The Lower Tisza District in Hungary, is a region severely affected by water scarcity. 

We spoke with Dr. Zsuzsanna Hajdu PhD, head of the Land Drainage and Irrigation Department of the Lower Tisza District Water Directorate, to better understand the region, the application of sponge measures and the importance of Spongeworks. 

What sparked the project in the Lower Tisza Valley? 

The region is a severely drought-prone area in Hungary. Growing water stress, increasing water scarcity and rising temperatures are placing unprecedented pressure on water resources, especially in agriculture. These trends are leading to extreme water balance situations, with severe socio-economic and environmental consequences, including the potential for conflicts over access to water. 

Outdated canal networks are often no longer fit for irrigation, forcing farmers to rely heavily on groundwater extraction during dry periods, a practice that is unsustainable in the long term. 

At the same time, there is untapped potential: numerous privately owned areas could serve as key sites for water retention, offering an opportunity to capture and store water more effectively. Unlocking this potential will be critical to building resilience and securing the future of agricultural production in a changing climate.