Gostivar water contamination crisis prompts emergency measures

A contamination incident in the drinking‑water supply of Gostivar, North Macedonia, triggered an epidemic declaration and a government‑declared crisis on 21 July. Laboratory tests found chemical and microbiological violations, including low residual chlorine and coliform bacteria, after illegal submerged pumps were installed in a drainage channel and connected to the municipal system.

The interior minister, Panče Tоškovski, announced that all responsible parties – whether through action or omission – will face legal accountability. A central crisis headquarters has overseen hyper‑chlorination of the source, flushing of the primary network, and the replacement of chlorination equipment. Technical water is expected to be restored by the end of the current week, with drinking‑water quality targeted for the following week, provided ongoing tests confirm safety.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and the Skopje water‑utility team have overseen continuous sampling, increased chlorine dosing, and the distribution of over 100 tonnes of technical water and 78 tonnes of drinking water via tankers. Additional bottled water supplies have been provided to residents. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal investigation, and several senior officials of the municipal water enterprise have been detained pending trial.