The Minister of Environment and Waters Julian Popov approved a list of mineral water deposits - exclusive state property, which can be given free of charge by municipalities for management and use in 2024.

The Ministry of Environment and Water may provide municipalities with the management of 8 mineral water deposits and 5 sections of mineral water deposits until 2036.

The list of deposits approved for 2024 can be found on the Ministry's website at:

https://www.moew.government.bg/bg/vodi/mineralni-vodi/spisuci-po-133-na-pzr-na-zid-na-zv-i-resheniya/

The provision of the mineral waters listed shall be made upon written application by the mayor of the respective municipality following a decision by the Municipal Council. The deadline for written applications is 31 January 2024.

The Minister of Environment and Water grants the municipality concerned the mineral water deposit or section of the deposit, within 14 days of the submission of the application, by decision. The decision shall be published on the website of the Ministry of the Environment and Water.

Prior to the issuance of permits, the mayor has the responsibility to have determined the mineral resources of the groundwater body segment and the technical feasible flow of the water intake facilities.

Fees for abstraction from mineral water deposits and sections of mineral water deposits, once they have been granted to the municipality concerned for management and use, shall be determined by a tariff adopted by the municipal council and shall be paid to a municipality's account.

More information is available at:

https://www.moew.government.bg/bg/vodi/aktualno-novini/