site.btaDrinking Water Deemed Unsuitable in Village of Sarnitsa due to High Uranium, Alpha Radiation Levels

The use of water for drinking and cooking from the network of the water supply system in the village of Sarnitsa, located in Mineralni Bani Municipality, is restricted due to elevated levels of natural uranium and alpha radioation, the Haskovo Regional Health Inspectorate reported on Saturday. 

The deviations in uranium levels detected by laboratory testing were 36.1 micrograms per liter against a norm of 30.0 micrograms. The total alpha radiation showed a value of 1.096 becquerels per litre against a control level of 0.1 becquerels. The water utility has been instructed to arrange for the provision and supply of water for drinking purposes to the public by tankers (water carriers) and inform the residents, the press release added.

The water in Sarnitsa was already once deemed unsuitable for drinking on December 15 last year also because of excessive uranium and alpha radiation, but on April 5 of 2023, the levels were measured to be within the norm and the use of water was restored.