Currently, we cannot speak of a critical water shortage regarding drinking and domestic water supply, Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov said at an extraordinary meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Water discussing a draft decision to address the country’s problem. According to Manol Genov, the 52 reservoirs for which the ministry grants water use permits are in good condition in terms of water reserves despite the dry spring and summer and climate challenges. "The most important priority is water for drinking and domestic supply, followed by water for irrigation", Manol Genov emphasized. ''At present, the reservoirs are 65 percent full. That is more than last year, but it is no cause for reassurance'', added Minister Genov.

• Dams are at critically low levels, yet this is not the cause of the water shortage in Bulgaria

Regarding the water shortage situation in Pleven, Minister Genov said that the problems have been ongoing for years. ''We have sent information to the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works indicating which available water bodies have sufficient resources to be used in case of drilling'', added Manol Genov.

Meanwhile, the Academic Council of the Medical University-Pleven issued a statement regarding the problem in the city. Tensions and concerns are growing among students from over 50 countries, whose education and daily life are directly affected by the water rationing, reported BNR’s correspondent in Pleven, Latinka Svetozarova.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA