The discharge of used – polluted – water from settlements and industry remains the most pressing unresolved issue within the Danube–Tisza–Danube (DTD) Hydrosystem and its primary canal network.
The OKM project envisioned that large canals and rivers would serve as collectors of wastewater — but only after adequate treatment, allowing safe use by other users without harmful consequences.
Currently, the situation within the OKM is such that enormous quantities of untreated or partially treated water are being discharged. The main contributors are the food, textile, leather, and other industries. In addition to industrial and municipal wastewater, drainage water from agricultural land — containing fertilizers and pesticides — is also accepted, negatively impacting water quality in the canals. Other smaller pollutants include navigation traffic and similar sources.
Wastewater pollution is predominantly organic in nature, containing residues of plant and animal origin.
Alongside domestic pollution, contaminated water from neighboring countries is also introduced. It enters via rivers that cross international borders — primarily the Danube and Tisza, and in the Banat region: the Zlatica, Begej, Tamiš, and other smaller streams. Of course, not all rivers are equally or constantly polluted — some bring higher levels of pollution, others less.
The impact of pollution is reflected in changes to the physical properties and chemical composition of the water, reducing its usability.
The most endangered canal sections include Vrbas–Bečej, the Kikinda Canal downstream from Kikinda, the entire course of the Begej River, and other industrial centers.
Canal water quality is assessed through sampling at designated locations, followed by laboratory analysis of chemical, biological, and bacteriological characteristics. Long-term monitoring indicates a trend of deteriorating water quality in the OKM.
To remedy the current situation, increased amounts of water from the Danube and Tisza are being released into polluted sections to dilute and reduce pollutant concentrations. In other words, relatively clean water from the Danube and Tisza is redirected toward endangered sections to reduce pollution. The results are not negligible, as satisfactory effects are achieved. However, this dilution should not be considered a permanent solution.
The real solution lies in building wastewater treatment plants. Some major polluters are preparing for the construction of such facilities, but broader engagement from other stakeholders is necessary to resolve this significant problem.
The main reason for the unsatisfactory water quality in OKM canals is that industrial development has not been accompanied by adequate environmental protection. In the coming period, with further industrial growth, water quality is expected to decline further. Although legal requirements for new industrial facilities have somewhat slowed the deterioration, no improvement trend is evident, leaving the water in certain sections in a critical state.
Key activities to overcome water protection challenges include:
- Coordinating all activities and programs related to the construction of wastewater treatment plants in the OKM system,
- Increasing funding to address these issues, recognizing the growing dependence of the economy on water,
- Implementing necessary actions and interventions where needed.
Therefore, water protection must remain a constant concern in all sectors of the economy.
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