The Bulgarian state is going to transfer control of some 60% of the country’s mineral water spring to the respective municipalities for a period of 25 years.

Of the 102 mineral water springs in Bulgaria, some 60 are not being utilized by the state or private concessionaires, announced Asen Lichev, head of the Water Directorate at the Environment Ministry.

“The centralized model of governance is inefficient, and it is indicative that this mineral water is being wasted, and not being put to good use. Only 40% of the mineral water in Bulgaria is utilized,” Environment Minister Nona Karadzhova has said.

The local authorities are going to be given the responsibility only for mineral water springs falling with one single municipality which have not been offered on concession yet.

Once they gain control over the springs, the municipalities will be able to offer them on concession but the quantities of water received from each spring will have to be approved by the Environment Ministry.