34 new automatic monitoring stations will monitor water quantity working without interruption. The stations are being built throughout the country. This was stated by Krasimira Brumcheva, Director of the Directorate for Water Management, beneficiary of the project, at a final meeting and press conference to present the results from project No BG16M1OP002-1.013-0001 "Completion of water quantity monitoring networks". It amounts to 5 118 180.97 BGN, 85% of which is funded by the 2014-2020 OPE with EU funds from the Cohesion Fund.

The aim is to improve and expand water quantity information by optimizing the monitoring networks for water bodies according to their condition and pressure.

Krasimira Brumcheva pointed out that the completion of the monitoring networks provides a good foundation and is undoubtedly a contribution to better water management in Bulgaria.

"These will be a better foundation for the management of water bodies, and will provide better information for making hydrological assessments and forecasts, including for use by mayors when developing the protection, prevention or development plans for municipalities," she added.

The Director for Water Management explained that there had been no previous monitoring for the sites in question. Data will be submitted to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) on a daily basis. The monitoring stations are located on bridge structures. Brumcheva appealed to citizens to be aware of the importance of these gauges and not to damage them.

Project Manager Ms. Adriana Berova presented the challenges in project implementation and the results attained. NIMH representatives introduced the audience to the practical application and the improvement of the surface water monitoring system, which is an important element of effective water management and the challenges associated with it.