Tests show faeces-contaminated water in North Macedonia town

Tests found faeces-related contamination in the drinking-water supply in Gostivar, North Macedonia, prosecutors said. Authorities investigated a poisoning outbreak that left thousands ill amid extreme summer heat. In water samples, coliform bacteria levels—normally associated with faecal contamination—were reported to be nearly 50 times above the allowed limit. Prosecutors linked the pollution to suspected illegal pumping activity near a drinking-water chamber, used for pressure-testing. The director of the local water company and two employees were arrested while drinking water use was temporarily banned.