Demir Kapija lifts drinking water ban after safety confirmation

The drinking water ban in Demir Kapija, North Macedonia, has been lifted following laboratory tests confirming the water is safe for consumption. The Public Utility Company (JKP) Bošava announced that the ban, previously issued by the Agency for Food and Veterinary on August 14, is no longer necessary after recent results showed the water is healthy and fit for use.

To ensure transparency, JKP Bošava stated that all future water analysis results, whether positive or negative, will be published on their official Facebook page and shared with the Municipality of Demir Kapija for publication on their website. The previous ban had been implemented after consecutive samples from the same location yielded inconsistent results.

Broadly, the situation highlights ongoing discussions in North Macedonia regarding the protection of natural resources. While urban areas maintain high access to safe drinking water, rural areas face more challenges. There is a growing debate concerning the long-term impact of industrial investments, such as new mines, on the country's vital water sources and fertile soil.