Albania's Water Pollution: Better Or Worse Now?

Albania has a rich water supply and vast natural areas of high ecological value. However, it faces challenges in addressing trade-offs across sectors that require water, such as agriculture, which accounts for 40% of employment in the country. Water pollution in Albania is caused by the disposal of trash, untreated wastewater, and sewage, as well as industrial and domestic effluents. The country has received support from the World Bank to improve its water supply services, and while it has developed a strong regulatory framework, most water utilities continue to perform poorly. Albania's energy sector is vulnerable to droughts and climate change, and the impact of hydropower projects on water resources and biodiversity is a concern for farmers and environmentalists.

Sources of water pollution

Albania is a country with abundant water resources, including seven main rivers, glacial lakes, river valleys, and coastal lagoons. However, the country faces challenges in managing its water resources effectively, and water pollution is a significant issue.

The sources of water pollution in Albania are diverse and include:

• Industrial waste and discharge: Industrial activities, such as mining and manufacturing, release toxic organic compounds and metals into rivers and other water bodies. This has been observed in several rivers, including Shkumbini, Fani, Gjanika, and Semani.
• Municipal and urban waste: As industrial production has decreased since 1991, municipal and urban waste has become a more significant source of water pollution. Population migration to cities like Tirana and Durresi has increased pressure on waste management systems, with much of the waste being disposed of directly into rivers without proper control or treatment.
• Poor waste management: Albania's waste management system is characterized by weak collection systems, especially in rural areas. The lack of proper waste disposal infrastructure and low awareness of waste recycling contribute to water pollution.
• Agricultural activities: The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of freshwater in Albania, accounting for 60% of total water use. The use of irrigation technology, such as open channel flow, has led to massive water wastage, and agricultural runoff can also contribute to water pollution.
• Hydropower plants: The energy sector in Albania is heavily dependent on hydropower, with more plants planned for construction. Improper siting and inadequate environmental impact assessments of these plants can negatively impact ecosystems and water quality.
• Climate change: The expected impacts of climate change include reduced water resources, increased evaporation, and changes in water quality. Warmer temperatures can lead to increased erosion of riverbeds and modifications in turbidity and sediment load, further degrading water quality.
• Deforestation and soil erosion: These activities can impact water quality and contribute to sedimentation and pollution in water bodies.

Water treatment and access

Albania has abundant water resources, with an annual river discharge into the sea of around 40km3/year and an annual specific discharge of 29L/sec/km2, one of the highest in Europe. Groundwater sources, which are generally of good quality, are the main source of drinking water and irrigation. However, water pollution is a significant issue, caused by industrial and domestic effluents, oil extraction and refinery activities, and the discharge of untreated wastewater and sewage.

The country's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydropower, with more hydropower plants planned, and this development could negatively impact ecosystems and conflict with agriculture, which accounts for 40% of employment. There are concerns about the absence of proper regulation of hydropower plants and related water flows, which could aggravate flooding issues.

Albania's water supply services face technical and financial challenges, resulting in low service levels and limited access in rural areas. The World Bank is providing support to reform the water sector, including a $75 million loan and a $6.3 million grant for the National Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Modernization Program. The program aims to improve the performance of water supply and sanitation utilities and increase access to safe water services.

To address water pollution, systematic research efforts and continuous monitoring are necessary to identify all sources of contamination and determine remedial strategies. There are currently six wastewater treatment plants in operation, and plans to build more, which could help reduce pollution and provide biogas for energy use. However, the increase in energy demand for these new services is also a consideration.

Energy and agriculture

Albania's economy is primarily based on the service, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Agriculture is a key sector, accounting for over half of employment and about one-fifth of GDP. However, it is limited to small family operations and subsistence farming due to a lack of modern equipment, unclear property rights, and small, inefficient plots of land.

The country's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydropower, which makes it vulnerable to droughts and climate change impacts. This reliance on hydropower also competes with the agricultural sector for land and water resources. Albania's agricultural practices have also contributed to water pollution through the use of fertilizers and pesticides, especially before 1990. The detection of these pollutants is challenging, and the scale of this pollution may be underestimated.

To improve water quality and sustainability, Albania is receiving support from the World Bank to reform its Water Sector. This includes a loan of $75 million and a grant of $6.3 million to improve water supply and sanitation services and increase access to safe water. The country also needs to address energy demands, as increasing irrigation and drainage services will require more energy to power pumps and treatment processes.

Albania's efforts to improve water pollution and manage water resources are complex due to the interplay between energy demands, agricultural practices, and environmental concerns. While the country has taken steps to address these issues, it continues to face challenges in balancing these competing interests.

Environmental organisations

Albania has made some strides in addressing its water pollution issues, but it continues to face significant challenges. While the country has implemented measures to improve water quality, including investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure, the overall state of its aquatic ecosystems remains precarious.

• Eco Albania: Eco Albania is a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to protecting and conserving the country's natural environment. One of its primary focuses is combating water pollution. They implement projects that aim to improve water quality, particularly in rivers and lakes affected by industrial and agricultural runoff. Eco Albania engages in activities such as monitoring water bodies, advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and raising public awareness about the importance of water conservation.
• The Institute of Water and Water Treatment (IWWT): IWWT is a scientific research institute that specialises in water-related issues. It plays a crucial role in studying and understanding the extent and sources of water pollution in Albania. The institute conducts research and provides scientific data and recommendations to government bodies and other stakeholders. Their work helps inform policy decisions and the development of strategies to mitigate water pollution.
• Green Home Albania: This organisation focuses on promoting sustainable practices and environmental education. They conduct workshops, training programs, and awareness campaigns targeting communities, schools, and businesses. Green Home Albania educates people about the impacts of water pollution and provides practical solutions for reducing pollution and conserving water resources. By empowering individuals to make sustainable choices, they contribute to a collective effort to improve water quality.
• Riverwatch: Riverwatch is an international organisation with a presence in Albania, dedicated to the protection and restoration of rivers. They work closely with local communities and partner organisations to address the impacts of hydropower development and other threats to Albania's rivers. Riverwatch engages in advocacy campaigns, scientific research, and the promotion of sustainable river management practices. Their efforts help ensure that rivers, which are vital sources of freshwater, remain healthy and resilient.
• The Albanian Environmental Center (AEC): AEC is an NGO that works to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in Albania. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and local communities, to address water pollution. AEC provides technical assistance, conducts research, and facilitates dialogue among stakeholders to develop and implement effective water management practices. They also advocate for the preservation of wetland ecosystems, which play a crucial role in filtering and purifying water.

These organisations, through their dedicated efforts, contribute to a broader movement towards improving water quality in Albania. By raising awareness, influencing policies, and empowering communities, they drive much-needed change and help protect the country's precious water resources for future generations.

Water quality and health

Albania is a country with a rich endowment of water resources. However, it faces challenges in ensuring water quality and access, particularly in rural areas. Water pollution in Albania is a significant issue, with a number of rivers, including the Lanë and Ishëm, being heavily polluted as they pass through the capital city of Tirana. This pollution is caused by a range of factors, including industrial discharge, oil extraction and refinery, and the disposal of untreated wastewater and sewage.

The country's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydropower, which has led to concerns about the impact of these projects on water resources and the environment. Albania's agriculture sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country's employment and GDP, is also a major water user and contributor to water pollution due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

The Albanian government has recognised the need for reform in the water sector and has committed to improving water supply services with support from the World Bank. The World Bank's financing operation includes a loan of $75 million and a grant of $6.3 million to improve the operational and financial performance of water supply and sanitation utilities and increase access to safe water services.

Despite these challenges, there are positive signs for water quality and health in Albania. The country has developed a strong regulatory framework for water services delivery and introduced changes to improve service delivery. Additionally, groundwater resources, which are the main source of drinking water, are generally of good quality, particularly in mountainous areas.

To further improve water quality and health in Albania, systematic research efforts and continuous monitoring are necessary to identify and address all sources of water contamination. This includes documenting sources of contamination, quantifying amounts and fluxes of contaminants, and determining the best remedial strategies to reduce risks to humans, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems.

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