Hungary's Lake Velence Vanishes Due to Drought

Lake Velence, Hungary's third-largest lake, is experiencing a critical situation as its water level approaches a historic low. This crisis stems from prolonged droughts, insufficient rainfall, and decades of poor water management, including the draining of wetlands for agriculture. As of June 9, the lake's water level was only 3 cm above the 2022 record low, with experts warning it could reach even lower levels by mid-June and potentially drop by half a centimeter daily without substantial rain.

The shrinking lake poses significant threats to both its ecosystem and the local tourism industry. Businesses reliant on water activities, such as sailing excursions, have been impacted, with some owners relocating their operations. The wildlife is also suffering, with deteriorating reed beds, shrinking habitats for waterfowl and fish, and nesting birds endangered as former breeding islands turn into dry land. Warmer, shallower water is also accelerating algae blooms, further degrading water quality.

Previous attempts to replenish the lake, such as channeling water from the Rákhegy karst aquifer in the early 1990s, are no longer viable due to increased demand for public drinking water and reduced reserves. Current proposals focus on renovating nearby reservoirs like Zámolyi and Pátkai to better capture rainwater. Other innovative suggestions include recycling treated wastewater from regional treatment plants or, more ambitiously, transferring water from the Danube River, which would require significant new infrastructure.

Environmental Minister Laszlo Gajdos recently met with local stakeholders to discuss the lake's future. While water replenishment is seen as the only viable solution, experts emphasize the need for extreme caution in implementing any chosen strategy. The urgency is underscored by the fact that the lake's annual water loss, primarily from evaporation, now exceeds its precipitation inflow.