Drinking water safe across Lika, Rab and Pag after waste site concerns

27 August 2026 – Croatian authorities have confirmed the health safety of public drinking water supplies in Lika and on the islands of Rab and Pag, following concerns over possible contamination linked to an illegal waste site in Gospić.

The Expert Committee for Water Intended for Human Consumption reviewed available monitoring data at a meeting on 25 August, focusing on the potential impact of the waste site in Bilajska Street on groundwater and public water supplies.

Results from regular state monitoring, together with additional emergency sampling carried out in August, found no evidence of contamination in public water supply systems associated with the waste site.

Samples collected on 11, 13 and 17 August further confirmed that water supplied through public systems remains suitable for human consumption.

The Committee also considered groundwater testing from deep wells operated by Calcit Lika. Samples taken on 13 August did not show indicators of contamination by leachate from the waste site, with no evidence so far that pollution from the site has reached deeper groundwater.

Authorities stressed that local seepage detected around the waste site is currently confined to a shallow hydrogeological zone. There is no evidence at present that contamination has reached the deeper aquifer. Monitoring of deep groundwater will continue.

Testing of private wells continues

Most residents of Gospić are connected to the public water supply. However, authorities have recommended that residents using private wells register them so their water can also be tested.

The first samples from private wells were collected on 20 August, with further testing under way. The Committee will assess the results once the analyses are complete.

For drinking and other household needs, residents are advised to use water from the public water supply systems, which are regularly monitored and are currently subject to additional checks.

The Expert Committee is an advisory body established within Croatia’s Ministry of Health, bringing together representatives of health, water management and other relevant institutions to help ensure the safety of drinking water in Croatia.