Springs in Tata

Research for the Sustainable Management of the Returned Springs in Tata city

From the 1950s the springs of Tata city – which previously had a prominent role in the economic and social life of the city – dried up gradually, as a consequence of the intense mining activity nearby. After the mining activity was ended the karst water level started to rise and it resulted in emerging the springs to surface again in the city since 2000. Now, they are a challenge for the settlement, because the built-up density increased in the meantime. However, a proper utilization of the springs could be an advantage for the city too, in the future.

In spring 2014, the Geological and Geophysical Institute of Hungary () started the examination of the issues related to the return of the waters and outlining the possible answers, based on a cooperation agreement between the MFGI and the local government of Tata. The aim of the research is to develop a mid-term Action Plan (by 2020) based on a hydrological model, a geological survey on hazards, and an analysis of the changes of the settlement structure and building stock, taking into account the effects of the climate change. Furthermore, a long-term Local Adaptation Strategy (by 2030) will be established, which will be founded by a complex social, economic, environmental and climate vulnerability assessment.