site.btaVelingrad Local Administration Assures Uranium Level in Water of Spa Resort Town within Safe Limit, Poses No Health Hazard

Velingrad Local Administration Assures Uranium Level in Water of Spa Resort Town within Safe Limit, Poses No Health Hazard

Velingrad, Southern Bulgaria, April 22 (BTA) - Late on Friday central media outlets announced information about elevated uranium levels in the water of the Velingrad Municipality, which is a big spa centre. The announcement came after previous information about elevated uranium levels in the water of Haskovo and Purvomai, also in Southern Bulgaria.

Velingrad Mayor Kostadin Koev assured that the uranium levels in the water in the territory of the town is within the standard, and poses no health hazard.

The municipal administration and the local water and sewerage utility have undertaken all necessary measures and have discontinued supply of water to affected areas from two water sources, Legourinets and Kleptouza. The supply of water comes from a treatment plant where the uranium level is within the permissible levels.

Responding to public concerns over elevated uranium levels in drinking water in the southern town of Haskovo, caretaker Health Minister Ilko Semerdjiev Friday said in Parliament there was no health risk. Semerdjiev also said more conservative standards for natural uranium had been phased in Bulgaria since 2011. At present, the maximum permissible level is 0.03 mg/litre. Short-term use of water with  an elevated uranium content does not pose an immediate health risk, he said. The ministries of health care, of regional development and of the environment are drawing up an interim report with recommendations for more stringent checks and control of water sources, especially those near closed uranium mines.