As of April 27, the total volume of water stored across Bulgaria’s larger, multipurpose reservoirs reached 5,141.6 million cubic metres. This volume represents 78.67% of the combined holding capacity and marks an increase of approximately 17% compared to the level recorded a year prior, according to the Ministry of Environment and Water. The Ministry oversees 52 major water resources reservoirs nationwide.
Several facilities are operating near full capacity; Kamchia, Asenovets, and Pchelina reservoirs are currently at 100% capacity, with Pancharevo also overflowing. Additionally, eleven other reservoirs, including Srechenska Bara and Yovkovtsi, report levels above 90% capacity. In anticipation of high inflows associated with the spring season, the managing companies are implementing preventive water releases to ensure sufficient free capacity within the reservoirs.
This measure aims to accommodate increased inflows while maintaining water levels within optimal operational limits. River levels are forecast to decrease or remain stable by April 28, though rainfall expected on April 29 and 30 is anticipated to cause rises, which are not expected to breach warning thresholds. The Ministry has advised local authorities to enforce the measures outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans 2022–2027 and to monitor official hydrometeorological forecasts.
Furthermore, the Ministry has published a report containing 15 recommendations designed to guide long-term national water management policy.
Topics: #water #reservoirs #capacity
