Water restrictions in Pernik have been lifted

Regular water supply in the Bulgarian town of Pernik was restored and water restrictions were lifted as of June 24.

They were introduced in November last year and were in effect for seven months because of low water levels in the Studena dam.

The water crisis in the town was accompanied by protests, resignations, construction of new water supply pipeline. Former environment minister Neno Dimov and two other officials were charged with criminal mismanagement that prosecutors allege led to the crisis.

In order to solve the water crisis in Pernik, the government decided to build a pipeline from Malo Buchino to supply the town with water from the collection area of Belmeken Dam. A 13.5 km pipeline was completed in March.

“Studena Dam is full. The water restrictions in Pernik are lifted. It remains to learn our lessons and not repeat the mistakes,” mayor Stanislav Vladimirov said.

The volume of water in Studena dam is approaching 21 million cubic metres. It has a capacity of 25 million cubic metres.

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The town of Pernik has been stricken with a water supply crisis for months. Water restrictions have been introduced, which led to protests, as well as to investigations by authorities. Former Minister of Environment and Water, Neno Dimov, resigned after prosecutors arrested and charged him with criminal mismanagement.