Vardar River pollution detected near Veles

Water quality analyses conducted by the Public Health Center Veles on September 17, 2026, have revealed significant pollution in the Vardar River near the city of Veles. Testing at two locations—Bashino Selo at the river's entrance to the city and Dolni Dukjani at its exit—showed evidence of both old and new fecal contamination due to the presence of nitrites.

While bacterial contamination was rated in the third class—a slight improvement from the fifth-class rating recorded a decade ago—other parameters indicate severe issues. Turbidity and ammonia levels were rated in the fifth class, and phosphates were rated in the fourth class. Experts suggest these levels point to the discharge of untreated sewage from households and potential waste from industrial or manufacturing facilities.

Due to these findings, health officials have concluded that the water at these locations is unfit for swimming or recreational activities. Similar testing was conducted on the Topolka and Babuna rivers; while they showed third-class bacterial contamination and turbidity, they did not exhibit the presence of nitrites or phosphates found in the Vardar.