A severe water crisis has unfolded in the city of Pleven and its surrounding settlements, where wells have dried up and water scarcity is impacting local communities.
The situation has now escalated to the point where local authorities have imposed a water regime, limiting access to water for residents in an attempt to conserve supplies.
The crisis was reported by Bulgaria’s national broadcaster, BNT, and has led to heightened concerns for the well-being of residents.
In response, ministers from the departments of regional development and environment, along with water authorities, are set to meet today with Pleven’s regional governor and mayor to discuss immediate and long-term solutions.
While temporary restrictions have been implemented, officials emphasize that infrastructural improvements are needed to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future.
Modernization of the “Bivolare” Pumping Station and Infrastructure Issues
The immediate response plan centers on upgrading the “Bivolare” pumping station by replacing outdated pipes that have contributed to water loss. Despite efforts to modernize the pumping station, water loss due to aging infrastructure remains a pervasive issue.
Currently, Bulgaria experiences an alarming 60% loss of drinking water through damaged pipes—a statistic that highlights the gravity of the nation’s water management challenges.
Funding has already been allocated to modernize “Bivolare,” but experts warn that these efforts alone will not resolve Pleven’s water shortage.
“The situation is severe, and these measures are essential but will only offer temporary relief,” stated Vladimir Bibov, a member of the Board of Directors at “Bulgarian Water and Sewer Holding.”
According to Bibov, larger projects, such as constructing new dams, are crucial to stabilize Pleven’s water supply.
Cherni Osam Dam: A Long-Awaited Solution
One of the more ambitious projects proposed to address Pleven’s water crisis is the construction of the “Cherni Osam” dam, a project originally introduced in 1986 but delayed for decades due to local protests and environmental concerns.
The recent droughts have put renewed pressure on the government to expedite the dam’s construction, which is now seen as a necessary investment for the region’s future water security.
For the Pleven region, the dam’s construction represents a long-term solution to water scarcity. “This project is vital. We cannot afford further delays,” emphasized Bibov.
The dam will play a critical role in reducing the community’s dependence on groundwater sources, which have shown vulnerability to the changing climate.
Black Sea Coast Faces Water Supply Crisis
While Pleven grapples with groundwater depletion, Bulgaria’s Southern Black Sea coast faces its own severe water crisis.
The water levels at the “Kamchia” and “Yasna Polyana” dams have reached critical lows, now holding only about one-fifth of their total capacity.
These dams serve as essential water sources for the coastal region, particularly during peak tourist seasons when demand surges.
To mitigate the crisis, authorities have developed a water supply program that reallocates resources to meet the needs of Varna and other coastal areas.
The program’s first phase involves redirecting water from the “Devnen Springs” to supply Varna, a solution expected to alleviate immediate pressure on the “Kamchia” dam.
A budget of 50 million BGN has been allocated for the project, which is scheduled for completion within the next two years.
Additional Infrastructure Projects and Funding Allocation
In addition to the efforts around Kamchia, discussions are underway to connect the Poroy and Aheloy dams, which could help supplement the region’s water supply.
However, officials caution that this project will require time due to the complex expropriation processes involved.
As a result, the Ministry of Environment and Water has prioritized drinking water distribution for households, with secondary allocations planned for irrigation, rehabilitation, and energy needs.
Magdalina Valkova, an engineer with “Irrigation Systems,” noted that irrigation dams in the region currently hold only one-third of their intended capacity.
Meetings have been held with local agricultural producers to assess the amount of water available for irrigation, as demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming months.
“With reduced water levels, we have to work closely with the farming community to manage expectations and allocate resources effectively,” Valkova explained.
EU-Funded Irrigation Expansion to Improve Efficiency
To further address the water crisis, “Irrigation Systems” has initiated a large-scale investment program funded by the European Union.
This initiative aims to expand the area of irrigated land by an additional 200,000 acres while improving the efficiency of water distribution systems.
According to Valkova, this program will enable the company to irrigate more land using less water—an achievement that could prove crucial in helping Bulgaria’s agriculture sector withstand drought conditions in the future.
The investment has already shown results, with the company managing to irrigate 40,000 more acres this year compared to last, despite using a reduced amount of water.
However, the strain on Bulgaria’s water resources remains significant, and authorities are hopeful that winter rains will replenish water levels in reservoirs and rivers to provide some relief.
Hope for Relief from Winter Rainfall
As government officials, local authorities, and experts work on a range of immediate and long-term solutions, attention is also focused on the potential for winter rainfall to provide a natural replenishment of water resources.
Forecasters have indicated that favorable rainfall patterns could alleviate some of the pressure on Bulgaria’s water systems, particularly in Pleven and the Southern Black Sea region.
However, experts warn that even a wet winter may not be sufficient to fully replenish depleted reservoirs, given the extent of the current shortages.
“We are hopeful, but we need to be prepared for the reality that this may be a prolonged drought,” Bibov stated, underscoring the importance of the Cherni Osam dam project and other infrastructure initiatives.
Public Response and Local Impacts
The water shortage has prompted public frustration and concern, especially in Pleven, where residents are now experiencing the direct impact of the crisis through restricted water access.
Municipalities have been encouraged to make use of resources available through the government’s municipal support program, which provides funding for urgent water infrastructure projects.
Local residents are also being urged to conserve water wherever possible, with authorities launching awareness campaigns to inform communities about the gravity of the situation.
For many in the region, the crisis underscores the urgent need for Bulgaria to modernize its aging water infrastructure and develop strategies to adapt to increasingly variable climate conditions.
The Road Ahead
Bulgaria’s response to the Pleven water crisis and the broader shortages affecting the Southern Black Sea coast will require a sustained commitment from government agencies, local municipalities, and the communities they serve.
The Cherni Osam dam and the proposed connections between additional reservoirs represent just a portion of the investment needed to build a resilient water supply system capable of weathering future droughts.
“The current crisis highlights the gaps in our water management approach,” said Bibov. “We need to prioritize long-term investments now, or we risk facing similar issues repeatedly.”
The government’s collaborative response signals a new level of urgency, with plans to overhaul key infrastructure and expand water conservation efforts.
For the residents of Pleven and Bulgaria’s coastal regions, the water crisis has brought the need for sustainable, forward-thinking solutions into sharp focus.
As communities wait for the Cherni Osam dam and other projects to be completed, the hope remains that both short-term relief and long-term stability can be achieved.
In the meantime, officials continue to monitor water levels, manage allocations, and encourage conservation as they navigate one of Bulgaria’s most significant water crises in recent history.