Chem. pollution of 277 lakes particularly with polycyclic arom. hydrocarbons was surveyed in 2011-2014 and assessed in accordance with European Water Framework Directive requirements. The analyses showed exceeded environmental quality stds. in the concns. of (i) the sum of benzo(g,h,i)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, Hg and its compds. and (iii) Cd and its compds., in 32, 6 and 3 lakes, resp.; located in western Poland. The (i) and (ii) limit values were simultaneously exceeded in waters of 4 lakes.