Water scarcity impacts Tisza and Zagyva river systems in Hungary

Low water levels are impacting major river systems in Hungary, with the Tisza and Zagyva rivers facing significant hydrological challenges.

In the Tisza river basin, the Maros River plays a critical role in maintaining water flow near Szeged. During periods of low water, the Maros has been measured contributing nearly 40 percent of the Tisza’s total discharge at the Szeged section. Experts note that while the Tisza generally carries four to five times more water than the Maros over the long term, the Maros becomes vital during dry spells. Water management practices in Romania, including the operation of reservoirs and hydroelectric plants, are expected to influence the volume of water reaching Hungary.

Separately, the Zagyva river catchment area is experiencing extreme dryness. Data from the Middle Tisza Water Management Directorate indicates that precipitation has significantly lagged behind evaporation rates in recent years. As of early September, discharge levels at Jásztelek reached only 67 liters per second, meaning the river's flow is now composed almost entirely of treated wastewater. To protect water quality and fish populations, authorities are implementing aeration via pumps and mechanical vegetation removal in critical sections.