By Abdullahi Lukman
Authorities in Kosovo have warned residents in several areas of Pristina and its surroundings not to drink tap water due to elevated levels of manganese detected in the water supplied by Lake Badoc.
In a joint statement released by the Regional Water Supply Company “Prishtina” and the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK), recent laboratory tests show a rising concentration of manganese in both the lake and the water distribution system.
Although the levels currently exceed national quality standards for drinking water, they have not yet reached the threshold considered harmful to human health.
As a precaution, residents are advised not to use the water for drinking.
“Boiling does not remove manganese,” the statement stressed, adding that the water can still be used for cleaning and personal hygiene.
In response, RWC “Prishtina” said it has taken immediate action, including reducing water production to help control quality, flushing main and secondary pipes in the distribution system, and deploying water tankers to affected areas based on a published schedule.
NIPHK confirmed it has intensified water quality monitoring and is working closely with the water utility to resolve the issue and ensure safe drinking water.
The affected areas include parts of Pristina and neighboring communities, such as Gracanica town and villages, Hajvalia, Veterniku, Swiss Village, Çagllavica, and major streets and neighborhoods like Qershia, Matiçan, Bregu i Diellit, and the area surrounding Albi Mall, among many others.
Authorities have not indicated how long the restrictions will remain in place but assured residents that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
