Lake Velence receives automated buoy for water quality monitoring

The National Water Directorate (OVF) and the Central Transdanubian Water Directorate (KDTVIZIG) have deployed an automated measuring buoy in Lake Velence to monitor its deteriorating water quality. The device was relocated from the Maconkai reservoir to the Lake Velence bathing area on June 1.

Extreme hydrological and climatic conditions in recent years have left the lake in a highly vulnerable state. Low precipitation levels have led to decreased water levels, increased salinity, and significant algae blooms, including picoalgae and high chlorophyll-a levels in the eastern basin.

The buoy performs measurements every 15 minutes, transmitting data to a central online database every half hour. It monitors parameters such as water temperature, oxygen levels, salinity, turbidity, and indicators of algal growth. This frequent monitoring allows experts to identify trends and sudden changes, enabling timely interventions before conditions worsen.