Branch Organizations and Mayors Discuss Water Supply Crisis with MPs

Valentin Evstatiev, Borislava Bibinovska, Yoana Hristova

Тhe parliamentary Committee on Environment and Water discussed water supply problems with government ministers, branch organizations and mayors. Sofia, August 21, 2025 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

21.08.2025 20:06

(BTA)

Branch organizations Thursday commented on the water supply issues affecting parts of Bulgaria. They took part in an emergency meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Environment and Water, which discussed three draft resolutions aimed at tackling the ongoing water crisis.

From Vidin to Silistra, not a single farmer has access to irrigation, said Pavel Stoimenov from the Association for Sustainable Agriculture. “Meanwhile, in Romania, we see the Danube being drained,” he told the Committee. “While you’re protecting the Danube, our neighbours are not,” he added. Stoimenov described the Danube’s first terrace as an inexhaustible water source and urged the parliamentarians to take action before the situation worsens, warning that fruit and vegetable production, as well as livestock farming, are at risk.

Zhivko Tanev from the Bulgarian Farmers’ Union stressed the importance of involving both citizens and branch organizations in resolving the water supply issue. He stated that the affected organizations are willing to contribute their expertise where needed.

According to Simeon Karakolev from the National Sheep and Goat Breeders Association, legislative changes are necessary to facilitate agricultural water use. “Our farmers are unable to irrigate using Bulgarian water,” he said. “Our appeal is that, after addressing household water supply needs, attention be turned to irrigation for crops.”

Bozhidar Petkov from the Bulgarian Raspberry Producers Association emphasized that the proper allocation of water resources is critical for agriculture. He argued that there must be a sensible balance between water use for the economy and for domestic needs.

Madlena Boyadzhieva, Mayor of Teteven and a member of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, said that tension in municipalities facing water restrictions is high. “Municipalities lack the financial resources to replace deteriorated water infrastructure,” she explained. “Under the Water Act, these facilities are public-municipal property, and municipalities are responsible for their upkeep.” In regions without a consolidated water utility operator, access to EU funding for reconstruction is unavailable, and alternative solutions must be sought, she added. Boyadzhieva underlined the need for inter-institutional coordination and called for a thorough assessment of Bulgaria’s water resources.

Aleko Tomov, director of “Vodokanalproekt – Clean Waters,” stated that the Cherni Osam Reservoir is the only viable solution for dealing with the water shortage in Pleven.

“Our business cannot function without water; we cannot rely on rainfall,” said Milen Dimitrov from the Bulgarian Rice Association. “My request is that we respect the Water Act and follow a clear priority system: first for domestic needs, then for irrigation, and only afterwards for energy,” he said.

Galia Bardarska from the Global Water Partnership – Bulgaria noted that a regional pre-investment study had already been conducted for Pleven, with several million leva spent.

The emergency meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Environment and Water lasted over three hours. It concluded with the approval of a draft resolution to implement urgent measures addressing the water crisis.

/DS/