One of Hungary’s best-known lakes has fallen to an alarmingly low level after another dry summer. With Lake Velence struggling for water, local officials and experts are once again looking towards a much bigger neighbour for help: the Danube.
A new round of talks was held in Gárdony over how to replenish Lake Velence, with one of the main ideas being to bring water from the Danube to the lake through a new supply system.
The discussion comes as the situation at the lake has become increasingly urgent. On Wednesday, the water-level gauge at Agárd showed just 10 centimetres, compared with the previous record low of 53 centimetres measured in 2022, Infostart reported, citing local sources. The figure refers to the gauge reading rather than the actual depth of the lake.
Lake Velence, roughly 50 kilometres southwest of Budapest, covers about 26 square kilometres and is one of Hungary’s most popular lakes for swimming, cycling and weekend trips. Its shallow waters, however, also make it particularly sensitive to prolonged drought and evaporation.
How could Danube water reach Lake Velence?
The idea is still at an early stage, but several possible routes are now being examined. Experts discussed whether water could be brought from the Danube from the area around Ercsi, Adony or Dunaújváros, while the route and cost of a possible new pipeline would also have to be assessed.
Other options are on the table as well. These include currently unused wells operated by regional water utility DRV around Gárdony, as well as wells near Szabadegyháza. But for now, no final solution has been selected. Those involved in the talks stressed that any project would have to be assessed not only from an engineering point of view, but also in terms of water quality, ecology and cost.
Satellite data could now be used to examine the terrain between the Danube and Lake Velence, while preliminary estimates are expected to determine how expensive the different options might be.
If you missed it: The end draws near for Lake Velence
Simply dredging the lake may not solve the problem
The talks also covered another frequently suggested solution, dredging Lake Velence. However, experts cautioned that removing sediment is not necessarily a straightforward answer. There are concerns that dredging could damage parts of the lake’s naturally water-retaining mud layer and potentially increase water loss through seepage.
The condition of the lake’s extensive reed beds is another problem. Rotting reeds can have ecological consequences, meaning experts believe reed management and water replenishment should be considered together rather than as separate issues.
The proposal to use Danube water is therefore far from an approved construction project, but discussions are moving forward. According to Feol.hu, further calculations are expected on water consumption, evaporation and possible investment costs, with a broader meeting planned for later in September involving government representatives, water-management bodies and municipalities around the lake.
For now, rain may offer some temporary relief. But with Lake Velence repeatedly reaching exceptionally low levels, local decision-makers are increasingly looking for a longer-term answer — and the Danube may yet become part of it.
Earlier: Magyar government unveils 12-point plan to save Lake Velence after water levels hit historic lows
