Tetovo Police Investigate Suspected Introduction of Contaminated Water into Gostivar Water Supply

Inspectors from the Gostivar External Office for Criminal Affairs went to the village of Vrutok yesterday, 16 July 2026, where at around 6:20 p.m. they began urgent field operations over suspicions of contamination of the water supplying the city of Gostivar. The actions were undertaken on the orders of a public prosecutor from the Gostivar Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Tetovo Police, it is suspected that the public utility company “Vodovod,” together with the Municipality of Gostivar, installed three pumps in the bed of wastewater. Through them, according to suspicions, water was sent directly into the city’s main supply pipe.

The Tetovo Police statement stresses that the act is suspected to have been carried out to increase pressure in the network due to a shortage of drinking water, directly endangering the health of Gostivar residents.

Police said that all necessary procedures are under way to fully clarify the case, on suspicion of the criminal offence of “Contamination of Drinking Water,” provided for and punishable under Article 219 of the Criminal Code.

In addition to the police and prosecution, the Institute of Public Health, the Food and Veterinary Agency, the State Environmental Inspectorate and a licensed expert have also been engaged in the investigative procedure. The latter will conduct a professional assessment of the system suspected of having been installed unlawfully.