Skopje, 21 July 2026 (MIA) - The three suspects in the investigation into the contaminated drinking water in Gostivar were brought Tuesday before a pre-trial judge at the Gostivar Basic Court after the Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against them over "serious crimes against the environment and nature caused by acts of polluting drinking water."

The suspects include acting director of Gostivar’s public utility company, Artana Asani, technical head of the Technical Affairs Sector, Leon Mezini, and head of the Water Supply, Sewerage and Construction Department, Vadedin Dauti. 

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, on June 25 the suspects instructed company employees to install three submersible pumps in a channel with surface water containing harmful substances near the drinking water overflow chamber, in order to test the pressure of the water supply system.

An inspection on July 16 found that two submersible pumps were still operating, with hoses running through the overflow opening and carrying water containing coliform bacteria from an open channel into the chamber of the drinking water supply system, where water of controlled quality is stored in a closed system.

At the order of a public prosecutor, the Institute of Public Health carried out analyses of samples taken from the surface water in the open channel, determining that the water is highly contaminated and cannot be used for any purpose due to the presence of coliform bacteria at a level of 2,419.6 cfu/100 ml, compared with the maximum permitted level of 50 cfu/100 ml. Due to the high level of contamination, the water has become unusable and is unsafe for human use and consumption.

A pre-trial judge will rule on the measures for the suspects pending the investigation. The Gostivar Basic Public Prosecutor's Office said the investigation continues with additional follow-up actions.

Photo: MIA