From September 14 to 18, 2026, Budapest became the international hub for hydrogeology. Under the theme “Groundwater – A Key Multi-Resource,” the 53rd Congress of the International Association of Hydrogeologists brought together experts from the fields of science, planning, and water management. After 50 years, the international conference was held in Hungary once again for the first time.
A Resource with Many Functions
Groundwater is far more than just a source of drinking water. The scientific program therefore examined this resource from various perspectives—ranging from deep and near-surface groundwater systems to karst and fissure groundwater, as well as the interactions between groundwater, soil, vegetation, and surface waters.
Another key focus was the role of groundwater in the green transition. Topics discussed included geothermal energy and mineral resources, sustainable water management, and the impacts of construction and mining activities on groundwater systems. Adaptation to climate change, droughts, and extreme events also played a central role.
From Monitoring to Artificial Intelligence
How groundwater can be better understood, protected, and managed in the future was also part of the extensive program. Sessions addressed topics such as groundwater monitoring, numerical modeling, big data, and machine learning, as well as groundwater quality, new contaminants, and the assessment of groundwater system vulnerability.
In addition to the scientific sessions, field trips offered the opportunity to observe hydrogeological processes firsthand. Destinations included karst and thermal water systems, groundwater-dependent wetlands, and Lake Balaton.
Budapest: A Fitting Venue
Hardly any European capital is as closely linked to groundwater as Budapest. Thermal springs and the Buda karst system shape the city just as much as the bank filtration along the Danube, which provides drinking water for approximately 1.8 million people. As a result, Budapest offered a direct connection to many of the topics discussed during the congress.
iC was also represented at the World Groundwater Congress. Helmuth Kreuzhuber attended the congress on behalf of iC and used the international expert forum to exchange ideas on current developments and approaches in hydrogeology.
