For a long time, we believed that water in Hungary was an unlimited resource. With the Danube, the Tisza, Lake Balaton, and countless thermal springs, we tend to think that water shortages only affect deserts or distant continents. But in reality, water scarcity is already a growing problem here, especially in the Great Plain region, in agricultural areas, and during summer.
The solution is not just using less water, but rethinking how we use it. One key is reclaiming water that has already been used and discarded. This includes water from filter backwashing in treatment systems (such as iron removal or activated carbon filters), and treated wastewater, which we still tend to discharge without a second thought.
Why is water scarcity a real risk in Hungary?
Multiple factors contribute to the problem:
- climate change is causing longer periods of drought, especially in the eastern regions
- rainfall patterns are becoming more extreme and less predictable
- industrial and agricultural water consumption has increased dramatically
- outdated pipeline networks allow massive water losses
- our existing water reserves are poorly managed, and we waste water that could be recovered
The solution is not just consumption reduction, but conscious planning of water cycles.
Backwash water: a forgotten resource
Nearly every water treatment system, industrial or municipal, includes backwash cycles that generate large amounts of so-called “wastewater.” Often, this water is only mildly contaminated. Yet without a mindset of reuse, it is typically settled and then discharged into open water bodies or sent to the sewage system.
Typical examples:
- iron and manganese removal filters: backwash water containing iron and manganese hydroxides could be settled and reused after proper pretreatment
- activated carbon filters: water from regeneration cycles could be reused as rinse water for non-potable applications
This adds up to thousands of liters per day at a single industrial or municipal site, water that we currently waste entirely.
Treated wastewater: an untapped opportunity
Hungarian wastewater treatment plants operate with excellent technology. However, the treated water is usually returned immediately to nature instead of being reused.
With an added tertiary treatment stage, this water could be ideal for:
- agricultural irrigation
- industrial processes
- cooling, dust suppression, or fire water storage
With proper filtration, ultrafiltration (UF), disinfection (e.g. UV), and infrastructure, treated wastewater could become one of the most important water sources of the future. And this is not speculation, it’s already everyday practice in other countries.
Why don’t we use water reuse as an opportunity?
There are several reasons:
- lack of awareness, water is still seen as a single-use resource
- missing infrastructure for collection and reuse
- regulation often hinders rather than encourages water recycling
- investment decisions rarely consider the future value of water, while policymakers treat it as infinite
The technology is available what’s often missing is the will.
How should water reuse be done right?
International examples:
- the Netherlands and Denmark: plan for separate reuse systems from the design stage
- Israel: over 50% of agricultural irrigation is done using treated wastewater
- Spain: reclaimed water is used for dust control, park irrigation, and fire protection
- some foreign industrial sites already reuse iron filter and carbon filter backwash water — saving up to 30% water
What about rainwater?
Rainwater is often left out of the water scarcity conversation yet it’s a valuable resource that we currently allow to go to waste in Hungary.
- during intense storms, huge volumes fall in a short time and we can’t retain it
- in cities, sealed surfaces prevent infiltration, causing both drought and damage
- in most locations, rainwater is not used at all though it could be ideal for irrigation, flushing, dust control, or industrial use
Possible solutions:
- install rainwater harvesting and infiltration systems at industrial or municipal sites
- filter mechanically and reuse for non-potable purposes
- rethink urban planning: water retention systems, green roofs, permeable pavements
Rainwater is not a problem, it’s a missed opportunity if we don’t use it.
When will we run out of water?
Water is not infinite. Hungary has reached the point where every drop counts. The scarcity is not only due to climate change but also the result of outdated water management practices. If we don’t change our mindset, we won’t just lose water, we’ll lose money, competitiveness, and our children’s future.
The solution already exists, it’s accessible and it works. We simply need to implement it.
Water is not waste. Water is value. It’s time we treat it that way.
