The problems facing Kosovo’s water sector have been known for years, but measures to improve the situation have progressed too slowly. The Ombudsperson highlights this in a report on the state of the country’s waters, which addresses river pollution, water resource management and enforcement of environmental protection laws.
The report lists the Graçanka in Vragoli, the Sitnica along its entire course, the Nerodime in Gerlicë and Kaçanik, the Drenica in Drenas and Vragoli, and the Liman of Klina in Klinë among the most polluted rivers.
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The pollution is mainly linked to the discharge of untreated urban wastewater, industrial activities, agricultural use and the dumping of waste in riverbeds. Their condition is also worsened by uncontrolled sand and gravel extraction.
At the local level, the report points to a lack of institutional capacity: most municipalities have no environmental officers or inspectors, while many have not drawn up local environmental protection plans.
A shortage of staff and laboratory equipment at the Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute is another concern. The report also calls for an expansion of the water monitoring network, especially for groundwater.
On drinking water, data from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo show that 11,016 samples were analyzed in 2024; 98.7 percent met the parametric values.
From January to August 2025, another 8,435 samples were analyzed, of which 98.2 percent met the relevant standards.
However, manganese remains a problem in Badoc Lake: levels exceeding the prescribed limits were recorded in 2024 and 2025.
The Ombudsperson also draws attention to the risk of flooding. To address it, the report calls for long-term planning, investment in water infrastructure and systematic maintenance of waterways.
In the Ombudsperson’s assessment, the responsible institutions must now take concrete, urgent and coordinated action. Protecting water resources, the report stresses, requires a joint effort at the central and local levels.
