Hungary’s lakes and rivers hit record lows as severe drought deepens

Hungary's lakes and rivers are experiencing record-low water levels as a severe drought continues to worsen, according to recent reports. On 16 August, the water level at Agárd, a key point on Lake Velence, the country’s third-largest lake, dropped to approximately 20 centimetres. This is significantly lower than the optimal level of around 150 centimetres for August and far below the previous record low of 53 centimetres set during the 2022 drought. The shallow, warm waters have led to the closure of swimming beaches and made boating increasingly challenging. Dead fish have been found along the shores, and large areas of the lakebed are now exposed, cracked, and dry. Lake Garancsi, located northwest of Budapest, is also nearing disappearance. Known for its recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and ice skating, and even serving as a filming location for the Hungarian comedy Üvegtigris (Glass Tiger), the lake now consists mostly of shallow pools surrounded by exposed lakebed. Water levels there have declined by about one centimetre per day during the hottest periods. The Danube River, which flows through Budapest, has similarly reached historic lows, exposing sandbanks and portions of the riverbed under the city’s bridges. These conditions have complicated navigation and raised concerns over the river's ecological health. The situation is also affecting Hungary’s energy sector. The Paks nuclear power plant, which uses the Danube for cooling and produces nearly half of the country’s electricity, has seen its output drop to around 25% of normal capacity. To address this, engineers have implemented measures to ensure adequate cooling water supply and avoid a potential shutdown. The impact of these extreme weather conditions highlights the growing strain on critical infrastructure and the environment. Experts attribute the worsening drought to both climate change and long-standing issues with Hungary’s water management practices. Climate change has intensified heatwaves and extended dry periods, exacerbating the current crisis. However, some researchers argue that the country’s historical approach to managing water resources has increased vulnerability. Over decades, drainage systems have been constructed primarily to remove water from agricultural lands and wetlands rather than to store it. As a result, Hungary now has more than 40,000 kilometres of drainage canals, and a 2023 study suggests that over 80% of the nation’s historical wetlands have been lost. Environmental organizations are urging a shift toward more sustainable water retention strategies. They propose restoring wetlands, repairing aging water-control infrastructure, and allowing floodplains to function naturally to absorb excess water. Such efforts could help mitigate the effects of future droughts. In response, authorities have already started redirecting water to vulnerable wetlands, including the Hortobágy marshes, a protected area near Budapest. However, environmental advocates stress that these actions alone may not be enough to safeguard Hungary’s remaining lakes, rivers, and wetlands against increasingly frequent and intense droughts. As the summer progresses, officials and scientists continue monitoring the situation, with hopes that rainfall patterns might improve. Nonetheless, the ongoing drought underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in how Hungary manages its water resources. With climate projections indicating more frequent and severe dry spells, the challenge of ensuring water security for both human populations and ecosystems grows ever more pressing.