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This action was divided into several steps. It was decided to divide the diagnostic work into two separate phases: A first phase focusing on river quality, and a second one dealing with quality and efficiency of treatment and purification infrastructures. Various studies have been performed by a French consulting firm called GAEA, in partnership with water-related local participants. Early expert’s studies have been conducted before the project’s application to the Ecos-Ouverture Programme had been accepted, from March to May 2000. Then, two more expert’s studies were conducted later in April, May, and June 2001, while other actions had already started. The first two expert’s studies carried out in Bulgaria and Romania were used to determine the status of the Mures River (Alba Iulia) and the Toundja River (Sliven), as well as to suggest solutions to improve these situations. The two following expert’s studies examined local equipments for the treatment of drinking-water and wastewater; it showed that there were urgent needs to improve infrastructures, control pollution, and provide a warning system. According to these expert’s studies, actions were required at several levels to contain the pollution of Romanian and Bulgarian rivers. First, interventions on local water treatment equipments are necessary. Then, methodical and reliable controls are required. Finally, there is a need for awareness-raising actions with the greatest local polluters. As far as investments are concerned, experts suggested the acquisition of technical equipments that could provide reliable data on the state of rivers.
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