Hungarian Journal of Hydrology

Foreword

Veronika Major — 2026-03-20

Foreword to volume 106/1.

Water policy innovations and their further development possibilities based on the experiences of the 2025 drought protection and the results of the InnWater research program

Attila Lovas — 2026-03-20

Hungary’s water management is facing increasing challenges due to the increasing droughts and regional water shortages due to climate change. The study, based on the experience of the 2025 summer drought management activities presents the operation of the extended Tisza–Körös Valley Cooperative Water Management System (TIKEVIR) and the results of the applied, time-scheduling based coordinated water resource management. The analysis shows that in 2025, the resource-oriented management covering the entire Tisza Valley was able to satisfy the communal, agricultural, industrial and ecological water needs together, so that a positive surface water balance was established at the sub-catchment level. The joint application of the drought protection action plan and the “Water into the Landscape!” program increased the available water resources, also having a positive impact on the groundwater level in some regions. The scheduling fairly addressed conflicts arising from downstream-upstream location, ensuring equal access for all water users. The ex-post cost-benefit analysis conducted for the area of the Middle Tisza Water Directorate confirms that the water management decisions made in 2025 were economically rational and served the public good in a measurable way. The study concludes that the practice in 2025 set the direction for future sustainable, systemic water resource management and proposes water policy instruments to apply.

Assessing low flow water resources

László Iritz — 2026-03-20

The reasons of choosing the current subject were the changes in the hydrological regime of rivers in Hungary observed during the preparation of Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP). The latter one constituted a part of river basin management plans (RBMPs) created within the EU's Water Framework Directive (WFD). The current paper reviews the changes in the river flow regimes those entering the Hungarian territories as well as the underlying hydrometeorological interactions in the upper river basins. It must also be taken into account that the water resources generated in the upper river catchments are of exceptionally importance for Hungary, while their use upstream from other the state borders are also increasing. The water demands are increasing in Hungary because of the gross of industrial and agricultural production. Based on the facts, it is necessary to devote increasing attention to the assessment of water resources during the low flow periods. It is also required to study the possibility of future changes in the hydrological regimes. Consequently, the need for updating the assessment of low flow values, which are laying the foundations for water use permitting procedures is obvious. The frequent droughts and as an outcome, the restricted water uses force the authorities to update the governing documents and along these the action plans. The paper is screening the approaches applied in assessing the low flow water recourses applied in Hungary as well as in the international practice. The necessary updating of the currently applied methodology in water resource assessment required a new approach in water balance computations. The paper provides an overview about the uncertainties occurring in the assessment of water resources design values. Special attention is paid to the catchments not being monitored. The national and international approaches to assess the water resource design values are elaborated. The paper in the end collects the tasks for the Hungarian Water Sector in order to ensure an effective water resource management in the future. The authors emphasize that special attention should be paid to the water management co-operations in the bilateral cross-boundary contexts as well as in basin-wide frameworks and under the aegis of international organisations. The importance of implementation of water resources management that points beyond the traditional practice of running the water sector is highlighted.

Site suitability assessment of pumped-hydro energy storage facilities in the Northern Hungary region

Tamás Soha — 2026-03-20

The aim of the study was to identify sites in a Northern Hungarian area where small-scale pumped-hydro energy storage (PHES) facilities could be developed. During the study, we searched for sites consisting of surface waters, open-pit and underground mines, and greenfield areas where two water storage basins could be created. The planned energy storage facilities have a small capacity range (1-20 MWh), and their construction and operation are expected to have a moderate environmental impact due to their size. The 2 665 km² area was examined in a geographic information system (GIS) environment with a digital elevation model and vector data. Using GIS software and modern procedures, we conducted a site suitability study, taking into account several factors using a multi-criteria decision-making method. Taking into account international benchmarks and good practices, and applying the specific technical parameters of the PHES technology, the sites were subjected to a multi-stage selection. Finally, 21 locations were selected, which are illustrated by three-dimensional visualizations. Based on the course of the study, the developed methodology is suitable for determining the locations of small-scale PHES s, and according to the results, the sample area is particularly suitable for the implementation of these facilities. The study was carried out by F4STER – Future 4 Zrt. and the authors on behalf of EB Hungary Invest Kft. The content of the article is published with the consent of the client and with respect for industrial secrets, without specific designation of potential facility locations.

Examining the spread of sustainable solar-pumped hydropower utilization using the example of a hilly settlement in the Lake Velence watershed (Hungary)

Attila Kálmán — 2026-03-20

The war in Hungary’s neighbourhood has increased energy prices and supply risks, while extreme droughts and water shortages due to climate change are causing conflicts and economic damage. Traditional fossil-based electricity generation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which further exacerbate droughts. The population around Lake Velence has been growing dynamically for decades, resulting in changing land use. The need to address water management issues has become acute, and the scarce water resources in the catchment area have a negative impact on ecosystems, tourism, agriculture and economic prospects. The risk of flash floods is increasing in hilly settlements, while the level of water retention is low, but the proportion of installed solar systems significantly exceeds the national average. The research presents a complex examination of renewable solar energy production capacities and the integrated utilisation potential of flash flood retention through the example of a hilly settlement. We examined the joint, multi-purpose utilization opportunities of multifunctional stormwater reservoirs that exploit solar capacities and geographical features. We examined the flow conditions of the pumped energy storage system and their multifunctional use with a hydrodynamic model: rainwater management with flash flood mitigation, cross-seasonal green energy storage, integration of agricultural, wildlife management, recreation and blue-green infrastructures. The design of the reservoirs took into account geographical characteristics, rainfall data and runoff, energy requirements, and solar panel performance. The integrated system was optimized for multi-purpose, sustainable water use and a low carbon footprint.Using the example of a hilly settlement, we demonstrated the benefits that can be achieved by combining low-carbon, cost-effective, sustainable water management and energy storage. The methodology promotes the advancement of sustainability goals - environmental, social, economic - and reduces the negative impacts of climate change through rainwater retention and multi-purpose use, as well as promotes local and regional development. This integrated approach and methodology can serve as a model for other hilly settlements, as well as for cooperation between neighboring municipalities.

The origin of iron-manganese contamination in bankfiltration wells

Károly Márialigeti — 2026-03-20

The presence of iron and manganese in bankfiltration well water is undesirable. Water containing iron and manganese in contact with air causes deposits in water supply structures, especially in pipelines. The iron and manganese content ‑ at least in concentrations characteristic in Hungarian cases ‑ is not harmful to health. However, the precipitate can cause angry complaints of consumers, moreover it may generate operational problems. The iron-manganese content is therefore a major challenge for water utilities. The most common solution is iron and manganese removal, i.e. removal at the treatment plant. Only very rarely does the prevention of "contamination" of well water arise. In the following, the origins of iron-manganese impurities will be examined, with a focus on bankfiltration, in order to find ways of preventing contamination.

Water in the landscape – Climate adaptation with conflicts

Tímea Kiss — 2026-03-20

Last year, in 2025, the Southern Hungarian Great Plain experienced a significant water shortage, as only about 300 mm of precipitation fell, while the average temperature increased by 1.9 ºC, which further increased the shortage through evaporation. This gave rise to the Nem Víznek Való Vidék staff, who organized a roundtable discussion in Szeged in November 2025 on how to solve the water shortage in the Southern Great Plain, focusing on the Tisza River that flows through the area. The discussion was moderated by Dániel Csala and was attended by Péter Balogh, Tímea Kiss, Péter Kozák and Ferenc Réder. The recording of the event is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgw2dtmx44&t=1994s.

Report on the 19th Drinking Water Safety Conference – October 15, 2025.

Mátyás Borsányi — 2026-03-20

In the Event section of the Hungarian Journal os Hydrology we also report on the work of the departments of the Hungarian Hydrological Society. Below, the Department of Water Quality and Water Technology Department of the MHT presents the recommendations and suggestions of the 19th Drinking Water Safety Conference.

János JÓZSA: Develop your talent to take care the maturing of others' talent

Veronika Major — 2026-03-20

The latest volume of the book series "Building the Future in Water Management", initiated by the Water Scientific Council of the National Directorate General of Water Management (OVF), was published in December 2025 by János Józsa, entitled "Develop your talent to nurture the development of the talent of others".

József DÁNIEL: Commemoration of Gábor KEVE and Gábor ALBERT

Gábor Albert — 2026-03-20

József DÁNIEL: Commemoration of Gábor KEVE and Gábor
ALBERT