Danube water quality fourth-class amid historic low; swimming advised with caution

The Danube River, a vital waterway in Serbia, has hit a historic low this year, impacting its water quality. Public utility company Gradsko Zelenilo reports the water is now in the fourth class of quality. Although swimming is allowed, showering afterward is strongly advised.

Despite the concerning water quality, swimmers continue to frequent the riverbanks. "It doesn't smell bad, the Danube is our sea," one person commented, while another noted, "The water is a bit dirty, I'm just sitting here, it's cold for me."

Experts from the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina assess the risk to swimmers as small to moderate. However, Professor Srđan Rončević from the Faculty of Science urges caution, stating that swimming in the Danube under these conditions is not entirely safe. "Of course, it's not completely safe in the sense that children, the elderly, and even middle-aged people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections," he explained.

Rončević elaborated that the Danube's water quality is worse than usual this year due to the exceptionally low water level. He clarified the classification: "To understand specifically, the Danube should be in the second class, meaning it's allowed to have 1,000 fecal bacteria per 100ml. Third class means 10,000, and fourth class means 100,000."

Compounding the pollution issue, Novi Sad lacks a central wastewater treatment plant, leading to direct discharge of sewage into the Danube. Local opposition has highlighted this problem for years. "For about ten years, there's been talk about building a treatment plant. The only thing that has been built is a higher price and a greater cost," said councilor Miran Pogačar. Residents can only share videos of the discharge into the Danube on social media.