The papers presents previous water managements strategies of the Selmęt Wielki Lake and the infl uence of change of the lake damming height on surroundings. Possibilities of increase retention capacity of the lake (till 1 mln m2), for using water for protected area in the lower part of the Jegrznia River, are considered. Prolongation of time with higher damming level of the lake would increase amount of energy produced in the small water power station.