The situation with the water supply in Gostivar is gradually stabilizing. The number of bacteria has significantly decreased, but the water is still not suitable for drinking and the ban on using it for drinking and cooking remains in place. It can be used as technical water. The Food and Veterinary Agency is the institution that will determine when the water is safe for consumption, said Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD) head Stojanche Angelov, who also heads the government-established crisis HQ. Angelov said the water will most likely be approved for drinking next week if the results remain at the current level.
Regarding the presence of bacteria from stagnant water in the water supply system, Angelov said in an interview with Kanal 5 TV that a misunderstanding had arisen among the public because the amount of bacteria was very low. However, it still makes the water unsuitable for drinking, although it does not pose a danger to citizens when used as technical water. On the other hand, Angelov said the situation has significantly improved as a result of prolonged hyperchlorination. However, once several consecutive tests over a period of at least three days confirm the absence of bacteria and establish that the water is microbiologically safe, the excess chlorine intentionally added to eliminate the bacteria must be reduced to normal levels. Only then will the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) determine whether the water is suitable for drinking.
