Hungary’s third-largest lake is disappearing. Can experts save it before it’s too late?

Hungary’s Third-Largest Lake Faces Disappearing Act as Experts Seek Solutions

Hungary s third largest lake is disappearing - Near the town of Gárdony, approximately 40 kilometers west of Budapest, the once-lush shores of Lake Velence now reveal a stark transformation. Metal steps that previously descended to the water’s edge now terminate in dry sand, with the shoreline retreating several meters inland. Pál Árpád Eötvös, mayor of Gárdony, reports that the lake’s water level reached its lowest recorded point by the end of May, standing just 10 centimeters above its critical threshold. Local news outlet Daily News Hungary warns that this level may be breached by mid-June, signaling a dire escalation in the lake’s decline.

Environmental Crisis Driven by Climate and Human Factors

The crisis at Lake Velence is a result of intertwined natural and man-made challenges. Prolonged dry spells, reduced precipitation, and decades of inefficient water use have collectively drained the lake’s resources. According to Tibor Horanyi from the Association of Great Lakes, the cumulative effect of these factors has intensified the problem, jeopardizing both the ecological balance and the region’s tourism-dependent economy. The lake, a popular summer destination for sailing and swimming, has seen its usual visitor numbers dwindle as water levels drop.

Data from the National Directorate General for Water Management reveals that on June 9, the lake’s water level at Agard measured 56 centimeters—just 3 centimeters above the historic low recorded in 2022, when Hungary endured an extreme drought. The situation is worsening as the warmest months approach, with experts estimating that water levels could decline by 20 to 25 centimeters in a single month. If current conditions persist, the lake could reach a level as low as 30 centimeters by the end of summer, a scenario that would drastically alter its landscape.

Ecological Consequences of Shrinkage

Environmental engineer Sándor Tóth, president of the Fejér County Chamber of Engineers, highlights the ecological toll of the water shortage. Reed beds, crucial to the lake’s ecosystem, are deteriorating, while waterfowl and fish face shrinking habitats. Nesting birds and their chicks are particularly vulnerable, as former breeding islands transform into arid land. Additionally, shallower waters accelerate the growth of algae blooms, degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life.

Historic records indicate that Lake Velence has dried up entirely in the past, but the current trend suggests a more frequent and severe recurrence. The imbalance between annual water loss and inflow is now pronounced, with evaporation surpassing the volume of precipitation replenishing the lake. This has led to concerns that the lake may become a seasonal feature rather than a year-round attraction, impacting biodiversity and the fragile ecosystem that relies on its stability.

Proposed Strategies to Stabilize the Lake

Experts are exploring multiple strategies to restore the lake’s water levels. One approach involves reviving the Zámolyi and Pátkai reservoirs nearby. These reservoirs could be renovated to store excess rainwater during wet periods, which would then flow into Lake Velence during dry spells. Works include sediment removal and limiting activities like fishing that degrade water quality. Another proposal focuses on reusing treated wastewater from the region’s facilities.

According to Sándor Tóth, the Agárd and Csákvár treatment plants generate 4.3 million cubic meters and 0.3 million cubic meters of clean water annually. Instead of releasing this water into the watershed, it could be diverted back to Lake Velence. This method would reduce waste and provide a sustainable source of replenishment. A more ambitious plan suggests drawing water from the Danube River, either via filtered wells or direct surface extraction. However, this would require significant new infrastructure, including pumping stations and pipelines spanning tens of kilometers.

Each proposal carries its own challenges. For instance, transferring raw Danube water would necessitate pre-treatment to eliminate harmful substances or invasive species. Sándor emphasizes that while replenishment is essential, its implementation demands careful planning. “Only water replenishment can provide a solution to improve the current state of the lake,” he writes, “but the execution of these measures requires meticulous attention to detail.”

Collaborative Efforts and Uncertain Outlook

Environmental Minister Laszlo Gajdos recently convened a meeting with local NGOs, mayors, and water management experts to discuss the lake’s future. This collaboration aims to consolidate efforts and devise a unified response. However, the urgency of the situation raises questions about the speed and scale of these initiatives.

Despite the growing concern, the lake’s fate remains uncertain. While solutions like reservoir renovation and wastewater recycling offer hope, their success hinges on timely action and resource allocation. The economic impact is already evident, with tourism businesses struggling to operate. Some boat owners have relocated to Lake Balaton, a nearby alternative, as Lake Velence’s shrinking waters make traditional activities increasingly difficult. This shift underscores the broader implications of the crisis, extending beyond the environment to affect livelihoods and regional identity.

As the debate over solutions continues, the challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability. The lake’s survival depends on addressing both the immediate drought conditions and systemic issues in water management. If experts fail to act decisively, the once-vibrant Lake Velence may become a cautionary tale of ecological neglect, its waters vanishing before they can be saved.

Historical Context and Lessons Learned

Historically, Lake Velence has demonstrated resilience, with past droughts followed by natural recovery. In the early 1990s, for example, water was sourced from the Rákhegy karst aquifer to refill the lake. This strategy worked then, but its effectiveness has waned as public demand for drinking water has risen and aquifer reserves have diminished. The need for innovative approaches has never been greater.

With climate change intensifying weather extremes, the lake’s vulnerability has increased. While natural cycles have always played a role in its fluctuations, human intervention has amplified the consequences. The combination of prolonged dry periods and decades of mismanagement has created a perfect storm, leaving experts to ponder whether the lake can be preserved in its current form. Their efforts to implement solutions are a race against time, as the risk of irreversible damage grows with each passing day.