Public Health Institute calls for staff qualification checks at “Komunalec” one month after Gostivar epidemic

One month after an epidemic was declared in Gostivar, attributed to contamination of the drinking water, the Public Health Institute (PHI) forwarded a package of measures to the public utility company “Komunalec” to improve safety in the water supply system.

Among the institute’s demands is verification of the professional qualifications of personnel working at critical points in the supply and distribution system, as well as their basic knowledge of water safety.

According to the recommendations, employees who manage water supply facilities and maintain the water distribution network must receive appropriate training on an ongoing basis. Meanwhile, staff working in the first protection zone must undergo regular health and hygiene checks.

PHI is calling on “Komunalec” to continuously monitor chlorine levels from the source to the final consumer. The institute also suggests installing an automated system for the continuous measurement, monitoring and recording of indicators related to disinfection.

According to PHI, residual free chlorine measurements should be carried out systematically at multiple points across the network, at different times and during varying levels of consumption. Where technical conditions allow, the installation of an alarm to signal deviations from the specified parameters is also recommended.

After the state of crisis in the territory of Gostivar Municipality ends, the residual free chlorine level in the distribution network should be maintained within the range of 0.2–0.5 mg/L, in accordance with the system’s characteristics and the regulations in force.

The company must also determine the causes of fluctuations in chlorine levels. This process should take into account the time water remains in the network, branches with no circulation, areas with low consumption, changes in flow and the possibility of water mixing from different parts of the system.

Another demand from PHI is that the chlorination station, as well as the conditions for the storage and use of gaseous chlorine, be brought fully into line with legal and safety standards. This includes ventilation, equipment to prevent the spread of gas in the event of an accident, protective equipment, and systems for detecting and dealing with leaks.

The recommendations call for increased field inspections by municipal inspectors, particularly during periods when water consumption is high. Illegal connections, leaks and other factors that could undermine the stability of the water supply should also be a focus.

PHI is calling on the competent authorities to regularly oversee the entire supply line, from the source to consumers, with particular attention to protected areas.

The institute also recommends a technical assessment of the condition, operation and capacity of the filtration station. If the station meets the technical and sanitary requirements, it should be returned to service in accordance with the planned technology, accompanied by an appropriate operational and monitoring plan.