Deadline for Well Registration: November 28, 2025

Bulgarian citizens and businesses have less than four months to register their wells. This has become clear from a notification received by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) from the Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW). The deadline for registration is set for November 28, 2025 and is of vital importance to all owners of such facilities.

According to the Water Act, more specifically in Article 118g, paragraph 3, all individuals and legal entities who use wells to satisfy their own needs or for business purposes on their properties are required to register them if they are not yet entered in the respective register. To comply with the law, owners must submit a registration application to the respective River Basin Directorate before the deadline.

Consequences of non-compliance

Wells not registered by the deadline will not be able to be used and are subject to compulsory liquidation. The costs for this operation will be at the expense of their owner. In addition, the owner will also bear administrative and penal liability for the violation.

This strict legal requirement emphasizes the importance of the process and the need for immediate action.

Well registration process

The registration process has been simplified, as applications can be submitted directly to the River Basin Directorate or through local administrations. Owners can submit the documents to the mayor of the municipality, the mayor of the district, the mayor's office, or the mayor's representative in the location of the facility. After the application is submitted, an incoming number must be issued, which confirms the receipt of the documents. Local authorities are required to submit received applications to the River Basin Directorate every 14 days, in accordance with §41, para. 8 of the Transitional and Final Provisions of the Law on Amendment and Supplement of the Water Act (LASWA).

For more information and details on the necessary documents, citizens and companies can visit the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Water.

• Detailed information is available in the "Water" -> "Current/News" section.
• Additional information can also be found on the website of the Black Sea Region River Basin Directorate – Varna.

This information is crucial for everyone who wants to avoid severe sanctions and legalize their water-use facilities.