Conflicting Attitudes Toward Inter-basin Water Transfers in Bulgaria

Abstract

Sofia, Bulgaria has suffered from chronic water shortages in recent decades. Since the 1970s, government officials have advocated the construction of a massive complex of dams, tunnels, and diversion structures to transfer water from the Rila Mountains to meet the city's needs. These inter-basin water transfers have been highly controversial, sparking protests by citizens in water export areas, water scientists, and environmentalists. Using a qualitative approach employing focus groups and interviews, this study describes and analyzes the attitudes of ordinary citizens, water scientists, environmental NGO leaders, and government officials toward inter-basin water transfers between the Rila Mountains and Sofia. Apart from government officials, there is little enthusiasm for inter-basin water transfers. Citizens living in water export areas are generally opposed to any water management actions that do not address their needs for a regulated water supply, while those living in Sofia see water transfers as being unnecessary and prohibitively expensive. A high degree of polarization exists between government officials, who view water transfers as being an important tool in water management, and water scientists and environmentalists, who view inter-basin transfers as being unnecessary, prohibitively expensive, and detrimental to local populations and the environment. All participants in the study agree that Sofia's present water supply network is highly inefficient and needs to be modernized. In spite of the shortages, water conservation methods have not widely implemented.