The citizens of Fushë-Arrëz were poisoned a week ago by drinking water. The news is confirmed by the Institute of Public Health, after conducting laboratory tests, classifying the event as a water-borne explosion, as a result of the failure to correctly implement hygiene and sanitation practices that guarantee the quality and safety of drinking water.

According to the report, during the period August 24–September 3, 2026, 139 people with gastrointestinal symptoms presented to the Fushë-Arrëz Health Center. Of these, 128 cases, or 91.7%, are residents of Fushë-Arrëz, with cases concentrated mainly in the “Demokracia” and “Nushaj” neighborhoods. All cases had diarrhea, while 128 people reported vomiting and 81 had fever. The ages of the affected people range from 2 to 94 years old.

The IHP investigation has focused on the water supply system, as the affected residents have stated that they consume water from the public network and are supplied by the same system.

Laboratory analyses have confirmed microbiological contamination at several points in the supply system, where coliforms and enterococci were found.

The IHP report also states that the disinfection of drinking water was not carried out properly. The analysis of sodium hypochlorite showed that the active chlorine was 9.04%, while the limit set in the report is 13–15%, not meeting the requirements for use in the chlorination and disinfection process of drinking water. Despite the laboratory analyses, the Shkodra Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Company, which is responsible for the water supply of Fushë-Arrëz, has not made any announcement to citizens not to consume the water that goes to their taps.