Emergency Declared in Čačak Over Major Water Supply Pipeline Failure

Authorities in Čačak, Serbia, have declared a state of emergency following a significant rupture in the main pipeline of the "Rzav" water system. This critical infrastructure failure occurred early Tuesday morning in Gorobilje, near Požega, disrupting the water supply to Čačak and four other municipalities.

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The population is asked not to use water from the city waterworks for drinking for the next ten days, until the Institute for Public Health publishes the analyses of water samples, which, according to our information, will be ready by Wednesday.

The immediate impact is a cessation of regular water supply for most users. Priority consumers, including the General Hospital, bakeries, kindergartens, and dairies, are currently being supplied normally. However, the general population faces potential water shortages for the next ten days, or until the emergency situation is lifted.

Residents are strongly advised to refrain from drinking tap water during this period. They should use it solely for technical purposes until the local Institute for Public Health completes its water quality analyses, which are expected by Wednesday. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any health risks associated with potentially compromised water quality.

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Unfortunately, this is the third time in the last twenty years that this pipeline has burst.

Matija Bratuljević, director of the public water supply company "Rzav," stated that initial assessments indicate the main water pipeline is "seriously damaged." He noted that this is the third such rupture in the pipeline within the last twenty years. Repair work is currently underway to address the damage and restore normal water services as quickly as possible.

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According to initial estimates, the main water pipeline is seriously damaged.