records report that since the 12th century operational spas as well as – it‘s worth a warm spring waters have been used for notice Ð the localities, which have never International Workshop on BALNEOLOGY AND “WATER TOURIST CENTERS” ______dealt in this field and they plan to develop reservoir conditions exist in the Polish that activity from the very beginning using Lowland (Sokolowski 1993, 1995; Gorec- the geothermal water discharged by ki 1995, 1998; Ney 1995) and in the existing or planned wells. That sector of Podhale region (Kepinska 2000). the recreation and therapeutics, which has great prospects of development and 3. GEOTHERMAL BALNEO-THE- economic attraction. RAPHY AND BATHING The demand for the geothermal cura- tive services is great and still grows. The 3.1. Generals spas carry out the modernisation of the facilities and upgrade their service despite In Poland there are 36 spas applying the financial and legal difficulties resulting underground waters for balneology and bathing. Among them eight spas use 20 - from the change of the ownership and o financing rules of the enterprises and 62 C geothermal waters (Fig. 1) issued by fees for stay and service as well. Many natural springs or discharged by wells. spas develop prosperously achieving the Usually, both cold and warm waters are proper European standards. applied. Main information on localities using geothermal waters for bathing and 2. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES curing is given in Table 1. Polish spas (including the geothermal Poland possesses large low-enthalpy ones) act according to legal regulation geothermal resources to be found within concerning spas and balneology, which ca. 80% of its territory (Sokolowski 1995). was adopted in 1966 and updated in 1990. They are connected with extensive geo- At present (2001) it is expected to pass a thermal provinces predominantly built of new law. The spa localities hope for sedimentary basins with numerous geo- prosperous sustainable economic develop- thermal aquifers (Fig. 1) which are as ment resulting from recreation and balneo- follows: logy. It is expressed by establishing many - The Polish Lowland Province. It so called spa boroughs within the entire forms the most extensive and prospec-tive country. It may be sentenced that there is a unit containing numerous geothermal boom in the production of mineral water aquifers (Palaeozoic-Cretaceous). The re- in many spas and their sale on both the servoir temperatures range from 30 to country market and abroad. The develop- 130oC (1-3 km of depth). The TDS range ment of balneology and spa services in from 1 to 300 g/l. Poland requires supporting state and self- - The Fore-Carpathian Province. Geo- government policy. Among others, the thermal aquifers occur in Mesozoic-Terti- Economic Chamber Ð Polish Spas was cre- ary rocks. The reservoir temperatures ran- ated for that purpose. It concentrates com- ge from 25 to 50oC, while the TDS is panies and institutions dealing in spas. Its variable, from several to ca. 100 g/l. main task consists in representing spas’ - The Carpathian Province. Geothermal interests against home and foreign bodies, aquifers are connected with Mesozoic- acting for the development of the existing Tertiary formations. The TDS range from spas and establishing new ones, partici- 0.1 to ca. 100 g/l. pation in legislative works, promotion, and - The Sudetes Region. It is characterized the elaboration of the spa standards. The by limited possibility of geothermal aqui- necessity of the adjustment of the spa fers’ occurence in fractured Precambrian service to European standards is notice- and Palaeozoic crystallinic rocks. able. The role of the local self-government Considering the present prices of tra- in spa management, as well as the other ditional fuels, feasible geothermal plants activities serving the sustainable develop- can be built in ca. 40% of Poland (Ke- ment of such localities should be empha- pinska et al. 2000). The most favourable 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 Ð 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 on Kepinska et al. 2000)

Maximum utilisation Annual utilisation Locality Type of Flowrate Temperature,¡C Average Energy useb) water kg/s Inlet Outlet flowrate TJ/yr intake kg/s Zakopane w 36 26-36 25 18 14 Cieplice Spa s + w 7.5 36-39a) 26 6.0 10 Ladek Spa s + w 11 20-28 s 44w 20 10.8 16.8 Duszniki Spa s + w 5.5 19-21 19-21 5.5 0.3 Ciechocinek Spa s + w 56.8 27-29 20 4.2 2.8 Konstancin w 2.5 29 12 0.1 0.2 Ustron w 0.9 28 11 0.4 0.58 Iwonicz Spa s + w 3 21 10 0.4 0.58 w Ð well, s Ð 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) - Outlet temp.(¡C)] x 0.1319 International Workshop on BALNEOLOGY AND “WATER TOURIST CENTERS” ______

3.2. Geothermal spas Ð selected cases discharge 40 m3/h of water with wellhead temperature of 60-68°C (Dowgiallo 1976; The oldest spas in Poland are located Dowgiallo & Fistek 1998). The total in the Sudetes Mts. (SW-Poland). During dissolved solids (TDS) are ca. 600 Ð 700 the centuries, that region has been famous mg/l (exceptionally up to 1000 g/l), throughout Central Europe for its land- predominant water type being SO4 Ð scape and numerous health spas. Abundant HCO Ð Na + F + Si. The content of mineral springs have been used there for 3 H2SiO3 amounts to 100 mg/l and is the healing purposes. Some of them issue highest among all geothermal waters in geothermal water that contributed to the Poland, very high is also the content of flourishing of certain resorts like Cieplice fluorine F ion Ð up to 12 mg/l (Dowgiallo Spa, Ladek Spa and Duszniki Spa. In the 1976). Polish Lowland in two localities: Cie- Waters are predominantly suitable for chocinek and Konstancin cold and geo- therapeutic baths; and they are also used thermal waters produced by the wells are for other treatments, such as orthopaedic- used for curing and recreation. Three traumatic and neurological diseases, resorts using geothermal waters for des- nephropathy and the diseases of the cribed type of application are situated in urinary track. The spa offers a wide range the Carpathian Mts. (S-Poland): Iwonicz of the curative treatment and physical Spa, Ustron and Zakopane. This region recovery. Mineral waters are also bottled. abounds with the low temperature mineral The oldest historical record of springs, which gave rise to numerous Cieplice comes from 1281. It was found in health resorts. The most famous among a document concerning the donation of them are Krynica and Szczawnica. On the "Caldius Fons" (warm springs) to the contrary, warm springs are very rare there Silesian monastery of the Knights of St. and were known in Iwonicz and Zakopane John of Jerusalem from Strzegom by only (Fig. 1), while at present geothermal prince Bernard from Lwowek. In 1288 the balneo-therapeutical and water centres are first curative house was built and consent based on water supplied by the wells. was given to erect an inn for the growing To give insight into geothermal spas and number of patients. The Slavonic name water centres in Poland, some selected Cieplowod y- "Chleplevode" (warm wa- cases are presented in this chapter. ters) can be found in records of the papal functionary Gabriele da Rimini who visi- Cieplice Spa ted the Silesian villages to collect the Having the warmest curative waters in overdue taxes. Poland, Cieplice (Fig. 1) is one of the most In the past centuries, the most magni- famous and visited spas in Poland. Its ficent patient who visited Cieplice was the convenient location close to the frontier Polish queen Maria d’Arquien Sobieska attracts patient and tourists from the who came there in 1687. The queen was neighbouring countries Ð Czech Republik accompanied by her numerous court, some and Germany. Natural outflows of warm 1500 people. She was the beloved wife of waters were known there in the 13th cen- one of the greatest Polish kings Ian III tury already when they started to be Sobieski whose army stopped the Turkish applied for curing (Sokolowski et al. invasion in Europe in the famous battle of 1999). The spa of European renown Vienna in 1683. Two of the warm springs already operated in the 17-19th centuries. in Cieplice were named after king Geothermal aquifers occur within Sobieski and his wife. fractured Carboniferous granites of the In the end of the 1990s, the other exis- Karkonosze Mts. massif. ting well in Cieplice was deepened from 661 m to 2002 m. The self-outflow of ca. Currently, water flows out from 3 several natural springs and one well. The 90 m /h water with wellhead temperature ° springs yield ca. 10 m3/h of water with of 87,9 C was obtained, while the measu- temperatures ranging from ca. 20 to 44°C. red bottom temperature (depth of 1870 m) ° The well (750 m of depth) is capable to was 97,7 C (Dowgiallo 2000). Those ______Beata Kepinska: GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS AND SPAS IN POLAND ______works were carried out in the response to Duszniki Spa the growing demand for curative water, planning the sport and recreation facilities, Duszniki Spa is located about 40 km and the project of utilisation of the water west from Ladek Spa. The first records on for heating. Currently (2001) the well is warm springs from Duszniki come from being tested. Starting of the utilisation the year 1408 already. projects depends on obtaining the proper Geothermal aquifers are connected founds. with the Pre-Cambrian shists formation. Currently, geothermal waters are produced Ladek Spa under artesian conditions from several shallow (up to 160 m) wells. The wellhead The first records of warm waters in temperatures are 17 - 18°C. These relati- Ladek come from 1242. The first bathing vely low temperatures result from the fact house was built towards the end of the that waters are cooled down on the way to 15th century - since then it developed the surface due to expansion of dissolved slowly but flourished in the 19th century. CO2. There exists also one spring named Among numerous visitors who stayed at Pieniawa Chopina. Geothermal waters Ladek for curing, was John Quincy from Duszniki represent the type HCO3 Ð Adams, the sixth President of the United Ca Ð Na Ð Mg. They are rich in iron, CO2 States. He declared at the end of his visit (up to 2 g/l) and HSiO3 (50 Ð 90 mg/l). in Ladek: “I have never seen a spa, the The TDS amounts ca. 2 g/l (Dowgiallo location and appearance of which would 1976). be as much favourable to health Duszniki Spa is famous thanks to preservation and restoring as Ladek”. Fryderyk Chopin - the great Polish com- Geothermal waters occur in the frac- poser and pianist (1810 - 1849) who tured Pre-Cambrian gneisses. The flowrate stayed there for a healing treatment in from several springs amounts 1 - 17 m3/h, 1826. He was only sixteen when he came with the temperature in the range from 20 to the resort along with his mother and and 30oC. There are also two wells (up to sister. During his stay in Duszniki the 700 m) discharging water with wellhead young artist gave one of his first public temperature ca. 46°C. The TDS is low: concerts raising sincere admiration of the 160 Ð 280 mg/l, but with high content of audience. This was one of the first per- fluorine ion F (up to 11 mg/l) and HSiO3 formances, which opened the gateway to (up 70 mg/l). Radioactive waters the world’s artistic career to Chopin harnessed at Ladek Spa are suitable (Sokolowski et al. 1999). mainly for treating patients with the motor In the 19th century Duszniki, then system, vascular, oral and dermatological belonging to the Czechia, was visited by diseases. numerous who had founded a Among Polish resorts, Ladek Spa monument of Chopin and a theatre bearing possesses one of the greatest therapeutic his name. To commemorate of genius bases. Wide promotion and advertising of artist and his stay in Duszniki, the warm the spa also addressed to the foreign spring was given the name ãPieniawa clients, particularly from Czech Republic Chopina”. It is also worth noting that each and Germany is conducted. The cultural year Chopin international music festivals performances are organised and spon- are organised in Duszniki Ð the oldest one sored. A system of preferences and rebates in Poland, gathering outstanding musi- was introduced. Some interesting offers cians and numerous international audien- for investors were prepared. Ladek is a ces. good example of proper joint utilisation of In Duszniki there are some medicine the geothermal water in curing, recreation, research units, which are managed by and tourism. It is a town, which offers not country universities of medicine. They only curing services, but also variety of deal with balneo-therapeutics. The spa rest, health preventive treatment and makes a wide policy of its development, physical recovery. namely: expansion and modernisation of recreation and tourism infrastructure, International Workshop on BALNEOLOGY AND “WATER TOURIST CENTERS” ______sustainable development, Chopin Festival on was established in the spring area. In of Music, promotion and advertising, co- 1841-1860 the first shallow wells were operation with other spas in this region, drilled. They discharged brines with the joint promotion of the curing advantages, temperatures in the range of 18¡C. offers for investors. According to the project of S. Staszic Ð the pioneer of Polish geology and mining - Ciechocinek specific wooden installations (2.5 km Ciechocinek is situated in the Central long) remaining the graduation towers were built: they were used for spraying Poland, on the left bank of the iodine-bromine brines. In such a way, an River Valley (Fig. 1). As a health resort, it ocean-like microclimate was created, espe- started to develop at the beginning of 19th cially suitable for natural curative inhala- century on the base of curative brines with tions. These installations have been in use the temperatures of 10-13¡C outflowing so far. from natural springs. After Ciechocinek was granted civic Geothermal aquifers are found in the Jurassic sandstones. Currently the spa is rights (1919), the therapeutic station was a starting point for a rapid development of supplied with cold and geothermal water the city. Then already about 25 000 person discharging by several wells. Warm waters are tapped by two wells (depths of ca. per year cured in Ciechocinek. At present Ciechocinek is one of the 1300 m and 1380 m) which produce 29 - main Polish resorts. A number of cured 37°C waters. The TDS is variable: 3 Ð 72 persons exceeds 30 000 per year. After g/l depending on the depth of the aquifer. financial problems in the beginning of Waters predominantly represent Cl Ð Na + 1990 were solved, Ciechocinek again ca- F + Br + J +B + (SO + H S) type 4 2 me in the development period. Following (Krawiec 1999). items make success and renown of the spa: The content of iodine and bromine - Variety and high quality of curing comes from the Zechstein salt formations. service, The salt minerals are dissolved by waters - Production of curing means in a wide of probably paleoinfiltration meteoric range, origin. - Spa facilities strictly satisfying the For curative treatment there are used requirements of curing people. both warm iodine-bromine brines, cold - High quality and volume of the waters, and peat for highly active peat accommodation and food base (19 baths. Patients with gynaecological sanatoriums, 8 spa hospitals, diseases, rheumatism as well as those numerous lodging houses, restaurants, having problems with circulation, central bars etc.), nervous system and upper airways can be - Excellent urban layout of the spa Ð treated in this resort. The curing consists four spa parks, gardens, nature in hospital, sanatorium, or part-time treat- reserves, ment. Along with water exploitation for - Wide promotion and advertisement. curing and bathing, the production of table salt (with iodine content), some kinds of Iwonicz Spa mineral water, lye and crystalline slime have been carried out. Iwonicz Spa is located in the Outer The development of the town and its Flysch Carpathians (Fig. 1). Geothermal neighbourhood commenced after the first waters (ca 20¡C) occur within the Eocene partition in 1772 when central Poland lost sandstones and are currently produced by the access to the salt mine. At several post-extraction oil wells (to 1000 that time, brine sources for salt extraction m of depth). The TDS values vary from were sought for there (Sokolowski et al. ca. 8 to 20 g/l. The brines represent the 1999). type Cl - HCO3 Ð Na + Br + J + (CO2 + In 1836 the saline springs started to be H2S). Because of their origin, the water used also for healing purposes. In mid reserves are non-renewable thus must be 19th century a specialist therapeutic stati- exploited with special care. ______Beata Kepinska: GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS AND SPAS IN POLAND ______

Rheumatism, skin diseases, diseases include, among others, a geothermal stati- of the motor, alimentary and respiratory on under construction in Zakopane, as systems, and many other illnesses are tre- well as several others planned to be ated in this resort. Waters are used for realized (i.e. Poddebice). drinking and bathing treatments (peat baths including), and also for curative and Zakopane and Podhale region cosmetic salt extraction. The first records of the use of warm Zakopane is located in the southern springs in this locality date back to 1578 Poland (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) on the slopes of the and 1630, when they were recognised and Tatra Mts. (the highest part of the described by the royal physicians. The Carpathians). The Tatras, Zakopane and first bathrooms were built in 1793 and the the Podhale region, due to their natural resort soon started to flourish. At the be- characteristics, constitue the main centre ginning of the 19th century outstanding of tourism and winter sports in Poland. chemists and physicians granted favour- Over 3 million tourists visit this place each able opinions about the high curative value year. In the last years a construction of a of these waters. It was at the same time large-scale district heating system and that suitable utilities and objects for other types of direct geothermal utilization curative purposes were built. Some of started to be carried out there (Kepinska et them have survived till the present. In al. 2000) including balneo-therapy and 1856 Jozef Dietel - professor of the Jagiel- bathing, because there is a great demand lonian University, called Iwonicz a ãprince for water and geothermal centres. of iodine waters”. Iwonicz water was The main geothermal artesian aquifer bottled and sent around the Europe. First occurs in the Eocene and Mesozoic car- bonates (depths of 1-3.5 km). The reser- wells (400 - 600 m deep) supporting the o existing springs were drilled at the end of voir temperatures reach up to 80-100 C; the 19th century. Warm brine discharged flowrate from a single well 55-150 l/s; by one of them has been used till now. TDS of 0.1-3 g/l; wellhead static pressure With time, the former springs vanished, so 27 bar. Over ten geothermal wells have as the exploitation started from the post- been drilled within this area so far. All of extraction oil wells (Sokolowski et al. them issue waters which have curative 1999). properties suitable in the dermatological, The interwar period was a real boom rheumatic, and endocrinological diseases; for Iwonicz. Also at present this is one of apart from this, they can be used as an the best known and most frequented Polish adjunctive treatment in patients with resorts. At present over 30 000 patients contagious diseases. and tourists per year visit Iwonicz Spa. The tradition of using warm waters for bathing is connected with Jaszczurowka Ð ° 4. FURTHER PROJECTS a suburb of Zakopane. A 20 C natural spring existing there was scientifically Besides already existing structures, described in 1844. Hydrogeologically, this there are plans to build new geothermal was an ascension spring outflowing health and recreation spas. Some projects along the regional fault which delineates await realisation, several ones are in prog- the northern border of the Tatra Mts. The ress of designing. The popularity of so warm spring in Jaszczurowka had been called water centres, several of which have used by the local highlanders long before already been successful, raises the interest the middle of the 19th century. to build more such facilities. In general, In the interwar period, in the 1920s the centres will be one of the elements of and 1930s, Jaszczurowka flourished. The integrated or cascaded geothermal sys- warm spring, two pools and the subsi- tems. They are designed to use waters diaries existed in Jaszczurowka till the from deep and shallow wells, or thermal 1960s. There were plans to modify the energy stored in shallow ground horizons, place and adjust it to balneological and often with additional use of heat pumps therapeutic treatments. Unfortunately, af- and other renewables (i.e. solar). They ter drilling a well which was to raise the International Workshop on BALNEOLOGY AND “WATER TOURIST CENTERS” ______spring's output, due to the mixing with given to exploitation in the centre of cold waters from the neighbouring stream, Zakopane. It uses warm (26 - 36¡C) waters the warm spring disappeared. In the 1970s, from two wells. In summer this place is a small geothermal bathing centre was flooded with tourists.

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

1. geothermal wells, 2. other wells, 3. geothermal spring in Jaszczurowka (existing untill 1960s), 4. locality with geothermal space heating system on-line (2001), 5. localities planned to be geothermally heated (2001 Ð 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 geothermal balneo-therapeutical and bathing centres

There are exceptionally great possibi- be not only large but also smaller centres lities to build water centres in this region. fitted in local architecture and landscape. In fact, every locality where there are There are two finished projects, one of wells discharging geothermal waters up to which has just started to be realized in 80 Ð 90°C can have its own geathermal Zakopane (population 30 000) Ð main city centre tailored to the needs of both the of the region. It will be one of the most inhabitants and tourists (Fig. 2). These can modern geothermal water centres in ______Beata Kepinska: GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS AND SPAS IN POLAND ______

Poland, and will created on the site of the purposes. Now they are trying to gain above mentioned swimming pool existing suitable financial means and find inves- since the 1970s. tors. As far as balneology and recreation The project provides for the cons- go, there are plans to establish a large truction of a complex for rehabilitation local centre. The project was and recreation offering a full range of highly rated by the renown Polish and treatments and services. There will be foreign medical experts. The waters will outdoor and indoor swimming pools there. be delivered from new wells which have The plans also include the building of a to be drilled. At present (2001) the conference centre as a integral part of the construction of a modern hospital is under- complex. The facility will serve 1000 way where about 800 treatments will be people per hour. The investment will be done every day. A sports and recreation financed with Polish sources, with the centre will also take advantage of the municipal administration as one of the waters. The biological rejuvenation centre shareholders. will complement the medical functions of This is a long awaited project, indis- the balneo-therapeutical hospital. pensable to broaden the tourist offer of the The existence of the new geothermal city and to improve the quality of rec- centre will cause the development of the reation in the main tourist centre in Po- hotel base, services, agro-tourism and land. economy infrastucture, as well as - which is very crucial - it will influence unem- Poddebice ployment by creating new jobs. I n Uniejów - located about 10 km. The town is located in the Central from Poddebice - a geothermal heating Poland (Fig. 1). This area constitutes the network is being built, and in the future relaxation and solace base for the inha- the construction of bathing and bitants of Lodz Ð the second largest, after balneology centre will take place. , agglomeration in Poland. In Poddebice and the surrounding areas (just 5. CLOSING REMARKS as nearby Uniejow which has geothermal prospects, too) are within the area of the Although not too numerous, geother- occurrence of the Cretaceuos sedimentary mal spas offering curative and recreation formations Ð one of the most promising services are an important element of health geothermal aquifers in the country. In this resorts in Poland. They have a long and area, reservoir temperatures amount to 70 interesting history. There is a growing - 80°C, geothermal waters characterise need for this type of services, as well as an with TDS up to 60 mg/l. (Sokolowski increased interest of the potential 1993, Ney 1995, Gorecki 1995). Waters investors. have high curative and healing properties. In the recent years, together with the Poddebice is an example of a medium projects of a comprehensive usage of size town (population ca. 8.000) and geothermal energy in Poland, there occur- county, which is dynamic and aims at the red opportunities to develop new spas and development of new spheres of balneo- water centres. They can be created near therapy, tourism and recreation in the area the biggest city agglomerations in the with no such traditions in the past. Thanks country, which are political, economical, to a convenient location in the Central and business centres. Such centres express Poland and the qualities of geothermal great and constantly growing need for waters, Poddebice has the chance of recreation, biological rejuvenation and becoming a modern, regional centre of treatment services. These facts are an balneology and relaxation on the grounds important stimulus for the creation of new of the warm waters. water centres, they should raise the The town and county have already de- interest among investors and also generate veloped feasibility studies and technical financial benefits. projects of complex geothermal energy Geothermal therapy and recreation is a use for heating, curing and recreation promising line of business with great International Workshop on BALNEOLOGY AND “WATER TOURIST CENTERS” ______opportunities of development in Poland, Kepinska, B. (2000). The Podhale low- although not fully understood and enthalpy system: geothermal exploited. One of the limitations of wide, characteristics. Proceedings of the World adequate development is still insufficient Geothermal Congress 2000. Japan. Kepinska, B., Bujakowski, W., Ney, R. (2000). promotion and funds. Geothermal energy country update report from Poland. Proceedings of the World Acknowledgements: The author is Geothermal Congress 2000. Japan. greatly indebted to Prof. J. Dowgiallo, Mr. Krawiec, A. (1999). New results of the isotope A. Krawiec and Mrs. A. Lowczowska for and hydrochemical investigations of supporting helpful information used in this therapeutical waters of Ciechocinek Spa. paper. Prz. Geol. Warszawa (in Polish, English summary). REFERENCES Ney, R. (1995). Outline of geothermal conditions of Poland and regional Dowgiallo, J. (1991). Geothermal systems of geothermal basins. Bull. Polish. Acad. Sc. the Sudetes. Publs. Inst. Geophys. Pol. Earth Sci. Vol. 43, no. 4. Warszawa. Acad. Sc., A-19 (236). Warszawa. Sokolowski, J. (1993). Geothermal resources Dowgiallo, J. (1976). The Sudetes thermal of Poland and possibility of their waters. Acta Geol. Pol., Vol. 26, No. 4.. utilisation in environmental protection. Warszawa, pp. 617 Ð 642 (in Polish, Exploration Technology, Geosynoptics English summary). and Geothermal Energy. No 5-6. Krakow, Dowgiallo, J. (2000). Thermal water pp. 67-80. prospecting results at Jelenia Góra – Sokolowski, J. [ed.]. (1995). Geothermal Cieplice (Sudetes, Poland) versus Provinces and Basins in Poland. Krakow, geothermometric forecasts. Evironmental 124 pp. Geology 39 (5) March. Springer-Verlag. Sokolowski, J. , Sokolowska J., Kepinska B. Gorecki, W. [ed.]. (1995). Atlas of geothermal (1999). Using geothermal energy in energy resources in the Polish Lowland. Poland the passing millenniu. [in:] Krakow. Cataldi, R., Hodgson, S., Lund, J. [eds]. Gorecki, W. [ed]. (1998). Poland. [In] Atlas of (1999). Stories from a heated Earth. Our geothermal resources in Europe. geothermal heritage. GRC, IGA. Sacramento, California.

Photos of some facilities in geothermal spas presented in the paper

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

______