Bulgaria’s parliament convened an emergency session of its environment and water committee on August 21 to address a worsening water crisis that has triggered protests, rationing and concerns of a looming national emergency.

The crisis, exacerbated by drought, wildfires and deteriorating infrastructure, has intensified over the summer. Much of the country’s water supply network, built during the communist era, suffers from chronic underinvestment, ageing pipelines and environmental degradation.

More than 260,000 people across the country face limited or no access to clean water, according to the Minister of Regional Development, Ivan Ivanov, while 458 communities are under some form of water rationing, environmental group the Green Movement said.

The parliament session, called during the legislature’s summer recess, was initiated by DPS–New Beginning party leader Delyan Peevski and convened by parliamentary speaker Natalia Kiselova. Lawmakers discussed a proposal to establish a National Water Board that would centralise oversight of water resources, currently split among multiple ministries, agencies and municipal authorities.

In July, Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov said more than 162,000 residents had been directly impacted by shortages, citing drought, pollution and infrastructure failures as key drivers. He said long-term planning efforts were underway.

One of the hardest-hit areas is the northern city of Pleven, where residents have faced severe water restrictions since early July. Protests erupted in recent weeks, with Mayor Valentin Hristov warning of a potential state of emergency. Local authorities plan BGN40mn (€20.5mn) in infrastructure upgrades beginning in September, according to utility manager Kliment Todorov.

In the western town of Breznik, residents protested last week over poor water quality linked to high manganese levels in the Krasava Reservoir. Villages including Stakevtsi, Zgorigrad and Valchan Dol have implemented nightly water shutoffs and resorted to community prayers for rain.

In response to growing public pressure, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission launched a nationwide inspection on August 14, focusing on infrastructure losses, metering accuracy and regional utility investments. Findings are expected in the coming weeks.

Despite recommendations issued by a parliamentary commission in December 2024, little action has been taken.

If approved, the proposed National Water Board would coordinate water policy and seek funding from the state budget, EU grants and the Bulgarian Development Bank.