As Bulgaria grapples with a severe drought, over 300 settlements are currently under a water regime, impacting nearly 500,000 residents.
This water crisis has been exacerbated by a significant reduction in water reserves across the country, with many dams now perilously low.
Recent assessments reveal that some reservoirs are at just 2 percent of their full capacity, raising alarm among experts and local authorities.
The situation is particularly dire at the “Koprinka” dam, which is reported to be only 13 percent full. This critical shortfall has led to fears of a potential ecological disaster, including a mass fish die-off.
Although there are no immediate threats of a water regime affecting Stara Zagora, the regional governor, Metodi Markov, is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact.
In an interview with Nova TV, Governor Markov detailed the steps being taken to manage water supplies for local farmers.
He has been working closely with the Prime Minister’s office, the “Irrigation Systems” management in Sofia, and the Minister of Environment and Water, Petar Dimitrov.
To monitor the situation, a mobile laboratory has been deployed to assess water quality and oxygen levels, aiming to prevent any potential fish die-off.
Assoc. Prof. Borislav Velikov has underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that a one-degree increase in Earth’s temperature results in a 7 percent decrease in available water.
Velikov has called for the establishment of a unified agency to oversee the management of Bulgaria’s water resources.
He highlighted a strategy developed a decade ago, with support from the World Bank, which projected a need for 12 billion leva to improve water sources and address losses.
However, this plan, which was intended to secure substantial EU funding, has yet to be realized.
In light of the current crisis, Velikov suggested exploring alternative water sources such as aqueducts and boreholes.
Despite the declining levels of underground water, these measures could provide some relief. Julian Popov, former Minister of Environment and Water, also addressed the issue of inadequate coordination in water management.
He emphasized the potential benefits of innovative solutions, including floating solar power plants designed to reduce evaporation from water bodies. Discussions are ongoing about such measures to protect Bulgaria’s water resources.
The ongoing drought has highlighted the urgent need for effective water management strategies. The reduction in reservoir levels and the potential ecological risks underscore the importance of coordinated efforts to address this critical issue.
With experts and officials working to manage the crisis, the focus remains on implementing both immediate and long-term solutions to safeguard Bulgaria’s water supply and environmental health.