New Hungarian rules bring flexibility to water management

A new government decree issued by the Ministry of Energy entered into force on 25 July 2025, aiming to make water management regulations more transparent and flexible. One key change is that water authorities may now hold public hearings electronically, for example, via video conferencing or by publishing materials on their official website.

Authorities must inform affected parties at least five days in advance through a public notice, specifying the time and method of the hearing. Written comments and questions must also be accepted, with a response required within 15 days. Another important update concerns the method of notification: if at least fifty affected individuals are identified in a case, authorities are no longer required to send individual letters; public notice will suffice. This simplifies large-scale procedures such as modifications of water permits or approvals for new installations. Applicants and petitioners will still receive written decisions, and if the case concerns a property, the authority will automatically initiate land registry updates.

The regulation distinguishes between agricultural and household wells. Agricultural wells must be reported to the irrigation authority with detailed technical documentation, and a certified water meter must be installed upon construction. The authority must decide within 30 days and register the well accordingly. Household (or garden) wells intended for private use, such as drinking water or irrigation, are subject to a simpler reporting process with more lenient technical requirements.