“Fertilizers are the pollutants of the water in the canal in the region of Haskovo which flows into the river Maritsa,” Minister of Health Kostadin Angelov announced at a briefing. 29 cows died after drinking the water from the canal two days ago.

“Pollution caused by nitrites, nitrates and ammonium nitrogen at around 350 times above the admissible levels has been established in the water of the tributary,” Environment Minister Emil Dimitrov announced.

“The water supply to some of the 48 towns and villages where it was cut is expected to be restored by the end of the day, but the water cannot be used for drinking or cooking, only for other household needs,” Health Minister Kostadin Angelov warned. Water will be distributed among the population for the period in which they will not have drinking water.  

An inspection is being conducted on the territory of the enterprise which is the possible source of the pollution - Neochim fertilizer plant.