Debrecen Waterworks Zrt. is responsible for maintaining nearly 1,000 kilometres of water networks within the administrative area of Debrecen. According to the company’s statement on Monday, preserving the quality of drinking water is not merely an operational task but also a major responsibility, meaning that it is required to flush the water network throughout its entire service area. The company was responding to allegations by Enikő Tompa and Éva Kozma that enormous amounts of water are being wasted in the Southern Economic Zone.
Debrecen Waterworks emphasised that network flushing is a completely routine and regulated procedure, which is carried out at least twice a year in different parts of the city in accordance with regulations, and more frequently when necessary. The amount of water used depends on the length and diameter of the pipe section and other technical parameters. The associated costs are recognised by the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority, the sector’s primary supervisory body, as justified and eligible expenses.
According to the company, the process is carried out under fully controlled conditions. The city’s water supply remains secure; water shortages only occur when sections of the network are shut down due to pipe bursts. Otherwise, specialists can carry out their work without disruption. The company stressed that external factors triggering certain operating conditions of the networks are beyond the Waterworks’ control, but its objective is clear: regardless of political considerations, to continuously provide water of adequate quality, quantity and pressure. Without network flushing, bacteria posing serious health risks could multiply inside the pipes.
The statement also stressed that professional expertise should not be a political issue. Debrecen Waterworks said it would not adjust its operations to the current expectations of politicians, whether concerning the flushing of water pipes or any other technical intervention. The company said the sector is highly complex and requires specialised expertise, and is not an area falling under politicians’ responsibility.
The company confirmed that MP Enikő Tompa had contacted it on several occasions. It said it had responded to her concerns without delay, while CEO Ferenc Gorján had also held detailed and constructive discussions with the politician on two occasions. The Waterworks stressed that its decision-makers and operational staff are nationally recognised professionals who work around the clock to ensure uninterrupted service.
The company firmly rejected what it described as unfounded questioning of its professional competence and called on public figures not to turn the Waterworks’ expertise into a battleground for political disputes.
CATL’s position
CATL has also commented on the network flushing taking place in the Southern Economic Zone, reiterating its statement from August 7.
The company rejected reports circulating on social media and clarified that the water discharge in the area was not connected to its equipment, as the pipeline concerned is owned by the municipality.
According to CATL, the intervention is being carried out by Debrecen Waterworks to maintain water quality. Since the battery cell plant has not yet started production, the company currently uses only a minimal amount of water.
CATL also highlighted that it has developed a unique technology for the future plant that could require up to 50% less water. The company added that during last week’s drought, it also actively cooperated in measures aimed at reducing energy consumption by 30%.
