Water level of Lake Balaton is getting lower and lower. Is it something to worry about?

The water level of Lake Balaton has been steadily dropping over the past few days, reaching just 81 centimetres as of Thursday morning.

Water level of Lake Balaton is lower again

This represents a decrease from 84 centimetres measured on Monday, continuing a recent downward trend in the lake’s water levels. On the northern shore, water temperatures remain relatively cool, generally below 20 degrees Celsius, although near the Tihany ferry, the water has warmed slightly to 22 degrees.

Accorgin to Infostart, experts from the National Directorate General for Water Management (Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság) have noted that while the overall annual precipitation has not significantly changed in recent years, the pattern of rainfall has shifted. Rain tends to fall in intense bursts over short periods rather than as prolonged soaking rain. This change reduces the replenishment needed for rivers, lakes, watersheds, soils, and groundwater, adversely affecting water bodies like Balaton.

Despite the current water level being 81 centimetres, it is not considered unusual or extreme; in fact, similar or lower levels have been recorded in early August in past years. The spokesman, Gabriella Siklós, emphasised that this current level does not signify an exceptional event but rather the kind of fluctuations typical for this season.

Beaches closed on the Danube riverside

In related water level developments along the Danube, some riverside public beaches have been closed due to high water levels and water pollution. For example, at Alsógöd and Felsőgöd, bathing prohibitions were imposed following the Danube reaching around 470 centimetres in Budapest on 1 August.

Although this did not trigger a first-degree flood warning, Infostart says the flood waters submerged much of the sandy shore at the Romans-part (Római-part) beach, leading to its temporary closure for public safety.

Authorities have indicated that reopening these beaches depends on the water level receding and water quality improving, with thorough cleaning and debris removal planned before allowing visitors back. The closures reflect a precautionary stance prioritising public health due to debris and pollution carried by the flood waters.

These situations highlight the delicate balance of managing water bodies in Hungary amid changing climatic conditions and the importance of monitoring both quantity and quality to protect ecosystems and recreational areas alike.

Read more Lake Balaton-related articles on Daily News Hungary!

Read also:

• That’s it, then? Forecasts suggest summer’s a no-show this year – Even Lake Balaton’s on the chilly side
• Is Lake Balaton really that expensive? A day at Western Hungarian spas might cost even more!
• Hungarian beaches stand empty despite summer heatwave – but why?