Water Crisis in Bulgaria: Experts Cite Climate Change and Outdated Systems

The ongoing drought in Bulgaria is attributed to record-high temperatures and outdated infrastructure, according to Acting Minister of Environment and Waters, Petar Dimitrov. He presented his assessment during a hearing before the National Assembly, where he was joined by Minister of Agriculture, Georgi Tahov, and Regional Minister, Violeta Koritarova.

Dimitrov explained that the primary factor behind the diminished water resources in the country is the hydroclimatic conditions. The prolonged drought, high temperatures, lack of precipitation, minimal snow cover, a mild winter, and absence of spring flooding have collectively contributed to a significant reduction in surface water runoff and shallow underground aquifers. The minister highlighted that data from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology show a 72% decrease in river runoff across the country in June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This reduction was most pronounced in the Danube Basin Management Region, where the river runoff dropped by 82% compared to the previous year. The decline continued into July and August, with the Western White Sea region experiencing a 63% decrease.

To address the climate change issue, Dimitrov stressed the importance of involving the scientific community immediately. He noted that the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) manages 52 complex and significant dams, focusing on balanced resource distribution and promoting effective use. Despite the severe conditions, Dimitrov assured that there is no water rationing in settlements supplied by these major dams, with current dam volumes at about 67% of capacity.

The shortage of water is exacerbated by inefficiencies in the distribution and use of drinking and irrigation water, Dimitrov...