Hungary is experiencing a severe water crisis as prolonged droughts and heat waves have brought lakes to record low levels and threatened critical infrastructure. Lake Velence, the country’s third-largest lake, has receded to approximately 20 centimeters, rendering it nearly unnavigable and forcing the closure of swimming beaches that once attracted tourists. Lake Garancsi, a recreational lake near Budapest with a medieval history, has shrunk so dramatically that authorities predict it will be completely dry by the end of summer.
Experts attribute the crisis not solely to climate conditions but also to Hungary’s historical water management practices. The country has lost more than 80% of its historical wetlands according to a 2023 study, largely due to an extensive network of over 40,000 kilometers of drainage canals designed to remove water from fields and wetlands to accommodate agriculture and development. These drainage systems have contributed to a consistent decline in water tables and reduced the country’s natural capacity to retain precipitation and maintain localized weather patterns.
Hungary currently ranks among Europe’s most drought-exposed nations, with approximately 99% of its land experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions. The water shortage has caused multiple challenges, including damaged crop yields, drinking water shortages, and the threat of shutting down the country’s only nuclear power plant, which relies on water from the Danube River for cooling. Additionally, aging water utility infrastructure results in significant leakage losses.
In response, Hungary’s government announced plans in late June to fundamentally reform its water management approach. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the government would implement comprehensive water conservation policies centered on retention rather than drainage, acknowledging that water management has been a long-neglected strategic issue. However, officials recognized that implementing such extensive reforms will require substantial time and financial investment to restructure decades of established practices and infrastructure.
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