The State of Water in Kosovo, 2010

Gjendja e Ujërave në Kosovë6. WATER POLLUTION AND WATER TREATMENT6.1 DISCHARGE OF URBAN WASTEWATERSThere is no urban waste water monitoring in Kosovo. Management of sewerage systemsis carried out by seven regional water companies. About 50% of Kosovo population hasaccess to public sewerage systems 41 .Wastewater discharges represent the main source of pollution of natural waters, becausethey contain lot of substances that consume dissolved oxygen, soluble compounds ofphosphorus and nitrogen (eutrophication), pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and othermatters that affect the water quality.There are no wastewater treatment plants in Kosovo. In Skenderaj, it is constructed awastewater treatment plant, but it is not operating yet.In 2004, MESP in cooperation with the Finnish government has drafted the study for thestrategy for wastewater treatment.In terms of wastewater management, Kosovo will face major challenges, especially inrelation to the implementation of EU directives (Directive 91/271/EEC on urban wastewatertreatment) and the fulfilment of international obligations. It becomes more important,given the fact that Kosovo’s rivers pass through neighbouring countries. However,Kosovo still does not have a strategy for wastewater management and for establishingoperational mechanisms to finance wastewater treatment.6.2 DISCHARGE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATERSIndustrial waters are among the main pollutants of surface and ground waters. Theindustry needs for water are 150 million m³ per year, approximately 30% of total waterconsumption. The largest polluters are KEK, Ferronikeli, Sharrcemi, Trepca mines,Kizhnica, Artana and other mines.41 AAV – The annual average values are calculated by monthly serial data© Agjencia e Kosoves per Mbrojtjen e Mjedisit79120