The Hungarian government has outlined its strategy to rescue Lake Velence, combining immediate dredging works with long-term water retention measures and new legislation aimed at protecting one of the country’s most vulnerable lakes from climate change and overdevelopment.

With the lake’s water level having fallen to around 40 centimetres, one of the lowest levels ever recorded, officials say this year will focus on damage limitation, while a broader recovery strategy is being prepared.

Emergency measures for 2026

Viktória Bögi, State Secretary for Environmental Protection, told Index that the priority is to preserve what remains of the lake by dredging parts of the lakebed. The measure is intended to keep the remaining water connected, preventing the lake from breaking into isolated pools while also helping to protect fish stocks and other wildlife.

Despite the exceptionally low water level, Bögi stressed that the water quality remains suitable for bathing, with continuous monitoring showing that the lake is currently safe for swimmers (except for 5 beaches where bathing has been prohibited until further notice: details here.)

Government rejects karst water replenishment

The government has ruled out replenishing the lake with karst water, arguing that the measure would have increased the water level by only about one centimetre while placing unnecessary pressure on valuable drinking water reserves.

Officials also said transferring water from the Danube is not currently a realistic solution. Such a project would require new pipeline infrastructure, while open canals would suffer excessive evaporation. In addition, maintaining sufficient water levels in the Danube remains essential for cooling the Paks Nuclear Power Plant during periods of low river flow.

Instead, the government believes the long-term solution lies in retaining more winter and spring precipitation within the lake’s catchment area.

A new 12-point action plan

Experts at the Ministry for a Living Environment are preparing a 12-point action plan that will address several aspects of water management. Among the proposals under consideration are:

  • improving existing reservoirs;
  • investigating water abstraction throughout the lake’s catchment area;
  • expanding the reuse of highly treated wastewater;
  • introducing measures to improve long-term water retention.

The government is also preparing a dedicated Lake Velence Act, which would introduce stricter planning rules to limit further overdevelopment along the shoreline.

Major lakeside project halted

As part of the new approach, the government has already halted a major development planned for Sukoró on the lake’s shore.

The project, previously designated as a priority investment, reportedly included plans for a 400-apartment residential complex alongside youth facilities. Officials argue that the already heavily developed lakeside could not sustain such a water-intensive project without placing additional strain on the shrinking lake.

Missing water management plans

Bögi also criticised previous administrations for failing to address the lake’s deteriorating condition. She said that while a HUF 51 billion canoe and kayaking academy had been built on the lakeshore, officials have been unable to locate documentation relating to a previously announced HUF 40 billion water replenishment plan, which had reportedly been classified for ten years.

According to the ministry, no trace of the documents has been found in official records following the handover of government departments. The state secretary also said local municipalities, businesses and civil organisations are now being included in discussions about the lake’s future after years of limited consultation.

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Climate adaptation becoming essential

Bögi argued that Lake Velence illustrates the broader challenges posed by climate change and increasingly frequent droughts across Hungary.

She said protecting the lake will require not only new legislation but also changes in public attitudes towards water management, including greater use of rainwater harvesting and more sustainable water consumption.

Although boating and many water sports are currently limited due to the low water level, the government continues to encourage visitors to explore the Lake Velence region, highlighting its cycling routes, hiking trails, restaurants and wellness facilities.

If you missed it: Don’t try to swim here! Bathing banned at five Lake Velence beaches