For a fourth week, Gostivar has no safe drinking water. Not a fourth day - a fourth week. And while the crisis HQ sends out moderately optimistic messages, doctors are starting to talk about the next phase of the problem.

After the poisonings - hepatitis. That is the warning from Dr Aleksandar Trajanovski, who says that if this situation continues it could lead to cases of viral hepatitis, since residents are in no position to maintain normal personal hygiene. So far, cases with vomiting, diarrhoea and raised body temperature have been registered.

Trajanovski, who is also deputy leader of the opposition SDSM, argues that the crisis - running since the end of June - has exposed the unpreparedness of institutions and insufficient coordination. In his view an epidemic should have been declared earlier, so that capacity could be reinforced and a real assessment made on the ground. He is calling on the government to publish the results of the analyses and the cause of the contamination transparently - without residents waiting until 20 August for answers.

The other side is sending out its own version. Stojanche Angelov, director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate and head of the crisis HQ, said the situation is gradually stabilising and the bacteria count is significantly down. The water is still not for drinking or cooking, but it can be used for technical purposes. If the results hold, drinking will most likely be permitted next week - although the final word belongs to the Food and Veterinary Agency.

Angelov added that a misunderstanding had arisen in public about the bacteria from stagnant water, since the quantity was very low. Low or not - four weeks of a ban on drinking is not a misunderstanding.

At the hospital the numbers are falling, but the explanation is surprising. In 24 hours, 11 patients sought help at the infectious diseases department and 14 at paediatrics, with stomach pain, diarrhoea and general weakness. Two with more severe symptoms were kept in. Hospital director Emri Bajrami says these numbers are entirely normal for this season and may be linked to seasonal viruses, as in previous years.

So: the ombudsman is asking that residents not pay bills for water they are not allowed to drink. The opposition talks about hepatitis. The crisis HQ promises next week. The hospital says it might be seasonal viruses. Four different stories about one and the same water supply.

What is certain is that Gostivar has spent four weeks buying bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth - while still receiving a bill for what comes out of the tap. Who answers for this once the crisis is over? So far nobody has asked that question loudly enough to get an answer.