Water management and economic experiences of the extraordinary water damage events at the end of July 2020

Abstract

In the scope of activities of the General Directorate of Water Management (further OVF) have been conspicuous parts water management of settlements and of rainwater since 2019. Organisations of the Ministry of Interior with nationwide competence have at least one feature in common, i.e. serving for safety of the citizens. The government has controlled - through the Ministry of Interior, by the deputy secretariat for water management - the managerial organisations for water management, which are primarily responsible for water management in Hungary. For water management, appearing on state level mainly as regional water management. It is important to note that water management is not organised by regions of public service but by water accumulators. Another important supporting column of consistent and effective water management is water management of the settlements. Our settlements are increased exposed to effects of climate change as on these areas are concentrated the majority of population and of economic activities and, on the other side, the cities are frequently placed on sensitive areas considering climate change (endangered among others by floods or internal waters or by droughts). City water systems – including drinking water system, dirty water and rainwater delivering and cleaning systems – are specially endangered, as climate change is manifested first of all in change of hydrological circle (Buzás, 2015). The elaboration of basic technical, economic and legal frames for water management of settlements is a highlighted duty of the Hungarian water management. To tasks and general goals belongs further strengthening of water management based on real and actual digital bases, suitable to achieve the goals fixed in the National Water Strategy. In the rainwater management of settlements are preventive measures especially important (no matter whether these are structural of not structural measures). When planning development, it is important to realise as far as possible holding waters locally. There is a great need to build reservoirs which are suitable both for protection against damages by floods, cloudbursts and for holding local waters, supporting also welfare and ecologic goals – supposed that they do not suppress the basic functions of reservoirs. In July 2020 there were floods of smaller water flows causing considerable damages on areas of several water management directorates. Restoration needs, in value of several billions, have been arisen (acts of nature in water and settlement matters). This comprehensive paper presents interventions and experiences acquired through activities of local water damage control.