Struga residents are demanding that the authorities declare a state of emergency in the municipality due to the ongoing crisis with contaminated drinking water. The ban on consuming water from the spring has been in force for a long time, and analysis results indicate a serious breach of quality standards.

Water samples taken on 9 February 2026 showed turbidity of 28.56, while the allowed limit is 1.5 — that is 19 times above the permitted level. The situation escalated from a local problem to a matter of national public health interest.

Prosecution confirmed the existing suspicions and demanded urgent investigative measures. A suspicious excavation activity by two companies from Veles near the Shum spring was uncovered — a protected area. Working machinery was found in the restricted zone, and the investigation focuses on possible illegal extraction of minerals that contaminated the strategic water supply point.

Citizens are demanding a swift and permanent solution, but also institutional accountability for those who issued permits or failed to act preventively. The case raises questions about the protection of the country's strategic water resources.