Danube River faces pollution and waste issues due to low water levels

The Danube River is facing significant environmental challenges due to exceptionally low water levels, leading to both pollution and waste visibility issues. In the Vojvodina region, the water quality has dropped to the fourth class. While bathing is permitted, experts advise caution, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, due to higher concentrations of fecal bacteria. Local opposition has noted that the lack of a central sewage treatment plant in Novi Sad contributes to direct waste entering the river.

Simultaneously, in Hungary, the receding waters have exposed massive amounts of previously submerged debris. The Middle Danube Valley Water Management Directorate (KDVVIZIG) has conducted cleaning operations, recovering record amounts of waste including 135 tires, 500 kilograms of metal, and significant quantities of household trash such as shopping carts and plastic containers. While cleaning efforts have spanned multiple locations including Vác and Dunakeszi, authorities noted that some large-scale wreckage remains impossible to remove due to its size or location.