site.btaWater Rationed in Lovech and Pleven

Because of a prolonged drought and strong reduction in the water sources flow rate, the water supply in the regional city of Lovech and the villages of Brestovo and Radyuvene is rationed, reported the water utility in Lovech on Tuesday.

Lovech, which has a population over 30,000, will have water only from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m during the day. Furthermore, by order of Mayor Stratsimir Petkov, the use of drinking water for irrigation, watering of green areas and gardens, filling of pools, washing of streets, sidewalks, yards, motor vehicles, balconies is prohibited everywhere on the territory of Lovech Municipality.

Likewise, water is being rationed in 15 settlements in the neighbouring Pleven Region, including the regional city of Pleven with a population of nearly 90,000 residents. The local water utility noted that these measures are necessary due to the prolonged drought that has occurred in the region and the increased consumption of drinking water during the summer season.

According to the information, the water will be turned off at 11:00 p.m. in the evening and turned back on at 05:00 a.m. the next morning, the schedule being consistent with the technical capabilities of the system and the existing infrastructure. This is a measure of last resort, but there is no other technical possibility to accumulate water quantities to ensure water supply to all users, stated the company.

Overall, out of a total of 265 municipalities in Bulgaria, water supply is rationed in 51 municipalities, belonging to 14 administrative regions, said caretaker Regional Development and Public Works Minister Violeta Koritarova on Friday. Her Ministry has found that over 110,000 people are affected by disrupted water supply, with the Ministry's position being that water resource management should be a top priority for all institutions in the country.