Bulgaria Health Ministry: Water Good for Bathing

Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast near the village of Sinemoretz. Photo by Ognian Kassabov

Bulgaria is one of only five countries in the EU with over 90% of beaches meeting European guide values for bathing water purity, the country's health ministry has announced, citing a EU report.

The annual report on bathing water quality is produced by the European Environment Agency and the EU Commission and refers to the 2009 bathing season. Bulgaria's Health Ministry officials however expressed confidence that the data applies to this year as well.

The countries where the highest percentage of swimming spots in 2009 met the guide values for water were Greece (99.8 %), Cyprus (99.1 %), France (95.7 %), Malta (93.1 %), Bulgaria (90.3 %) and Portugal (90 %).

Bulgaria has only 1 beach not complying with mandatory requirements, with countries like France, Italy, Denmark and Poland having a comparatively high percentage of non-complying waters.

Usually associated with its Black Sea beaches, Bulgaria can also boast 100% compliance with mandatory standards of its inland swimming waters.

The main causes for water pollution in Bulgaria are the lack or shortage of water treatment plants, sewage waters and unbridled construction activities.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!