Severe drought is a major cause of drinking water shortages

A working group with experts from all relevant ministries will identify both short-term and long-term measures as part of a national policy to solve the problem of water supply to the population and irrigation of agricultural crops. This became clear after the meeting held today at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works between the Ministers of Regional Development and Public Works Eng. Violeta Koritarova, Ministers of Environment and Water Petar Dimitrov, Ministers of Energy Vladimir Malinov and Ministers of Economy and Industry Dr. Petko Nikolov. The managements of the National Electric Company, the Electricity System Operator, "Bulgarian Water and Sewer Holding" EAD, deputy ministers and experts from the ministries also took part in it. The meeting is in fulfillment of the emergency measures ordered by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev to deal with the water shortage in the country.

The situation with the imposed water regimes in populated areas was discussed. It was reported that severe drought and rising temperatures are among the main causes of drinking water shortages. According to data from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, 2024 is the third dry and hot year in a row. The month of June was the hottest since 1930, and this year's drought was also the longest, lasting more than three months. As a result, there is a drop in water quantities by 87% in Northern Bulgaria compared to last year. A decrease in the volumes is also reported for the other water sources. Another reason for the aridity was the loss of drinking water through the old water supply networks in certain settlements, as well as the irrigation losses through the amortized irrigation systems.

In order to deal with the problems and to minimize the negatives for the population, the work in emergency mode of all state structures continues in coordination with the local authorities.

A working group with experts from all line ministries is being created, which will also be a kind of coordination center in order to achieve greater effectiveness of the institutions' joint efforts. It will outline both short-term and long-term measures as part of a national policy to solve the problem of water supply to the population and irrigation of agricultural crops.

The task force will aim to propose concrete solutions to improve efficiency and control, ensure back-up water sources and prioritize strategic dams to be built or rehabilitated to ensure the country's water supplies to cope with climate change in the coming years. years. Necessary legal changes will also be analysed, as water supply is a strategic sector and part of national security.

The preparation of a complete hydromelioration analysis will be discussed, which will show both the options for improving the water supply and the need for repair and construction of new artificial reservoirs.