Bulgaria’s Kamchia Dam, a vital source of drinking water, is facing a precarious situation with only 108 days of water supply remaining if the current drought persists, former Minister of Environment Emil Dimitrov warned.
With dam reserves depleting rapidly, Dimitrov called for urgent measures to address mismanagement and inefficiencies exacerbating the crisis.
Speaking on the state of water resources, Dimitrov outlined that during winter, the dam operates on just 5 million cubic meters of water, with a daily consumption of 250,000 cubic meters.
“We could have patched the situation for the year,” he noted, citing missed opportunities and unutilized reserves in nearby agricultural dams.
Untapped Potential in Burgas Dams
Dimitrov highlighted two underutilized agricultural dams, Poroy and Aheloy, located in the Burgas region, which together can hold up to 50 million cubic meters of water.
“These could ensure Burgas has water for an entire year,” Dimitrov explained. However, bureaucracy and disputes over operational responsibilities prevented the development of these resources.
“Funds amounting to 20 million leva were allocated as a reserve for emergencies. But instead of using them effectively, the authorities argued over which company should undertake the necessary work,” he added.
Currently, the Kamchia and Yasna Polyana dams, two crucial reservoirs, are operating at just 17% capacity. Dimitrov described this as a missed opportunity, emphasizing that proactive measures using Poroy and Aheloy could have alleviated the crisis significantly.
A Legacy of Neglect
Dimitrov pointed to structural and management issues rooted in past practices, blaming outdated infrastructure and improper water use. “The old aqueduct and the ongoing drought are often blamed to cover deeper systemic problems,” he said.
He drew attention to the changes in dam utilization since the Communist era, when water volumes and the number of dams remained the same, yet supply met the needs of millions of hectares of irrigation and domestic use. Now, despite a reduced demand, water shortages are rampant.
“Once the water is released from the dams, the abuses begin,” Dimitrov alleged. He accused hydropower plants of prioritizing profits over sustainable water management by releasing water into rivers to generate electricity, while other dams have been completely liquidated due to mismanagement.
Calls for Accountability
The former eco-minister’s remarks underline the need for immediate action to ensure water security, including repairing infrastructure, better allocation of resources, and addressing corruption in water management.
The Kamchia Dam’s looming water crisis serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting critical infrastructure and failing to adapt to environmental challenges.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether authorities will heed Dimitrov’s warnings and take decisive action to safeguard Bulgaria’s water resources.
For now, with no significant rainfall in the forecast, residents and local governments face the daunting challenge of managing dwindling supplies as a potential water crisis looms.