Recommendations on Water Use and the Prevention of Waterborne Diseases

On July 17 2026, the Food and Veterinary Agency issued a ban on the use of drinking water from the Gostivar municipal water supply system due to reasonable suspicion that the water is contaminated and unsafe for consumption.

While the temporary ban on the use of tap water from the municipal water supply remains in effect, residents are advised to follow the recommendations below until an official announcement confirms that the water is safe to use again.

Important: Until the ban is officially removed, water from the municipal water supply must not be used for drinking, even if it has been boiled, unless the competent authorities issue different guidance.

1. Drinking Water and Food Preparation

·         Do not use tap water from the municipal water supply for drinking or preparing food.

·         If bottled water is available, use it during this period. A minimum of 4 litres of water per person per day is recommended.

·         Use commercially bottled water for drinking.

·         Do not use tap water for:

o    preparing food;

o    washing fruits and vegetables that will be eaten raw;

o    making ice;

o    preparing juices, coffee, tea, or other beverages.

·         Do not use tap water to prepare infant formula or infant food.

2. Hand Hygiene

·         Wash your hands frequently with soap and safe water (bottled water), especially:

o    before preparing or eating food;

o    after using the toilet;

o    after changing diapers;

o    after caring for a person who is ill.

·         If safe water is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when hands are not visibly soiled.

3. Personal Hygiene

·         Use only safe water (bottled water) for brushing your teeth.

·         For showering and bathing, use safe water (bottled water) or previously boiled water, taking care not to swallow the water.

·         If safe water is unavailable, use wet wipes or disposable cleansing cloths until the water supply is declared safe.

4. Food Preparation

·         Cook food thoroughly.

·         Avoid preparing foods that are not cooked if safe water is unavailable.

·         Use disposable plates and eating utensils whenever possible to avoid washing them.

5. Restaurants, Cafés, and Catering Establishments

Food service establishments should:

·         not use tap water to prepare beverages;

·         not use tap water to wash fruits and vegetables;

·         use only safe (bottled) water for food preparation;

·         discontinue the use of ice machines.

6. Kindergartens and Childcare Facilities

·         Children should drink only safe (bottled) water.

·         Do not use taps to refill drinking bottles.

·         Prepare all food using only safe (bottled) water.

7. Health Recommendations

Seek medical attention immediately from your family physician or the nearest healthcare facility if you develop:

·         diarrhoea;

·         vomiting;

·         nausea;

·         abdominal cramps;

·         fever;

·         weakness;

·         signs of dehydration (intense thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, or dizziness).

Particular attention should be given to:

·         infants and young children;

·         pregnant women;

·         older adults;

·         people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.

8. Preventing Waterborne Diseases

Unsafe water can be a source of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that cause gastroenteritis.

To reduce the risk:

·         use only safe water for drinking and food preparation;

·         wash your hands regularly;

·         keep raw and cooked foods separate;

·         store food at appropriate temperatures;

·         maintain good kitchen hygiene;

·         do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils with people who have symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.

9. Follow Official Information

Residents should regularly follow updates issued by the competent authorities, including the Institute of Public Health, the Centre for Public Health, the Ministry of Health, and the Food and Veterinary Agency.

Water from the municipal water supply should only be used for drinking again after an official announcement confirms that the ban has been lifted and the water is safe.

10. What to Do After the Ban Is removed

Once the ban has been officially removed:

·         let the tap run for 5–10 minutes;

·         empty and clean water dispensers and water storage appliances;

·         discard any ice made during the period of the ban;

·         replace water filters if recommended by the manufacturer.

MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC

Following these recommendations can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and help prevent their spread.

Particular care should be taken to protect infants, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions, as they are at greater risk of developing serious complications from intestinal infections.