A bacterial contamination led to an epidemic in North Macedonia, where thousands of residents required medical care. Tap water has been banned.

An epidemic associated with drinking water has broken out in the city of Gostivar, North Macedonia, where over 3,100 people have received medical care due to poisoning. Authorities have banned the use of tap water for the approximately 32,000 residents, three days after the first reported cases.

The contamination was caused by the decision of the public water company to divert water from a municipal canal, where wastewater is discharged, to the distribution network, in order to increase pressure in the system. Three employees of the company, including the director, have been arrested for actions that polluted drinking water. Tests have shown an alarming level of coliform bacteria, and until the situation is remedied, authorities are distributing 50,000 liters of bottled water daily to affected residents, in extreme heat conditions.