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

Hungary's lakes and rivers have reached historic lows due to an ongoing severe drought, with some areas experiencing conditions not seen since records began. Lake Velence, the country's third-largest body of water, saw its water levels drop to approximately 20 centimetres at Agárd on 16 August, far below the ideal level of 150 centimetres typically observed in August. This marks a new record, surpassing even the previously documented low of 53 centimetres set during the 2022 drought. The drastic decline has led to the closure of swimming beaches, hindered boating activities, and revealed large portions of the lakebed, which are now cracked and dry. Dead fish have washed up along the shoreline, signaling ecological distress. The situation extends beyond Lake Velence. Nearby, Lake Garancsi, located northwest of Budapest, is nearing disappearance. Once a hub for recreation and film production, particularly for the Hungarian comedy Üvegtigris (Glass Tiger), the lake is now reduced to shallow pools encircled by exposed lakebed. Water levels here have dropped by about one centimetre per day during peak heat, exacerbating concerns over the region's environmental health. In Budapest itself, the Danube River has also reached unprecedented low levels, revealing sandbanks and sections of the riverbed beneath the city's bridges. These developments complicate navigation and raise questions about the long-term viability of water-based transport and tourism in the area. The impact of these extreme conditions is being felt across Hungary’s energy sector as well. At the Paks nuclear power plant, a critical component of the nation's electricity supply, water levels in the Danube have forced a reduction in operational capacity. Output has fallen to around 25% of the plant’s total capacity, prompting engineers to implement emergency measures to ensure adequate cooling water is available and to avoid a potential shutdown. The plant produces nearly half of Hungary’s electricity, making this situation a matter of national concern. Experts attribute the worsening drought to climate change, which has intensified heatwaves and prolonged dry spells. However, they also point to longstanding issues within Hungary’s water management practices. For decades, the country has prioritized draining water from agricultural lands and wetlands rather than preserving it. This approach has resulted in the creation of more than 40,000 kilometres of drainage canals. A 2023 study suggested that over 80% of Hungary’s historical wetlands have been lost, further diminishing the landscape’s ability to retain water during dry periods. Environmental organizations are advocating for a fundamental shift in policy, emphasizing the need to restore wetlands, repair existing water control infrastructure, and allow floodplains to function as natural reservoirs. Authorities have initiated efforts to redirect water toward vulnerable wetlands, such as the Hortobágy marshes, but critics argue that more comprehensive action is required to safeguard Hungary’s remaining aquatic ecosystems against future droughts. The crisis highlights the complex interplay between environmental degradation and climate change. While immediate interventions are being implemented to mitigate damage, the long-term sustainability of Hungary’s water resources remains uncertain. With continued high temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, the challenge of maintaining both ecological balance and human activity in the region grows ever more pressing.