Wastewater systems, performance benchmarking, and the power of peer learning took center stage at this year’s Annual Benchmarking Meeting, held on February 3 in Panagyurishte and hosted by the Bulgarian Water Association (BWA). What unfolded was far more than a technical workshop: it was a rich mix of technical discussion, learning, and community spirit.

With wastewater collection, treatment, and discharge as the meeting’s focal themes, the event brought together utility professionals, policymakers, and sector experts for an intensive day of learning and dialogue. IAWD joined the gathering to share updates on its activities and to unveil selected insights from the Danube Hub—the association’s regional utility benchmarking program. By placing Bulgaria’s national benchmarking results side-by-side with regional findings, participants gained a clearer, transnational perspective on performance and progress across the Danube region.

Benchmarking Insights: A Decade of Progress, and Challenges Still Ahead

As part of the Danube Learning Partnership (D‑LeaP), BWA operates one of the national Hubs offering capacity‑building programs, including the Utility Benchmarking Program (UBP). Currently, eight Bulgarian water utilities participate, meeting annually to explore performance indicators and compare experiences.

During the meeting, IAWD’s Benchmarking and Partnerships Manager Ana Badhofer highlighted encouraging long-term trends: revenue collection rates and operational cost coverage have steadily increased, signaling strengthened financial resilience across the participating utilities. These improvements parallel broader patterns observed throughout the Danube Hub.

Yet, challenges remain. Non-revenue water (NRW) - a persistent issue for many utilities worldwide - remains notably higher in the Bulgarian Hub than in the regional average. Still, success stories from neighboring countries show that substantial NRW reductions are possible, offering both motivation and models for future progress.

Adding to the performance analysis, EurEau Policy Advisor Mr. Mouret provided a comparative view of Bulgaria’s wastewater sector vis-à-vis other European countries. The eight participating utilities also presented their current status on wastewater treatment and discharge, highlighted major polluters, and shared updates on ongoing or planned investment projects. The open question-and-answer exchanges that followed underscored the value of learning directly from peers facing similar challenges.

Treasure Hunts and Panagyurski Eggs: A Social Twist on Technical Exchange

A lighter highlight of the meeting was a team-building activity that included a small treasure hunt in Panagyurishte, which is famous for the Thracian Treasure, and cooking the local specialty Panagyurski Eggs. The day concluded with a shared dinner and a performance by local dancers.

Looking Ahead: Spotlight on the 2026 Danube Water Forum

As momentum around regional benchmarking and utility performance continues to build, anticipation is already rising for the upcoming UBP workshop of the Danube Hub, scheduled to take place back‑to‑back with the 2026 Danube Water Forum in May. Hosted in Sofia in partnership with Bulgarian colleagues, this event offers a timely platform to deepen the benchmarking dialogue and to highlight Bulgaria’s sustained commitment and leadership within the wider Danube water community.