Bulgaria's water problems are serious, says environment minister

Alarming data on the state of water resources and access to water for domestic use and irrigation were presented at a hearing in the National Assembly on the problems of water scarcity in the country.

The Minister of Environment and Water, Petar Dimitrov, pointed out that there was a trend towards permanent drought and a decrease in water run-off.

He said that the data for the Danube plain, where water levels have fallen by 82% compared to last year, were particularly worrying, especially after 2023 was declared by the World Meteorological Organisation to be the driest for global rivers in 30 years.

Moreover, in Pleven and Lovech, water is not being stored, but is being lost in the water network by up to 90%, and in some places more than 90%.

The efforts of the state authorities are focused on cooperation with municipalities, which are subject to controlled water supply schedules, and on projects to improve water and sewage infrastructure under the programme financed from the state budget.

Regional Development Minister Violeta Koritarova stressed that it was important for mayors to recognise the need for this activity because "no one will return to a settlement - even an improved one - that has no running water".