Water

The problem

Tap water in Durrës, sourced primarily from the Erzeni-Ishmi basin and augmented significantly by groundwater from the Fushe Kuqe Plain, meets basic national standards but often varies in quality due to ageing infrastructure, pipe leaks, and downstream pollution from urban and industrial runoff. While some locals consume it without issues, visitors face higher risks from microbial and chemical contaminants. Key health concerns include:

• Bacterial infections: E. coli and fecal coliforms can cause traveler's diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially in areas with inconsistent treatment.
• Parasitic and viral threats: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and hepatitis A, leading to prolonged gastrointestinal illness.
• Chemical contaminants: Potential lead from corroded pipes and nitrates from agricultural runoff, which may affect long-term health, like neurological issues or methemoglobinemia in children.
• Regional specifics: Downstream sites near Durrës show poor water quality (Water Quality Index 42–88), making it unsuitable for direct consumption. Recent 2025 reports highlight occasional bacterial spikes and turbidity from heatwaves and pollution.

Vulnerable groups—children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—should avoid tap water entirely to prevent stomach upsets or severe dehydration.

What are the alternatives?

On arriving in Durrës, one of the first things a visitor notices is the 10L water bottles sold in most stores and supermarkets. These are fine for short-term visitors, but for longer-term residents, companies like Ecosoft, Kond, and Maximum deliver and fit water filtration systems or large-volume water containers with pumps.

There is some discussion as to whether standard domestic water filter systems like Brita can suffice, but the consensus seems to be that the level of filtration is insufficient.