site.btaAgeing Infrastructure and Groundwater Decline Threaten Bulgaria’s Water Supply - Experts

Water losses across the distribution network and a decline in groundwater levels are major challenges for Bulgaria’s water supply system, scientists said on Friday during the roundtable discussion Water Scarcity and Challenges in Water Supply, organized by the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy (UACEG).

Overview of Challenges in Bulgaria’s Water Supply System

UACEG's Galina Dimova said that Bulgaria’s water supply systems are severely outdated, affecting the quality of drinking water and leading to hidden water scarcity.

This issue, she noted, can pose long-term health risks for consumers when drinking water fails to meet regulatory standards. On average, the distribution network experiences about 60 pipeline failures per 100 km, with regional variations.

Additionally, only 44% of water sources are equipped with water meters, underscoring the lack of effective monitoring and control over water volumes. The insufficient monitoring of drinking water quality is further compounded by the limited number of laboratories capable of testing parameters as defined by European legislation.

Dimova raised concerns over the declining population, which she said poses significant challenges for water and sewerage operators. Fewer residents mean reduced revenue, while maintenance costs, energy expenses, and quality assurance efforts continue to rise. In sparsely populated areas, it is often impossible to financially sustain water and sewerage services, she explained.

Economic and Demographic Challenges

Dimova also pointed out that Bulgaria’s declining population presents significant difficulties for water and sewerage operators. Fewer residents lead to reduced revenue, while operational costs—such as maintenance, energy expenses, and quality assurance—continue to rise. In sparsely populated areas, it is often financially unsustainable to maintain water and sewerage services.

Water Losses and Irrigation Impact

UACEG’s Dimitar Alitchkov reported that water losses across the distribution network are approximately 60%, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. This problem becomes even more acute during the summer months, when small settlements increase water consumption for irrigation, further straining the water supply system.

Groundwater Decline and Regional Impact

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology’s (NIMH) Marin Ivanov observed a significant decline in groundwater recharge, particularly in regions such as Dobrudzha (Northeast Bulgaria), which heavily relies on groundwater for its water supply. This downward trend persisted through 2023 and 2024.

Despite this, NIMH’s Lilia Bocheva remarked that while the drought in 2024 was less severe compared to 2023 and 2022, rainfall levels have not shown a dramatic decrease overall.