Radiofar residents face continued water crisis amid chromium contamination and municipal appeals

For decades, residents of the Radiofar settlement, located near the center of Belgrade, have relied on well water for their daily needs. Recent laboratory analyses have confirmed the presence of hexavalent chromium in the water, exceeding permissible limits and posing a significant health risk.

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Hexavalent chromium is classified as a primary source of cancer!

"Hexavalent chromium is classified as a primary source of cancer!" stated Aleksandar Martinović, a resident of Radiofar, to N1. Laboratory tests conducted in June 2026 by the Belgrade City Institute for Public Health and the "Batut" Institute revealed that 12 out of 21 tested samples had chromium concentrations up to 3.3 times higher than the maximum allowed. Consequently, the Ministry of Health has prohibited the use of this water for drinking and food preparation, and even for showering due to microbiological concerns.

In response to the findings, the Ministry of Health has ordered the Surčin municipality to take immediate measures to provide safe drinking water. The municipality has reportedly delivered two water tanks, but one allegedly experienced technical difficulties. Adding to the residents' frustration, the Surčin municipality has appealed the ministry's decision. However, a second-instance commission of the Ministry upheld the initial ruling, making it final.

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It was considered a possibility that it could be used for showering, if it was microbiologically safe, but it's not even that, so we don't have water for anything.

Despite the urgency, residents face a prolonged wait for a permanent solution. A public procurement for the construction of a water supply network was announced on July 28, with contractor selection expected by August 24. Even if the process proceeds smoothly, residents estimate they will depend on water tanks for at least another year. "I've been here for 28 years. For 28 years, we've been asking for water and sewage systems," Martinović said, emphasizing the long-standing nature of the problem.

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One has it, and the other, due to some technical reasons, is not here.

The source of the hexavalent chromium contamination remains unknown, as no relevant authority has commissioned an investigation into its origin. The "Batut" Institute has stated its readiness to conduct such research if requested by the competent authority, a request that has not yet been made. Meanwhile, an environmental inspection report filed by citizens on July 22, 2026, has gone unanswered.

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I've been here for 28 years. For 28 years, we've been asking for water and sewage systems. Since it's a priority.