Gostivar water contamination leads to arrests and emergency in North Macedonia
Drinking water in the municipality of Gostivar and nearby villages was heavily polluted after illegal submersible pumps were installed near a spill chamber, allowing contaminated surface water to mix with the municipal supply. Laboratory tests found coliform bacteria levels up to 48 times the legal limit, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.
The contamination triggered a gastro‑enteritis epidemic that affected more than 3,000 residents. Health authorities banned use of tap water for drinking and food preparation and began supplying bottled water, delivering up to 50 000 litres per day. The government declared a 30‑day state of emergency in Gostivar to coordinate response efforts.
The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal investigation for severe environmental offences and ordered 30‑day pre‑trial detention for three officials of the municipal water company – the director and two senior managers – who are accused of authorising the illegal pumps. The prime minister demanded moral responsibility from local officials, while the interior minister held the municipality accountable for the crisis. Ongoing investigations aim to determine full responsibility and to restore safe water supply.