Attention! Drinking tap water in certain areas of Hungary is dangerous
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Wondering about the safety of tap water in Hungary? Recent data from 2022 reveal concerning levels of inorganic arsenic in drinking water across several municipalities in the country’s southeast. The concentration of arsenic exceeds the European limit of 0.01 milligrams per litre (10.0 µ/litre), particularly prevalent in the southern reaches of the Great Hungarian Plain, notably in artesian waters. Arsenic exposure poses significant health risks.
Arsenic levels across the nation
According to reports from Portfolio , the most recent statistics provided by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) advise caution regarding tap water consumption in specific regions of Hungary. Generally, arsenic levels across the country fall within acceptable limits, typically ranging from 0 to 0.0077 milligrams per litre, comfortably below the established threshold. However, elevated concentrations are primarily concentrated in the southeastern regions, notably within counties bordering the Great Hungarian Plain, attributed to the prevalence of artesian springs.
Highest recorded arsenic levels
The highest arsenic levels are documented in the vicinity of Makó, particularly in Maroslele, Óföldeák and Földeák, where drinking water registers at least 0.0384 mg/litre. Similar elevated levels are also detected in Székkutas, situated in the Hódmezővásárhely District. However, in the eastern part of Csongrád-Csanád County, arsenic concentrations typically range between 0.0154 and 0.023 mg/litre, mirroring the trend in the western part of Békés County. In contrast, the western regions of the country exhibit minimal water discolouration, indicative of lower arsenic levels, rendering tap water comparatively safer in these areas.