For the third consecutive year, elevated manganese levels have been detected in Lake Badovc, affecting drinking water quality, though this year the issue has appeared earlier than usual. KRU Prishtina has urged citizens not to use the water for drinking or food preparation. Residents complain that they are forced to buy drinking water, which costs them more than food.

On “Sokol Sopi” street, citizen Hysen Ramadani expressed dissatisfaction to KosovaPress over the lack of investment from the water company KRU Prishtina. Although Ramadani pays his water bills regularly, he said he has to rely on purchased water.

“They [the water company] are to blame for not investing; they only know how to take money, but they don’t invest. The network is old, the pipes are full of sludge, and they should push the water from the bottom to the top, but they don’t because it requires major investment. The water is unusable for cooking or anything… We pay for the water regularly, yet I still have to buy water,” Ramadani said.

A similar situation exists on “Muharrem Fejza” street, where citizen Shaban Pllana highlighted the danger posed by manganese. He stated that he spends two to three euros per day on water, which he considers more than what he spends on food.

“It’s a highly dangerous component for life, so we must use it carefully. In the absence of safe drinking water in our homes, water must be delivered by tanker. The authorities should take action to determine if it’s caused by nature or human activity… Two to three euros or one and a half for a water jug, we spend more on water than food,” Pllana emphasized.

From a professional standpoint, water expert Skender Bublaku explained that the recurring presence of manganese in Lake Badovc is closely related to natural and climatic factors. He warned that this phenomenon is expected to occur in future years as well.

“The increase of manganese in the lake and its impact on drinking water is a recurring phenomenon over several years. Nature shows us that climate change and the aging of the lake are major factors. We need to take measures to minimize this phenomenon through various interventions… It is confirmed that this phenomenon will continue to occur,” Bublaku said.

KRU Prishtina spokesperson Arjeta Mjeku stated that in June 2024, the company requested the Institute of Chemistry’s assistance in investigating the factors behind the increased manganese levels, but no response has been received yet.

“We were advised by IKSHPK to reduce water production to preserve water quality, flush main and secondary lines, and distribute water via tankers, which is happening. Six months ago, in June 2024, we met with the Institute of Chemistry and asked for their help to investigate the causes of rising manganese levels, but we haven’t received a response yet… Manganese levels may be lower in the morning but higher in the evening. Citizens should not use this water for drinking or cooking, as manganese is a chemical element and is not removed by boiling. It should only be used for personal and household hygiene,” Mjeku said.

The Kosovo Institute of Public Health (IKSHPK), during monitoring of drinking water quality, observed elevated manganese levels in samples from areas supplied by Lake Badovc.

To protect public health, IKSHPK urged residents relying on the Badovc water supply not to use the water for drinking until further notice.

IKSHPK emphasized that manganese contamination is a chemical pollution, and boiling the water does not remove it. Water can only be used for cleaning, personal hygiene, and household maintenance.

Affected areas include Bregu i Diellit, Çagllavica, Fshati Ndërkombëtar, Graçanica, Hajvalia, Kishnica, Kodrina, Lagjja e Spitalit, Lagjja jonë, Lagjja NIC, Qëndresa, Lagjja e Studentëve, Llapnasella, Lugina e Thellë, Marigona Hill, Mati 1, Muharrem Fejza street, Preoci, Prishtina e Re, Royal Green residence, Shashkoci, Sushica, Ulpiana e Re, Xhambazët, and Veterniku.

Manganese is a naturally occurring chemical element found in soil, rocks, water, and plants. It is a heavy metal necessary in very small amounts for the human body, but in high concentrations in water or food, it can be harmful to health.

Manganese levels usually rise during seasonal changes, but this year the increase occurred earlier than usual.