Bathing has been temporarily banned at five popular beaches on Hungary’s Lake Velence, as well as one beach on the Danube, after routine water quality tests detected bacterial contamination above legal limits. The restriction will remain in force until follow-up laboratory tests confirm the water is safe again.
The Fejér County Government Office has ordered a temporary bathing ban at six natural bathing sites following the latest official water quality monitoring. According to the authority, laboratory tests found bacterial contamination exceeding permitted levels, prompting the immediate precautionary measure.
The ban affects five beaches on Lake Velence, one of Hungary’s most popular summer destinations, as well as the Szalki Island Free Beach in Dunaújváros.
Which beaches are affected?
The following beaches are currently closed to swimmers:
- Agárd Park Beach Camping (Gárdony-Agárd)
- Tini Beach (Gárdony)
- Velence North Beach
- Velence Korzó and Free Beach
- Velence Resort & Spa Beach
- Szalki Island Free Beach (Dunaújváros)
Officials stressed that the restriction is temporary and will be lifted as soon as repeated laboratory tests confirm that water quality once again complies with microbiological standards.
Enterococcus bacteria detected
According to reports, self-monitoring water samples collected by beach operators on 21 July showed Enterococcus bacteria levels above the legal threshold at several Lake Velence beaches. As a result, the microbiological quality of the bathing water no longer met public health requirements.
The government office has ordered operators to suspend bathing, inform visitors about the restrictions and ensure the ban is enforced until the water is declared safe.
Alleged failure to enforce the closure
The situation has also sparked controversy in the town of Velence. According to the municipality, the operator of Velence Korzó and Free Beach allegedly failed to comply with the official order, FEOL writes. Local authorities said they instructed the operator to close the beach immediately, install warning signs and prevent bathing, but claimed they received no response.
During a site inspection on 24 July, municipal officials reportedly found that the beach remained open, visitors were still swimming, and information boards continued to display “good” or “excellent” water quality ratings despite the bathing ban.
The municipality has urged visitors to respect the restrictions and choose alternative activities in the area until the water quality improves. Officials highlighted that the Lake Velence region continues to offer hiking opportunities, cultural events, restaurants, wellness facilities and other leisure activities.
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Drought adds to Lake Velence’s problems
The closures come as Lake Velence is already facing severe environmental stress from prolonged drought. Low water levels have significantly altered parts of the lake, with some areas appearing unusually dry after months of exceptionally hot and arid weather.
The authorities are continuing control water quality tests, and the bathing bans will be lifted without delay once the results confirm the affected beaches meet the required health standards again.
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