# Gostivar water crisis: Legal actions and state of crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/macedonia-water-supply-disruptions
> Updated: 2026-09-04T08:25:48.000Z. Sources: 101. Developments: 33.

The drinking-water ban in Gostivar was lifted after laboratory results from the Food and Veterinary Agency and the Directorate for Protection and Rescue confirmed the water is microbiologically safe. This followed a 22-day period starting July 17 when pumps introduced fecal matter into the municipal system, affecting over 5,000 citizens and causing a surge in gastrointestinal and cardiac patients at the Tetovo Clinical Hospital.

Legal and administrative consequences have intensified. The Gostivar Basic Court extended the pretrial detention of Artana Asani, former director of Komunalec Gostivar, and two other managers for 30 days as part of an investigation into the contamination. To mitigate the crisis, the government reported spending approximately six million denars to provide 50 to 70 tons of water daily via tankers.

Interior Minister Panče Toshkovski announced that the government declared a state of crisis in the Gostivar municipality, noting the local municipality lacked the technical capacity to manage the situation. Technical solutions were implemented with assistance from Vodovod Skopje professionals to restore clean water access over approximately one month. Toshkovski alleged that past officials had withheld information regarding the contamination.

Political friction remains high. The SDSM opposition continues to accuse the government of lacking transparency and withholding full water quality analysis reports. SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska has further accused the Public Prosecutor’s Office of inaction, specifically questioning why criminal complaints regarding the Gostivar water poisoning and other corruption allegations have not been addressed, while other investigations are processed rapidly.

## Claims

- More than 4,700 people have been hospitalized due to water contamination in Gostivar. (disputed by 12 sources)
- The water in Gostivar remains unfit for drinking and cooking, though it may be used for technical purposes. (disputed by 8 sources)
- The water in Gostivar is now safe for drinking following satisfactory laboratory results. (disputed by 6 sources)
- The epidemic in Gostivar was caused by contaminated water. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Hyperchlorination of the Gostivar water network is being carried out by teams from the Skopje water utility. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The Macedonian government officially acknowledges a risk of hepatitis A and E from the water supply in Gostivar. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- SDSM demands criminal liability for Klekovski, Andonovska, and local health‑centre directors. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Water is contaminated in the municipalities of Gostivar, Valandovo, Skopje and several other areas of North Macedonia. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The Macedonian government signed a contract worth €100,000 to supply drinking water to Gostivar. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The contract was awarded to the company Kozuvchanka, owned by the mayor of Kavadarci municipality. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: SDSM accuses Public Prosecutor's Office of inaction on corruption reports

SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska accused the Public Prosecutor's Office of ignoring corruption reports and criminal complaints, including the Gostivar water poisoning case and multi-million euro tender fraud.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sdsm-accuses-public-prosecutors-office-of-inaction-on-corruption-reports

### 2026-08-27: Gostivar water crisis triggers state of emergency in North Macedonia

Interior Minister Panče Toshkovski announced a state of crisis in Gostivar, North Macedonia, following a water contamination issue that required government intervention and a month-long technical resolution.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-crisis-triggers-state-of-emergency-in-north-macedonia

### 2026-08-27: Gostivar drinking water confirmed safe by laboratory analysis

Public enterprise ‘Higjiena Komunale’ in Gostivar confirms that drinking water meets all safety standards following laboratory testing at seven distribution points.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-drinking-water-confirmed-safe-by-laboratory-analysis

### 2026-08-27: Gostivar water crisis: SDSM demands full report after 5,000 hospitalizations

The SDSM is demanding the full water analysis report for Gostivar following a mass poisoning that affected over 5,000 people, citing conflicting official information and a lack of transparency.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-crisis-sdsm-demands-full-report-after-5000-hospitalizations

### 2026-08-25: North Macedonia: Opposition criticizes government response to virus and water poisoning

SDSM MP Sanja Lukarevska criticized the government for its delayed response to West Nile virus deaths and the water poisoning crisis in Gostivar, citing a lack of transparency and systemic prevention.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-opposition-criticizes-government-response-to-virus-and-water-poisoning

### 2026-08-22: Gostivar water crisis: LSDM accuses government of withholding safety reports

The LSDM opposition in North Macedonia is demanding the release of a full water quality report for Gostivar, accusing the government of withholding data following a crisis that affected 5,000 people.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lsdm-leader-venko-filipe-announces-readiness-for-elections-in-north-macedonia

### 2026-08-21: Gostivar water safety: IZJ orders staff competence checks and technical upgrades

The Institute of Public Health has ordered Komunalec to verify staff expertise and implement technical upgrades, including automated chlorine monitoring, following a waterborne epidemic in Gostivar.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-safety-izj-orders-staff-competence-checks-and-technical-upgrades

### 2026-08-18: Gostivar water crisis: Managers detained over drinking water contamination

Authorities have extended the pretrial detention of Komunalec Gostivar managers amid an investigation into a water contamination crisis that reportedly affected over 5,000 citizens in Gostivar.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-crisis-sparks-political-dispute-between-sdsm-and-vmro-dpmne

### 2026-08-18: Tetovo Clinical Hospital faces patient surge from heat and water issues

Tetovo Clinical Hospital faces overcrowding as extreme heat and water contamination in Gostivar drive a surge in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular patients.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tetovo-clinical-hospital-faces-patient-surge-from-heat-and-water-issues

### 2026-08-16: VMRO-DPMNE denies SDSM claims over Gostivar water safety

VMRO-DPMNE has denied SDSM allegations regarding water safety in Gostivar, stating that official tests confirm the water is safe and accusing SDSM leaders of spreading disinformation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vmro-dpmne-criticizes-sdsm-over-water-safety-claims

### 2026-08-14: Gostivar water ban lifted after contamination crisis

The drinking water ban in Gostivar has been lifted after laboratory tests confirmed the water is safe. Over 5,000 people were affected by the contamination, and utility officials face arrest.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-drinking-water-declared-safe-after-contamination-crisis

### 2026-08-11: Gostivar water quality nears safety for drinking

Water quality in Gostivar is nearing safe levels for drinking as microbiological analyses show favorable results and chlorine levels stabilize. A decision on lifting the ban is expected soon.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-safety-status-remains-under-review-amid-conflicting-reports

### 2026-08-10: Gostivar water contamination sparks criminal complaints in North Macedonia

SDSM has filed criminal complaints against North Macedonia's Health Minister and directors over Gostivar water contamination, while VMRO-DPMNE and the Ministry of Health trade accusations of negligence.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sdsm-files-criminal-complaint-over-gostivar-water-contamination

### 2026-08-08: Gostivar water crisis: SDSM accuses government of negligence

SDSM accuses the Macedonian government of negligence following a water contamination crisis in Gostivar that has hospitalized approximately 4,700 people and caused a jaundice epidemic.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-contamination-sickens-thousands-in-north-macedonia

### 2026-08-06: Gostivar water crisis continues as contamination persists

Gostivar residents remain without safe drinking water for a fourth week following contamination. While water quality is gradually improving, officials warn it is only safe for technical use.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-supply-stabilizes-but-remains-unsafe-for-drinking

### 2026-08-05: Gostivar water contamination crisis persists as analysis due August 20

Gostivar’s tap water remains banned after contamination sickened thousands; health minister pledges an analysis by Aug 20 amid political accusations of negligence and a disputed €100k water contract.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-health-minister-sets-gostivar-water-analysis-deadline

### 2026-08-04: Tetovo Hospital Takes Gostivar Patients Amid Water Crisis

Water contamination in Gostivar forces patients to Tetovo Hospital for surgery and childbirth; officials report thousands infected, cases of gastrointestinal illness persist, but no hepatitis detected yet.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tetovo-hospital-takes-gostivar-patients-amid-water-crisis

### 2026-08-03: Gostivar water contamination sparks political clash in Macedonia

Contaminated water in Gostivar, Macedonia, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa has caused health concerns, prompting bottled‑water aid and a political dispute over responsibility.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-north-macedonia-faces-unsafe-water-due-to-bacterial-contamination

### 2026-08-03: Macedonian Government Water Deal with Kozuvchanka Draws Opposition Criticism

Macedonia’s government signed a €100,000 water supply contract with Kozuvchanka, owned by Kavadarci’s mayor, without a tender. Opposition calls it cronyism; the government says the price is low and will supply

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-contract-draws-criticism-over-100000euro-deal

### 2026-08-01: Gostivar water supply remains unsafe as officials promise clean drinking water

Gostivar's water remains unsafe for drinking due to bacterial contamination; officials promise clean supply soon amid political accusations and ongoing hyper‑chlorination.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-safety-measures-announced-by-premier-christian-miccovski

### 2026-07-31: Venko Filipče blames government for delayed response to contaminated water in Gostivar

Venko Filipče says Gostivar water contamination was delayed, warns of hepatitis, accuses the prime minister of evading parliament, and announces interpellations against the speaker and a minister, foreseeing a

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venco-filipe-denies-water-poisoning-and-epidemic-in-gostivar

### 2026-07-30: Gostivar water contamination leads to health alerts and ongoing tests

In Gostivar, 4,374 people sought medical help after water contamination; drinking water remains banned while daily tests continue. Officials need three consecutive clean results before lifting the ban.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-testing-continues-as-officials-seek-three-consecutive-clean-results

### 2026-07-29: Venkо Filipče accuses Macedonian government of covering up water contamination

Venkо Filipče alleges the Macedonian government hid 400 water‑quality tests showing contamination in Gostivar and other areas, leading to over 4 000 poisonings; he urges publication and a prosecutor probe while

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mickoski-calls-for-probe-into-400-waterquality-complaints-in-gostivar

### 2026-07-28: Gostivar water contamination leads to hepatitis risk acknowledgment

Macedonian officials admit hepatitis A/E risk from Gostivar's contaminated water; over 4,000 sick, 109 new cases; PM urges prosecution of former health minister; utility directors arrested; monitoring tightened

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-steps-up-postacute-monitoring-as-gostivar-epidemic-eases

### 2026-07-26: Gostivar water supply cleared for technical use as health crisis eases

Over 4,000 Gostivar residents were affected by contaminated water; 869 reports filed, 109 new cases logged. Water now cleared for technical use only, with health minister Klekovski urging continued monitoring,‑

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-health-minister-klekovski-admits-failure-over-gostivar-water-contamination

### 2026-07-24: Gostivar water crisis: 4,000 infected as hyperchlorination proceeds

Gostivar’s water supply was contaminated, infecting about 4,000 people. New cases have dropped to 80, but water remains unsafe for drinking; hyper‑chlorination is underway and officials expect technical safety,

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-officials-warn-of-possible-hepatitis-outbreak-in-gostivar

### 2026-07-24: Gostivar water scandal investigation expands, officials detained

Macedonia expands its Gostivar water contamination probe, demanding documents, finding eight of nine samples unsafe, detaining three JP Komunalec officials, and investigating a related employee death, while the

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-expands-probe-into-gostivar-water-contamination-and-utility-officials

### 2026-07-23: Red Cross Opens Donation Account to Aid Gostivar Residents Amid Water Crisis

Red Cross of North Macedonia opened a donation account (IBAN 300000001327966) to aid Gostivar families suffering from unsafe water and a resulting health epidemic, urging public support.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/red-cross-opens-donation-account-for-gostivar-water-crisis

### 2026-07-22: Macedonia health ministry notes rise in short-term sickness and gastroenteritis decline in Gostivar

Macedonia's health ministry says short‑term illnesses rose 33% in 2025 versus 2021, while gastroenteritis cases in Gostivar fell about 40% marking a stabilising trend.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-health-ministry-notes-rise-in-short-term-sickness-and-gastroenteritis-decline-in-gostivar

### 2026-07-22: Gostivar water contamination crisis prompts emergency measures

Gostivar’s water supply was contaminated, prompting a crisis declaration, hyper‑chlorination, legal accountability for officials, and plans to restore technical water this week and safe drinking water next week

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-launches-hyperchlorination-and-flushing-to-tackle-water-contamination-crisis

### 2026-07-22: Gostivar water contamination scandal prompts calls for ministerial resignations

Contaminated water in Gostivar sickened thousands, prompting SDSM leader Venkо Filipče to demand the health minister’s resignation and emergency water aid, while officials claim the situation is stabilising.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-health-minister-klekovski-criticized-for-lecturing-doctors-amid-gostivar-crisis

### 2026-07-20: Gostivar water contamination leads to arrests and emergency in North Macedonia

Illegal pumps polluted Gostivar's drinking water, causing a gastro‑enteritis outbreak of >3,000 cases, a water ban, emergency measures, and arrests of three municipal water officials.

65 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-gastroenteritis-epidemic-overwhelms-health-system-in-north-macedonia

### 2026-07-16: Gostivar water contamination epidemic declared

A gastro‑enteritis epidemic in Gostivar, Macedonia, was declared after over 1,200 cases; authorities banned municipal water, are investigating an illegal pump, and are providing 50,000 L of bottled water daily.

54 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gostivar-water-contamination-affects-over-1000-residents

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Cite as: Gostivar water crisis: Legal actions and state of crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/macedonia-water-supply-disruptions