Key facts
- Lake Velence, Hungary's third-largest lake, has dropped to around 20 centimeters, impacting fishing and tourism.
- Over 99% of Hungary is currently under severe or extreme drought conditions.
- Hungary has lost over 80% of its historical wetlands due to drainage practices over the last 200 years.
- A network of over 25,000 miles of drainage canals contributes to the country's water table decline.
- Prime Minister Péter Magyar has promised a comprehensive water conservation program and a shift to water retention policies.
Hungary is grappling with a severe water crisis, characterized by record low water levels in its lakes and rivers, exacerbated by prolonged droughts and climate change-driven heat waves. Lake Velence, a popular tourist destination, has seen its water level drop to around 20 centimeters, making navigation difficult and forcing the closure of swimming beaches.
Experts attribute Hungary's vulnerability not only to climate change but also to a long-standing practice of draining natural wetlands and channeling water away from its landscape. This approach, implemented over the past 200 years, has led to an estimated loss of over 80% of the country's historical wetlands. A vast network of over 40,000 kilometers of drainage canals further contributes to the decline of the water table and the drying out of topsoil.
The consequences are visible across the country, with Lake Garancsi, a historic recreational lake near Budapest, shrinking dramatically to the point where recreational activities are no longer possible and the lake bed is exposed and cracked. Authorities predict the remaining water will disappear by the end of summer.
In response, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has pledged to overhaul the country's water management policies, emphasizing water conservation and retention. He acknowledged that water shortage is a critical strategic issue for Hungary and highlighted that aging infrastructure contributes to significant water loss through leaks, costing millions annually. The new government aims to make water retention the fundamental principle of Hungarian water management.
The crisis also impacts energy production, with the Danube River reaching historic low levels, affecting crucial infrastructure.