The Public Health Institute of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton (BPK) Goražde in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) declared today that water sample analyses conducted thus far do not reveal any deviations from the established standards. However, preventive measures are in place due to the potential contamination of the Drina River with heavy metals resulting from an ecological incident in Montenegro.

“The most recent sampling occurred on June 27, 2025, at two sites – Goražde and Ustikolina, collecting samples from the water supply network and the Drina River. Preliminary findings for physical and chemical indicators are normal, and tests for heavy metals (lead and zinc) indicate no anomalies. Analyses for additional parameters are ongoing,” stated the Institute.

In light of an environmental incident occurring recently at the Šuplja stijena Mine in Pljevlja, the Public Health Institute of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton in Goražde and the Public Utility Company “6. mart” have advised the citizens of Goražde to exercise caution when utilizing water from the Drina River.

They urged residents not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, or food preparation, but only for technical purposes, cleaning, and sanitary uses.

“The Ćehotina River flows into the Drina River, which supplies the water system for the City of Goražde through the Vitkovići water intake. Although there is no official data on the pollution level of the Drina River at this moment, based on the available information and the potential health risks, the public is advised to be cautious when using water from the Drina River,” reported Bosnian media, citing information from the Public Health Institute.

Approximately ten days ago, a sinkhole developed at the flotation landfill of the Šuplja stijena Mine, “sucking up” slag and wastewater, which likely contaminated the Badanj spring, sending its waters into the Ćehotina.

The incident gained attention when the SRK “Lipljen” fish protection service obtained photographs and recordings that substantiate suspicions regarding significant environmental damage caused by the release of chemically laden wastewater.

Workers from the Center for Ecotoxicological Testing (CETI) have collected water samples, with analysis results expected in eight days.

The “Breznica” ecological society has lodged a criminal complaint against unidentified individuals responsible for the ecological incident, demanding an urgent and comprehensive investigation to ascertain individual accountability for this environmental disaster.

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