Holding claims the cleaner is working properly, citizens suspect

A large fish kill was recorded in the Sava River near Zagreb, with fishermen reporting dark stains, unpleasant odors, and numerous dead fish floating in the water. Inspectors and representatives from the Croatian Waters have arrived on-site, while local residents remain skeptical. The Zagreb Holding claims its wastewater treatment plant operates normally and denies any unusual incident, though the cause, whether pollution or the effects of high temperatures and low water levels, remains unclear until further analysis next week. Fishermen in Hruščica described grim scenes, noting a dark stain in the river, an offensive smell, and dozens of dead fish drifting along the current. They also observed dead animals such as rats and cats floating in the water, leading Josip Pavlović from the Ecology Association of the City to suggest that an external factor, possibly some form of contamination, must be responsible. He emphasized that while the exact cause remains unknown, the presence of multiple dead species indicates something abnormal has occurred. Hruščica lies downstream from the Zagreb wastewater treatment plant, which immediately drew suspicion toward the CUPOV facility. However, the Zagreb Holding firmly rejects this, asserting that the plant functions without interference and that no issues were recorded. Pavlović pointed to past incidents in Jakuševac, including fires and improper waste disposal, which were initially downplayed by the city authorities before problems became evident later. He noted that residents regularly report foul smells emanating from the wastewater treatment plant, claiming officials assured them everything was under control. These reports, however, have not prevented the occurrence of fish kills, suggesting a disconnect between official assurances and actual conditions. “They say everything is fine, analyses show all is well, and the inspectorate confirmed they will complete their tests eventually,” he remarked. In response, representatives from the Croatian Waters stated that inspectors had already visited the site, identified contamination and fish deaths, and begun monitoring the situation intensively along the entire section of the river from Siska to Zagreb, particularly under the supervision of the Croatian Waters. Vedran Deletis from the Croatian Waters explained that water samples had been collected both at the plant’s discharge points and upstream and downstream, with initial results expected mid-next week. The testing process involves the Institute Josip Juraj Strossmayer, which holds the necessary authority and laboratory facilities. According to Deletis, the institute has sampled water at multiple locations upon request and is currently conducting analyses, which should be available between midweek and late next week. He acknowledged the extreme drought affecting much of Europe, with the Sava River reaching temperatures over 28 degrees Celsius and experiencing very low water levels due to high temperatures and minimal flow. Davor Zanella from the Biology Department at the University of Zagreb noted that while the current level of water pollution is notable, it is not unprecedented. He stressed that while the combination of high temperatures and reduced water flow likely contributed to the fish die-off, without detailed and accurate water analysis, it is difficult to determine whether additional contamination played a role. Local fishermen, who have witnessed similar occurrences almost annually, agree that the extent of the current event is unusual. As the situation continues to unfold, the outcome of the upcoming water quality assessments will be crucial in determining the true cause of the fish kill. Until then, the debate between local concerns and institutional reassurances persists, with the community awaiting clarity on the state of their river.