The water crisis in Gostivar has once again raised concerns about the safety and quality of water resources across Macedonia. While residents of the city continue to deal with restrictions and investigations following an outbreak of stomach illnesses linked to suspected water contamination, a new report from the Institute of Public Health (IPH) has highlighted broader challenges affecting some of the country’s most important lakes. The findings show that beaches in Ohrid, Prespa, and Dojran are currently considered safe for swimming, but long standing issues involving wastewater management, aging infrastructure, and pollution remain unresolved.
According to the IPH report, the biggest environmental challenges are currently affecting Lake Ohrid, where most swimming areas continue to meet safety standards despite the presence of several potential pollution sources. These include hotels, restaurants, private homes, and tourist settlements along the coastline that are not fully connected to the existing wastewater collection system. As a result, some wastewater continues to be managed through septic tanks, creating a risk of leaks and possible contamination of the lake.
Particular attention has been given to areas such as Radozhda and the region around Sveti Naum, where outdated or incomplete wastewater infrastructure remains a concern. The report also identifies several rivers, including the Serava, Sateska, Velgoska, and Koselska rivers, as well as drainage channels connected to residential areas, as possible pathways through which pollutants can enter Lake Ohrid. Although current measurements indicate that most beaches meet legal standards for safe swimming, experts warn that the lack of long term solutions could increase environmental risks in the future.
Compared with Ohrid, the situation in Lake Prespa is considered more stable. Tests conducted at several popular locations, including Stenje, Otesevo, Pretor, Slivnica, Krani, and Dolno Dupeni, found that water quality remains excellent for swimming, with no major active pollution sources identified. However, the IPH noted that some wastewater issues remain unresolved, including the continued use of septic systems and problems with certain treatment facilities. Authorities have warned that these weaknesses could become larger problems if they are not addressed in time.
Lake Dojran is also currently considered safe for visitors, but experts have pointed to different environmental threats connected to activities in the surrounding area. One of the main concerns is the use of agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, which can enter the lake through rainfall and groundwater. The report also noted the appearance of foam and green algae like formations along parts of the shoreline, leading to recommendations for additional testing of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, which under certain conditions can affect water quality and ecosystem health.
Environmental experts and institutions have repeatedly warned that protecting Macedonia’s lakes requires stronger infrastructure, regular monitoring, and better control over wastewater and agricultural pollution. The IPH has recommended completing and maintaining wastewater collection systems, connecting all tourist facilities and private properties to proper sewage networks, preventing direct discharge of untreated wastewater, and increasing public access to water quality data.
The situation in Gostivar has demonstrated how quickly problems with drinking water can develop into a public health emergency, while the latest lake assessments show that protecting natural water resources requires constant attention. Although popular swimming locations remain safe for tourists at the moment, the report highlights that long term protection depends on investment, improved infrastructure, and stronger environmental oversight. Without these measures, pollution risks could eventually threaten both the country’s ecosystems and public health.
