Drought triggers water shortages and management shifts in Hungary and Romania

Severe drought conditions across Hungary and Romania are driving critical water management challenges in agriculture and domestic supply. In Romania’s Covasna County, several settlements, including Gelence, Barót, and Felsőrákos, have faced drinking water restrictions due to low river yields and high demand.

In the agricultural sector, experts emphasize the need for both traditional knowledge and digital technology to combat water scarcity. Precision farming tools—such as soil moisture sensors, drones, and AI-driven systems—are being utilized to optimize irrigation and preserve soil moisture. However, researchers note that technology must be paired with soil conservation practices, such as managing organic matter and avoiding excessive soil disturbance, to be effective.

In Hungary, the drought has impacted the Homokhátság region, where falling groundwater levels threaten rural drinking water access. Local initiatives, including the installation of new public water points in Ásotthalom, aim to mitigate these shortages. Wildlife management is also being adapted, with the creation of artificial watering holes to support local ecosystems during periods of extreme heat and low water levels in natural rivers.