Imagine turning on your tap and hearing nothing but a hollow echo. For Rumyana Tsoneva, a 69-year-old resident of Gorna Studena village near the Danube, this is her daily reality. 🌍💔
"We switch to rationing as early as June now," she says, describing a life of impossible choices: showering, laundry, or storing water in cans. Her story mirrors Bulgaria's deepening water crisis, fueled by aging infrastructure, climate change, and systemic neglect.
🔍 Why It Matters: Bulgaria, the EU's poorest member, relies on pipes dating back to before World War II. Leaks, water theft, and poor management drain resources faster than ever—while rising temperatures shrink water supplies. Experts warn this isn't just a local issue but a preview of climate-driven challenges globally.
🚰 The Human Cost: Villages like Gorna Studena face hours-long dry spells, forcing residents to prioritize survival over comfort. "Every year, it gets worse," Tsoneva adds, highlighting a crisis 15 years in the making.
🌱 What's Next? With EU funding slow to reach rural areas, activists demand urgent upgrades to water systems. But as summers grow hotter, time is running out. Could Bulgaria's struggle become a wake-up call for the world? 💬
