Pitești water quality crisis ends

Authorities in Pitești, Romania, addressed a water quality crisis caused by manganese increases and low dissolved oxygen in Budeasa Lake. Subprefect Dragoș Predescu attributed the issue to natural phenomena, specifically drought and high temperatures, which led to stagnation and reduced water inflow.

To mitigate the problem, officials implemented technical solutions such as controlled water discharges from Vâlcele and Vidraru lakes to increase oxygen levels. Apă Canal 2000 SA conducted continuous monitoring, reducing manganese levels from 516 µg/l in raw water to approximately 59.7 µg/l at the treatment plant exit.

By mid-August, officials confirmed the municipal water supply returned to potable standards. Technical interventions, including the use of divers at the water intake area, helped restore oxygen levels to 7.3 mg O₂/l and reduced manganese to levels below measurable limits. Apă Canal 2000 continues 24/7 monitoring to ensure ongoing safety.

As of August 18, 2026, authorities have announced that the water crisis involving Lacul Budeasa has officially ended. Recent analyses conducted by Apele Române and DSP Argeș confirmed that manganese concentrations have dropped below detectable limits and oxygen levels have normalized, ensuring tap water is potable again.