Lying among the lakes of Iława lakeland, Ostróda is having difficulty meeting its requirement for drinking water. Theoretically, such problem should not exist, since only 30% of the underground water resources for the municipal intake are used, and when the need arises, new intakes are exploited. Recently, it was decided that another well, located 220 metres from Sajmino Lake would not be connected with the municipal water system. This decision was taken because of a lowering the lake surface by about 2.5 metres; the lake, up till now off-flowing, now ceased to be off-flowing. The author presents the hydrological and hydro-geological conditions in this area, suggesting that comprehensive investigations on the lake be carried out. Then it can be determined whether the lowering of Sajmino Lake is an untypical instance of „surface damage” (in the broad meaning of this term).