Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo, is one of the municipalities with the most severe water shortages in the country. Citizens of Pristina have to cope with daily water curbs due to the lack of rainfall and snowfall which has left the city's water supplies in a dreadful condition. The current water resources do not fulfill the needs of the overgrowing population of Pristina. The water supply comes from the two main reservoirs of Batllava and Badovci. However, there are many problems with the water supply that comes from these two reservoirs which supply 92% of the population in Pristina. As such, the authorities have increased their efforts to remedy the situation and to make sure that such crises do not hit the city again.
Natural water resources
Rivers
There is no river flowing within the city of Pristina. Some time ago the rivers of Veluša and Prištevka used to flow through Pristina. However, none of these rivers are visible anymore since they were covered. This was done because people were throwing garbage in the river and the smell resulting from this garbage was so bad which prompted the local authorities to cover both rivers. Currently, Pristina acquires its water from rivers which are located in nearby areas but not in Pristina itself.
Underground water
The current mayor of Pristina, Shpend Ahmeti, is actively searching for alternative water resources. He has stated that there are many sources of underground water which can be exploited in order to improve the situation of the water supply for Pristina. The main underground water resources in Pristina are the wells which have been identified in “Pajtimi” valley, the “Llukar” village, and “Germia” park
The wells in Pajtimi Valley are out of functioning because the valley was used as a construction material waste deposit, which has covered up the wells. Prior to being used for this purpose, the wells used to supply some neighborhoods with water. Hydrogeologists have confirmed that the valley is rich in underground water resources. According to hydro geologists the valley could be a subject of study for recognizing and utilizing new water resources.
Two wells have been identified in the Llukar village; however, they have been out of functioning since 1983. Underground water resources exist in the Germia park as well. Currently, the water that comes from the springs flows to Germia swimming pool.
Water supply and distribution
Overview and history of the water supply
Pristina started to be supplied with water, which was mainly coming from Germia and Kolevica resources (wells), at a very early period of time.
In 1961, the Regional Water Company began to supply Pristina with water coming from the Badovc Lake, which supplied water for a population of 38.593 citizens. In 1979, Pristina began to grow in terms of population and construction. Therefore, the need for more water grew. As a result, the Regional Water Company started to provide larger quantities of water to respond to the growing water demand. The water was mainly coming from the reservoir of Batllava and underground resources of Kosovo Polje and Obilić.
Since the end of the Kosovo War (1998–99), the “Regional Water Company Batllava” underwent some changes. However, in 2007, it became a joint stock company called the “Regional Water Company Pristina”. Currently the “Regional Water Company Pristina” provides water supplies and other services for 40% of the population of Kosovo, making it the largest water company in Kosova. Presently, it supplies Pristina, Gračanica, Kosovo Polje, Obiliq, Lipjan, Shtime, Drenas, and Podujevo municipalities with water.
Water quality
National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), which is within the Ministry of Health, is the responsible organ for monitoring the quality of water. In general, Kosovo is considered to have good tap water quality which also includes Pristina as one of its most developed cities. Moreover, the water coming from kitchen taps is drinkable.
Water usage
Industrial purposes
Personal purposes
Domestic purposes
Irrigation purposes
Car washing
Gardening
Fishing
There is a poor quality of data on water resources in Kosovo, including Pristina. A high portion of the data and information is unreliable, including the data and information on the growth of population, demand for water, usage of water, quality of water, pollution of water and climate change.
Batllava reservoir
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