Hungary launches emergency plan as Lake Velence hits historic low water level

Lake Velence (Velencei‑tó) in central Hungary has fallen to historic lows, with the Agárd gauge recording a water level of just 32 cm on 26 July 2026, down from a previous record of 53 cm in 2022. The rapid drop prompted an ad‑hoc crisis meeting of the Fejér County Government, involving water‑management, public‑health, disaster‑response, police and tourism officials.

Concurrent water‑quality tests found Enterococcus bacteria above legal limits, leading the county to ban swimming at three popular beaches until further sampling confirms safety. Similar restrictions were imposed at sites in Gárdony and Dunaújváros.

The Hungarian government responded with a 12‑point action plan announced by State Secretary Viktória Bögi. The plan prioritises emergency dredging to keep remaining water connected, rejects karst‑water filling and a Danube transfer as ineffective, and focuses on long‑term water‑retention measures such as improving reservoirs and re‑using highly treated wastewater. A dedicated Lake Velence Act is also being drafted to tighten shoreline development rules.

Elsewhere in the country, severe drought has forced the installation of a 500‑litre‑per‑second pump at the Békés duzzasztó to move water between lake levels in the South Alföld, while the National Water Alarm Service warned that the Danube in Budapest could sink to its lowest recorded level of around 35 cm, threatening navigation and exposing wartime ordnance.

All measures aim to stabilise water resources, protect ecosystems and prevent further health hazards amid a prolonged dry spell across Hungary.