According to the report, among the most polluted rivers in the country are Gracanica in Vragoli, Sitnica across the course, Nerodim in Gerica and Kacanic, Drenica in Drenas and Vragooli, as well as Kline Collina Lima.
As major sources of pollution are cited in the dismissal of untreated urban waters, industrial activities, agricultural use, waste disposal in river beds, and degradation by the uncontrolled explosion of sand and gravel.
The report also shows lack of institutional capacities, especially at the local level. Most municipalities lack officials and environmental inspectors, while many do not have local plans for environmental protection.
Concern remains the absence of laboratory staff and equipment at the Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute, as well as the need for expanding the water monitoring network, especially underground ones.
As to the quality of drinking water, data from the National Institute of Public Health in Kosovo show that between 11 thousand and 16 water samples of which 98.7 percent have been in line with presymmetric values during 2024.
While, during the January-August 2025 period, out of 8 thousand and 435 samples analyzed, 98.2 percent have resulted in compliance with the respective standards.
However, the report also identifies the mangani problem at Lake Badoci, where exceeded established values were recorded during 2024 and 2025.
The ombudsman has also raised concerns about the risk of floods, requiring long-term planning, investments in water infrastructure and systematic maintenance of water flows.
The report notes that problems in the water sector have been calculated over the years, but implementation of measures to improve the situation has advanced at insufficient pace.
The ombudsman estimates that concrete, urgent and co-ordinated actions are already needed by responsible institutions, stressing that protection of the waters requires joint commitment of the central and local level.
Source Layer: RTKLive