site.btaEnvironment Minister Genov: Over 160 Checks Carried Out on Illegal Water Extraction Since February

“We have conducted over 160 inspections for illegal water extraction, issued 95 violation reports, and drawn up 33 penalty decrees since February/March,” Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov said in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. 

Asked whether there is a “water mafia,” Genov dismissed this as “talk” and said hydropower plants should be asked how satisfied they are with the minister. He explained that water shortages are mainly due to climate change, adding that rainfall in the coming months will be scarce and reservoirs will fill slowly.

In 2025, over 400 million cubic metres of water have been saved for energy production, 70–80 million cubic metres allocated for irrigation, and 13–14 million cubic metres for drinking and household needs, Genov said.

Regarding the six Black Sea locations where his ministry continuously monitors seawater quality, Genov noted that the latest data from July 27 showed no deviations. “We cannot identify any irregularities; people should rest assured that the Black Sea is still improving in terms of water purity,” the minister said