[REVISION HISTORY]

Sarajevo water supply crisis and appliance damage

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-09 08:19 UTC → 2026-10-10 18:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Sarajevo is experiencing water supply issues characterized by conflicting explanations regarding their cause. On one hand, the environmental association Eko Akcija has attributed the shortages to political mismanagement and infrastructure failure. The group claims that the water utility, KJKP Vodovod i kanalizacija, failed to utilize an EBRD loan effectively for network renewal, noting that water losses increased by 7 million cubic meters in 2024 compared to 2019. They further cited over 1,700 unrepaired malfunctions and criticized political appointments within the enterprise. Conversely, the utility attributes the supply issues to environmental factors, specifically a prolonged dry period, high temperatures, and a lack of precipitation. Reports indicate that capacity at the Vrelu Mošćanice source dropped significantly, from a required 100 liters per second to 37 liters per second in mid-September. In late September, KJKP Vodovod i kanalizacija implemented temporary water pressure reductions across the entire Sarajevo Canton between midnight and 5:00 AM. By early October, the utility announced further potential disruptions and pressure reductions across numerous neighborhoods, including Grbavica, Hrasno, Dolac Malta, Dobrinja, and Kobilja Glava. As of October 2026, residents continue to face prolonged shortages and frequent supply interruptions. KJKP Vodovod i kanalizacija has maintained nighttime pressure reductions to stabilize the system, warning that those in peripheral zones or on higher floors may face total outages. These fluctuations are reportedly causing economic strain on households, as service technicians report that sudden changes in water flow and pressure are leading to the breakdown of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and gas boilers due to clogged filters or damaged heat exchangers. By October 8, 2026, KJKP Vodovod i kanalizacija implemented emergency measures to protect hydro and electromechanical equipment. These measures include scheduled pressure reductions and temporary outages in several neighborhoods, including Bare, Grbavica, and Dobrinja.

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