Bulgarian Ombudsman proposes new water utility regulations

Bulgarian Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 4 of 2004 to strengthen protections for water utility consumers. In a formal opinion sent to Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Shishkov, Delcheva addressed systemic issues identified through increasing consumer complaints.

Key proposals include ensuring the accuracy of self-reporting, updating inhabitant data, and establishing clear rules for commercial entities. Delcheva highlighted a significant issue regarding water distribution for “common consumption” in apartment buildings, where law-abiding citizens often bear the financial burden of others due to missing water meters or incorrect data. She advocates for a fairer mechanism where non-compliance by certain users does not result in financial penalties for responsible ones.

The Ombudsman also called for stricter regulations regarding water supply restrictions. She noted that water is sometimes cut off without official orders or prior notification to citizens. Proposed changes include defining specific criteria for water source depletion and requiring mayors to issue formal orders when implementing water regimes. Additionally, the proposal emphasizes the right to drinking water during prolonged outages and calls for special protections for vulnerable groups.