Water management
Water transfer between the Körös rivers – a new canal may help supply water to areas suffering from water shortages
About the European Union project named CMPLX-WATER our previous article, the aim of this project is nothing less than to improve the water management of the water-deficient areas of the Berettyó and Sebes-Körös regions. In addition to the Körös Region Water Management Authority, the Tiszántúl Water Management Authority, the Nagyvárad Water Management Authority as lead partner and the Municipality of Sălard are also participating in the project.
The majority of the project carried out by the Körös Regional Water Authority consists of design work, details of which can be found on the public procurement portal.
According to a call for tenders published recently, preparations are underway for a water management development project:
designing a gravity-fed water channel that would transport water from the Sebes-Körös area to the Fekete-Körös.
The aim is not to create new water resources, but to redistribute existing water more efficiently within the region, particularly in areas where water shortages are more frequent.
The winning designer's tasks will include:
- Environmental impact assessment and Natura 2000 impact assessment— as well as obtaining an environmental permit.
- Theoretical water rights licence planthe Sebes-Kettős-Fekete-Körös connecting canal.
- Water rights permit plan for constructionthe Sebes-Körös water intake facility.
Why is water diversion necessary?
The topography and water supply conditions vary across the 1,096 km² area between the Sebes and Fekete Körös rivers. While the water supply of the Sebes-Körös is generally more stable, the Fekete- and Kettős-Körös catchment areas are more frequently affected by water shortages.
The essence of the planned system is that part of the larger water reserves of the Sebes-Körös would be diverted to the dammed water area of the Fekete-Körös, thus providing a more even supply of water to the flatland water management areas.
It is important to emphasise that water resources are not increasing, but rather being redistributed within the region, thereby enabling more efficient water distribution.
Main features of the planned canal
The connecting canal between Sebes-Kettős-Fekete-Körösök according to the concept:
- approx. 44,000 linear metres long,
- for the most part high-level channel,
- the existing Leaning on the Biharugrai dam guides the water through
- quite To the town of Sarkad.
Planned water flow: 4–6 m³/s — this is the volume that the channel must be able to safely carry.
From here, after minor modifications, the water can be transported through the existing inland waterway network to the Fekete-Körös reservoir.
At the current stage of preparation, the channel:
- bottom width: ~4.0 m or ~3.1 m
- slope inclination: 1 : 1,5
- operating water depth: ~2.0 m
These parameters will be clarified during subsequent consultations.
Reservoirs can supplement the water system
The canal's water supply would be expanded by two reservoirs, which currently exist only at the conceptual level:
| Reservoir | Capacity | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Biharugrai reservoir | 1.6 million m³ | 118 ha |
| Mezőgyán reservoir | 13.0 million m³ | 754 ha |
Their total capacity is 12–15 million m³.
These reservoirs are:
- can balance the water supply,
- can provide water replenishment during drier periods,
- can increase the flexibility of the water management system.
Also affects nature conservation areas
The planned facilities are located in several Natura 2000 and nationally significant protected areas, including:
- Upper Sebes-Körös — HUHN20004
- Kis-Sárrét — HUKM10002
- South Bihar salt marshes — HUKM20019
- Holt-Sebes-Körös — HUKM20018
- Millet vein — HUKM20022
Therefore, it is particularly important to examine nature conservation aspects and minimise environmental impacts during the project.
The Sebes-Körös water intake facility, i.e. the canal connecting the two rivers, starts at the pump station supply channel above the Biharugrai bottom dam, from where it crosses the left bank of the Sebes-Körös in the vicinity of 55+165 tkm, feeding it.
- 2 × NÁ 2200 mm pipe sluice,
- This would be achieved by providing a water flow of 4–6 m³/s.
Source: Link
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