Hungary’s Lake Velence has reached a critical state after water levels fell to just 66 centimetres by mid-May, raising fears that the country’s third-largest natural lake could partially dry up during the summer months.
Dire situation at Lake Velence
According to experts, the current level is dramatically below the lake’s normal operating range of 140 to 170 centimetres. Imre Pálinkás, head of the local branch of the Hungarian National Anglers’ Association (MOHOSZ), warned that without significant rainfall or artificial water replenishment, the lake’s continuous water surface could disappear entirely.
He said that if the water level drops by another 30 to 40 centimetres, Lake Velence may no longer exist as a single body of water. Instead, isolated smaller ponds could emerge across the lakebed, as reported by Portfolio.
Evaporation and drought worsening the situation
The region surrounding the lake has been suffering from prolonged drought conditions for years, while forecasts suggest little substantial rainfall in the coming weeks. The traditionally wetter Medárd period in June may still improve the situation, but experts remain cautious.
Pál Árpád Eötvös, mayor of Gárdony, said Lake Velence loses enormous amounts of water through evaporation during the summer. In hotter months, the lake can evaporate by 15–20 centimetres in a single month, with daily losses approaching one centimetre. Both reservoirs supplying the lake are currently empty, leaving few immediate options for stabilising water levels.
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Danube water transfer may be the only solution
Local officials say large-scale water replenishment from the Danube may be the only realistic long-term solution. However, such a project would require significant government investment, political support and suitable river conditions.
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Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
