Debrecen4U December 10, 2025

A water ring will be created around Debrecen

With the implementation of the first phase of the Civaqua Program, the waters of River Tisza have reached Debrecen, enabling ecological and welfare developments such as the widening of the riverbed at Józsa’s Klastrompart and the creation of the reservoir on Vezér Street.

During the construction of the first phase, preparations for the design of the second phase also began. As part of this process, the preparatory support contract for Phase II of the Civaqua program was signed under the framework of the D2030 initiative. The announcement was made by Zsolt V. Németh, State Secretary for Water Management, at a press conference in Debrecen, attended by Mayor László Papp, Deputy Mayors Lajos Barcsa and Ákos Balázs, and Krisztián Csűrös, Director of the Trans-Tiszántúl Water Directorate.

This marks another significant step in channeling the waters of the Eastern Main Canal to Debrecen’s northern and eastern districts, strengthening the city’s balanced water management, safeguarding natural assets, and fostering biodiversity.

At its December assembly, the Municipality of Debrecen may decide to submit an application under the call KEHOP_PLUSZ-1.2.21-24-2025-00004. If approved, further investments will be launched under the name Civaqua Plusz, providing substantial support for Debrecen’s stormwater management and ecological development

CIVAQUA Phase II

The second phase of the Civaqua Program is a key element of Debrecen’s Green Codex, ensuring ecological goals through the measures “Water for the Great Forest!” and “Water for Erdőspuszta!” The newly signed support agreement, based on a government decision adopted in 2024, secures financing and assigns it to the second phase of the Civaqua project. By using European Union funds, it becomes possible to launch the project, whose total cost is slightly more than HUF 40 billion.

The aim of Civaqua Phase II is to deliver water from the Eastern Main Canal to the northern and eastern areas of Debrecen.

This requires the construction of a 13.5 km long gravity pipeline system that will transport water from the high-level equalization reservoir built in 2023 to the Debrecen-Pallag area to the Pallag Canal.

There will also be opportunities for water drainage in places along the 13.5 km long route in order to create favorable conditions for local wildlife and improve the local microclimate.

From the Pallag Canal, the water will flow in two directions: with the help of a water‑distribution structure, one route will lead south to replenish the Great Forest, while the other will flow through the Kondoros and Cserei streams toward the Fancsika reservoirs. For the latter, comprehensive development of the Kondoros and Cserei channels is required, including lining of the riverbeds and the construction of new connecting channels (Kondoros–Cserei connecting channel, Cserei–Fancsika I connecting channel). Along the open‑bed channels, there will also be opportunities for water retention and ecological water supply, in addition to directing water into the Fancsika I reservoir. From there, via the Kati stream, the water will reach the Fancsika II reservoir and Lake Vekeri.

Main Technical Content of Civaqua Phase II

Water transport and distribution:

• Gravity pipeline system: Approximately 13.5 km of pipeline will be built from the high‑point balancing reservoir to the Pallag area of Debrecen, into the Pallag Canal.
• Channel system development: The Pallag Canal (approx. 2,400 m) will be upgraded, and connecting channels will be constructed (e.g., Kondoros–Cserei stream, Cserei stream–Fancsika I.), including comprehensive development and lining of the Kondoros and Cserei streams.
• Structures: Around 19 structures will be developed and built, equipped with remote signaling and security systems.

Ecological and recreational goals:

• Replenishment of the Great Forest: A water‑distribution structure will supply water to improve the forest’s water balance. A forest infiltration reservoir of about 2 hectares will be created, expected to raise the groundwater level by 4 meters within a 0.5 km radius, thereby improving the quality of life of the Natura 2000 forest.
• Revitalization of the Erdőspuszta lakes: The channel system will deliver water to the Vekeri and Fancsika reservoirs. Planned works include dredging (approx. 220,000 m³), rehabilitation of the beds, and eradication of invasive species.
• Monitoring and control: An operations management center will be built, along with modern monitoring and camera systems to oversee water management.

Solar Power Plant Investment for the Operation of the Civaqua Program

The project is being implemented from funding provided by the Ministry of Energy as follows:

• The network development will be carried out by TIVIZIG as the investor, in coordination with OPUS Titász as the service provider, under a contract planned to be signed by December 31, 2025. A total of HUF 151,088,725 is available for the investment.
• OVF, as the investor, will implement the construction of the solar power plant. A government decision has been made to support the investment, with funding of HUF 3,575,000,000. For project preparation and planning, HUF 50,030,000 has been allocated to OVF.

CIVAQUA Plusz

Within the framework of Civaqua Plusz, the creation of an Eco‑Park in Tócóvölgy can be realized, along with the Debrecen Water Ring—a complex rainwater retention and utilization system. Integrated with Civaqua Phase II, this will establish around the city a “blue ring” of interconnected lakes and canals. The system supports adaptation to climate change by retaining precipitation locally and making use of thermal waters.

The specific aim of the project application is for settlements to address water management challenges through natural or nature‑based solutions—such as uneven rainfall distribution, damage caused by sudden downpours, flash floods, inland water risks, or water shortages during droughts. It supports the development of green and blue infrastructure: water retention, water conservation, revitalization of watercourses, rainwater harvesting and stormwater management, and nature‑based landscape management. The total cost of the development is approximately HUF 5 billion.

Project Components:

1. Rehabilitation of Lake Vekeri: Due to the impacts of climate change, Lake Vekeri has increasingly dried out completely over the past decade, as its water supply currently depends solely on precipitation.

From the northern basin, the upper layer of about 15 cm, intertwined with reed roots, will be removed, enabling the restoration of the former 7.2‑hectare water surface. There is no need to dredge the lake bottom deeper; instead, the water retention capacity is strengthened with natural materials so that the water does not leak out. On the approximately 4.5‑hectare section of the lake, natural vegetation will remain to ensure ecological continuity, while during full refilling, about 2.5 hectares of open water surface will also be created.

Most of the green infrastructure improvements will be carried out on about 10 hectares on a large‑scale, extensive basis.

In connection with recreational use, welfare elements will be established on about 8,000 square meters: a renovated pier, a playground/adventure park built from natural materials, and wooden picnic areas, complemented by the planting of biodiverse flowering meadows.

2. Tócóvölgy Eco‑Park: A system of four lakes (with a total water surface of approximately 3 hectares) will be created, designed to retain locally the rainwater that currently flows into the centrally managed system from the surrounding neighborhoods and areas.

The quality and quantity of the lakes’ water, as well as that of the Tócó stream, will be monitored by a modern online system. The collected data will also be transmitted to city management, the KER, and the Civaqua control center.

3. Kondoros – Rainwater Retention and Thermal Water Utilization

• New lakes: Rainwater storage lakes (e.g., reservoir along Acsádi Road, reservoir near Meggyes) will be built to retain water locally in the northeastern districts, using natural sealing. Regarding the location: based on hydrogeological studies supporting the design task, it will be determined whether Meggyes or Ungvárikert is more suitable for retaining and utilizing district waters. The lakes’ replenishment and drainage will be managed by remotely controlled sluices.
• Thermal water reuse: The pool water of the Great Forest Thermal Bath will be separated, treated, and then directed into the Acsádi Lake, where rainwater will further dilute it. This will enable the reuse of approximately 1 million cubic meters of water annually.
• Revitalization of Kondoros: The channel will be reshaped with a more natural, meandering bedline, slowing water flow and improving local habitats. In addition, rest areas will be created, and new vegetation will be planted along the banks.

The processes related to the project must progress at such a pace that the funds used can be accounted for with the European Union by December 2029.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu