Debrecen4U June 24, 2026

Debrecen Waterworks: Contamination at Semcorp Does Not Affect Drinking Water Supply

The contamination incident at Semcorp does not affect Debrecen’s drinking water supply, Ferenc Gorján told Médiacentrum Debrecen in response to an enquiry.

Responding to Mayor László Papp’s announcement on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of Debrecen Waterworks highlighted that the city’s underground water sources are located far from the industrial plants. The quality of groundwater at the water sources operated by and assigned to the responsibility of Debrecen Waterworks remains satisfactory, and the contamination does not affect Debrecen’s drinking water supply. “By virtue of its core responsibilities, our company continuously carries out activities that ensure Debrecen’s drinking water supply remains protected, including from the current contamination incident,” said Ferenc Gorján.

The expert explained that Waterworks Production Site No. I is located behind Decathlon, Site No. II is situated in the Great Forest area, and Site No. IV is located near Vámospércsi Road. These are confined groundwater sources, meaning that the water is situated between two or more impermeable geological layers. According to the Chief Executive Officer, groundwater in the area flows from north-east to south-west, meaning it moves not from the factories towards the water sources, but rather from the water source areas towards the factories. This in itself represents a significant safety factor for Debrecen’s water supply.

Ferenc Gorján wrote that, in Debrecen as elsewhere, the number, location and depth of monitoring wells are determined on the basis of these hydrogeological conditions, with regular sampling carried out from the monitoring wells. “This is important because if any parameter proves unsatisfactory, there is still time to modify operational procedures and implement preventive measures in order to maintain the continuity and security of supply,” he explained.

The head of the water utility stressed that the water quality of both monitoring and production wells associated with the city’s water sources remains satisfactory. Furthermore, water extracted from these wells undergoes a comprehensive and carefully controlled treatment process, through which it is officially transformed into drinking water and thereby classified as a food product.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu