This summer, Serbia faces a severe water crisis, with 162 locations across 87 municipalities experiencing a lack of drinking water. The organization Pravo na vodu has reported 293 citizen complaints concerning water supply issues during the summer months. The majority of these shortages, 77.8%, are attributed to drought and the drying up of water sources, while 15.4% are due to works and failures in water supply networks. The situation is reportedly more dire than official data suggests, as many citizens continue to report unrecorded issues.
Experts are calling for a comprehensive and long-term water management policy to address these shortages, emphasizing the need to adapt to climate change. Žaklina Živković, executive director of Polekol and a member of the Pravo na vodu initiative, highlighted the inadequacy of current measures, such as emergency water tankers and occasional repairs. She stressed the importance of reducing network losses, protecting water sources, investing in infrastructure, and planning for future water needs to ensure access to safe drinking water.
The issue is exacerbated by climate change, which has turned droughts and water shortages into a new reality rather than isolated incidents. Marija Simić Savić, program director of the Ekomar Association, noted that Serbia is not as rich in water resources as commonly believed, and the lack of water is particularly problematic for smaller communities dependent on agriculture and livestock. This shortage poses economic, social, and demographic challenges, as it threatens household stability, production, and income.
Stefan Simić, president of the Belgrade branch of the Movement of Free Citizens, criticized the government’s priorities, pointing out that significant funds are spent on projects like fountains and roundabouts while the water infrastructure remains outdated. He argued that water supply should be a government priority, not an afterthought. Simić emphasized that access to drinking water is a basic human need and should be a national concern, highlighting the neglect in areas where residents are left without water for extended periods.
The ongoing water crisis underscores the urgent need for systemic planning and investment in water supply infrastructure. Without addressing these issues, Serbia risks facing not only a public health crisis but also broader economic and social instability. The situation calls for immediate governmental action to develop a sustainable water management strategy that can withstand the pressures of climate change and ensure the right to safe and accessible drinking water for all citizens.
