Possibilities for water conservation in Bulgaria

The drought during the last 10 years in Bulgaria caused the interruption of water supply to more than 70% of the population of the country. Investigations on recent water demand showed that the role of water losses and irrational use so considerable that existing water resources became inqdequate. Bringing new water to existing supply systems is connected with considerable investments, time, and controversy. Water conservation could solve some water supply problems by providing more reasonable water consumption and additional time for development of new resources. In this paper the possibilities for reducing water use in Bulgaria and the need for developing a national conservation program are discussed. An analysis of the variables which effect water use is performed. The reasons for the water losses and using more than the necessary water quantities are discussed. Developing of water-use efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures and conservation-oriented water rates and measures are proposed.