We show you the areas with the worst drinking water supply in Hungary

Over a third of Hungarian municipalities grapple with poor drinking water quality, as outlined in a recent report by the Public Health Authority, offering an in-depth analysis of the situation across these localities.

Latest report

The last time the National Centre for Public Health and Medicine (NNGYK) published an annual report on water quality in Hungarian municipalities was two years ago, in 2021. During this period, there have been several changes. The NNGYK has endeavoured to align with a directive from the European Parliament and Council, while the watch list of substances concerning water for human consumption has expanded. The European Commission revises this list annually, meticulously considering watchlist parameters.

These adjustments pave the way for more detailed and up-to-date assessments of drinking water quality. Reports from municipalities, in essence, convey that if all tested parameters fall within defined limits, the drinking water quality is adequate, penzcentrum.hu reports. Conversely, deviations from acceptable limits lead to classification in one of four categories:

• Drinking water of adequate quality
• Drinking water of unsatisfactory quality
• Chemically unacceptable
• Ad hoc bacteriological objection.

Widespread challenges

There were 169 agglomerations with an ad hoc bacteriological objection and 24 agglomerations with a chemical objection. The report notes that some municipalities do not all reach 100 per cent drinking water quality, but are still within the limits.

Recent trends in Hungary depict a growing preference for tap water over mineral water, potentially influenced by the impact of persistently high inflation on drinking water prices. Environmental considerations also play a role, with a move towards reduced plastic usage. Additionally, the popularity of water-filtering pitchers is on the rise, offering both cost savings and health benefits.

The most problematic areas are in the south of Hungary, with chemical issues identified in Abony and Makó, while Szeged and Nyírbogát face a classification of poor drinking water quality. See the full list here.