Serbia struggles with access to clean drinking water

Introduction

Serbia is currently facing a water scarcity issue, resulting in approximately one million citizens struggling to obtain consistent access to safe drinking water. This alarming situation has been highlighted by activists who spoke to EURACTIV.rs.

Insufficient Sewerage System

Only 55% of the Serbian population is connected to a sewerage system, most of which were constructed over 30 years ago and utilize outdated technologies.

Wastewater Infrastructure and Treatment

Serbia falls under the category of medium-developed countries in terms of wastewater infrastructure. However, when it comes to wastewater treatment, it ranks at the bottom. Currently, there are 47 cities and municipalities with wastewater treatment plants, of which 26 are operational, two are under reconstruction, and five are in trial operation.

Additional Water-related Challenges

The “Right to Water” initiative activists, Žaklina Živković and Strahinja Macić, have identified several key problems faced by the Serbian population regarding water supply. These include water source pollution, inadequate provision of healthy drinking water, significant losses in the water supply network, and the impending privatization of utility companies. As a result, one million citizens in Serbia have only occasional access to safe drinking water.

Water Endangerment and Exploitation

The situation in Vojvodina is particularly dire, as groundwater reserves have been overexploited for an extended period. Consequently, the quality of these reserves significantly deteriorates with increasing depth, and restoration becomes impossible. Furthermore, groundwater reserves in the valleys of major rivers are under significant threat due to large-scale and uncontrolled exploitation of sand and gravel.

Challenges in Implementing Water Laws

Although Serbia has a Law on water, its implementation poses challenges. This situation is not aligned with the European Union’s accession demands, which call for extensive reforms in water management and increased budgets for this sector.

Pollution Sources

Rivers in flat regions of the country suffer from severe pollution caused by industrial, communal, and mining wastewater. On the other hand, rivers in mountainous or hilly areas are affected by the construction of mini hydro power plants.

Impact of Climate Change

Like many parts of the world, Serbia is experiencing an unusually hot summer. Živković emphasizes the importance of access to clean drinking water, as climate change poses a threat to human health. Given Serbia’s susceptibility to drought, efforts must be made to uphold the human right to clean drinking water.

Success in Protecting Natural Assets

As a member of the European water movement, the “Right to Water” initiative played a crucial role in halting the construction of a third hydropower plant on the Rupska River. The local villagers defended the river for 160 days with their own bodies. Through a collaborative and determined approach, they achieved significant results. The Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure cancelled the building license, and the Ministry of Energy’s inspection filed charges for numerous illegalities in the procedure. This success demonstrates the power of united and active citizens in preserving natural resources.

(Aleksandra Vrbica | EURACTIV.rs)

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