Hungary looks to giant waterproof pond linings to combat unpredictable weather

The demand for water storage solutions on farms in Hungary and across Europe is growing due to the increasing unpredictability of weather and extreme conditions, which scientists attribute to climate change. Farmers are now confronted with prolonged periods of drought and heavy rainfall at different times, prompting the need for effective water management.

Erno Kosztka, a farmer with nearly three decades of experience cultivating apple, peach and plum trees near Budapest, explains, "Sometime in the near future, these particular fruits won't be readily accessible. Our children and grandchildren will likely grow species that might require less water and thrive in hotter weather conditions."

Hungary is facing increasing aridity and desertification in some regions due to severe droughts, which led to the destruction of over 5,000 square kilometers of crops a year ago, resulting in substantial financial setbacks for farmers. 

Gergely Toro, CEO of Creatiger Kft, acknowledges the dilemma: "Last year was very dry, so there was a bit of panic among farmers on what to do about this situation."

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To address the growing need for water storage, Gergely and his brother, Attila, have introduced an innovative solution: the world's largest waterproof pond linings. These linings, made from cutting-edge material known as Geomembrane, facilitate faster and more cost-effective pond installation for farmers. 

"We can prefabricate huge liners up to four to five thousand square meter panels, which we can ship to the customer, who can install them themselves," says Toro.

The pond linings are not limited to use in agriculture; in the neighboring Sioagard, they play a crucial role in wastewater treatment. Sioagard's mayor, Attila Gero, praised this cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

"Using pipes and pumps, sewage water flows through each pond," explains Gero. "The plants inside the ponds have roots that absorb pollutants from the sewage water, neutralizing them to produce clean water."

The Toro brothers have expanded their impact by supplying and setting up ponds for farmers in Germany, Ireland, Portugal, and the Netherlands. They encourage farmers to view water as a precious resource, emphasizing the importance of collecting it when it's abundant and using it judiciously in times of need.

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