25%of Hungary is situated on floodplains
20-50%increase in water needed for irrigation expected in the future
Only 77%of sewage is treated in line with EU legislation
The issues affecting Hungary’s waters
The risk of flooding in Hungary is already high, as a quarter of the country is situated on floodplains. Climate change is increasing this risk, as there is more rain in winter and snow melts earlier. This caused the Danube to burst its banks as recently as January 2024.
At the same time, water scarcity is increasing. This is caused by loss of ecosystems and increased water use for agriculture due to droughts, particularly in the Central Great Plain and regions east of the Tisza River. This adds significant pressure to water resources.
Water management is also a cause for concern in Hungary, with the country’s treatment of urban wastewater considerably below the EU average (23% of the wastewater is not treated or adequately treated). 95% of public drinking water is extracted from groundwater sources. It is therefore crucial that water pollution from waste water, industry and agriculture is properly tackled.
Solutions to the water issues in Hungary exist
Nature-based solutions can play a pivotal role in tackling the country’s current and future water challenges. These include restoring polluted or filled in rivers, lakes and wetlands to their natural state, and employing less polluting and water- intensive techniques in agriculture.
Supported by EU funds, investments in water supply and wastewater networks in Hungary have been made. For example, more than €19 million has been invested in improving drinking water quality in Western and South Transdanubian in 2023. In addition, reservoirs to retain flooding are being built as part of a national plan. These are expected to be completed by 2050.
With proper policy, innovation and investment, Hungary can become water resilient. But there is some way to go.
An OECD study indicated that Hungary would need to increase their investments further to reach and maintain compliance with existing water legislation. The OECD estimated the financing needs for the period 2023-2030 (total cumulative additional expenditures for sanitation) at EUR 24.9 billion.
Explore water projects in Hungary bringing fresh solutions
The PET Kupa project protects the Tisza and Danube rivers from plastic pollution through international cooperation, education, and community engagement, implementing innovative waste management solutions.
This project aims to restore wetlands and promote water stewardship along the Danube River and its tributaries, with a focus on ecological health and biodiversity.
This project aimed to update Budapest’s complex water system to better ensure water supply and quality.
