Water pollution incidents in Romania and Hungary

Water pollution incidents have been reported in rivers near the Romanian-Hungarian border and within Romania.

In July 2026, an unknown, strong-smelling waste accumulation in the Black River (Fekete-Körös) near the Dénesmajor area triggered a third-level water-quality emergency in Hungary. Authorities implemented a fishing ban, bathing prohibitions, and suspended water extraction from the Békés reservoir while conducting joint monitoring with Romanian officials.

By August 2026, environmental investigations were underway in Romania regarding the Jiu River. In the Turceni area, reports of dead fish prompted inspections of hydrotechnical installations. Concurrently, a criminal investigation was launched in Românești following the discharge of inadequately treated fecal-domestic wastewater. Laboratory tests confirmed that discharge from the Târgu Jiu treatment plant exceeded legal limits for various chemical and biological markers, resulting in the river's ecological status degrading from ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ downstream of the discharge point.

On August 20, 2026, authorities in Gorj County expanded investigations into a mass fish mortality event at the Turceni hydroelectric reservoir on the Jiu River. Officials from the Jiu Water Basin Administration (ABA Jiu) and SGA Gorj estimated that approximately 100 kilograms of fish had died. Preliminary analyses indicated low levels of dissolved oxygen in water sections upstream of the Turceni hydroelectric plant and at the intake of the Turceni treatment station. The National Environmental Guard is also examining the operational management of the reservoir, including the impact of dam maneuvers and low water levels on the aquatic ecosystem.