Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

Figure 15. Quality of water in terms of proportion of samples not containing E. coli and chlorine residues after a year
2008
93.4
99.5
2007
98
98.95
2006
96
98.8
90 92 94 96 98 100
Percentile %
Negative chlorine E. Coli
Source: MPWTT, DG Water Supply and Sewerage, Monitoring and Benchmarking Unit
Drinking water quality has improved in terms of absence of coliform bacteria, but no improvements are reported
for chlorine residuals. This is due to problems water utilities are experiencing with regard to amortisation of the
water supply and sewerage network, difficulties in tracing defects, unauthorised interventions into the water
supply network, inappropriate existing chlorination systems, etc. In this context, control and monitoring of
drinking water safety and quality remains a major challenge for public health services, which need to take
action. Better coordination among local government, water supply utilities and public health structures is
needed to provide the population with uninterrupted and quality drinking water.
3.1.4 environment
Indicator: Average yearly concentration in four cities of three air pollutants—PM10 (fine particles), SO 2
(sulphur dioxide) and NO 2
(nitrogen dioxide) in Tirana, Shkodra, Durrës and Elbasan; air quality (μg/
m 3 )
Positive results have been achieved between 2005 and 2008 with respect to air quality in Albania, and this is
confirmed by international organisation reports. Albania is ranked 25th among 149 countries in the world
for its environmental performance. Implementation and the legislation concerning environmental reforms
and policies has been streamlined to Albania’s sustainable development, by preserving natural resources
from contamination and degradation, and promoting environmental values. Policies adopted to reduce gas
emissions from main pollution agents and the strengthening of legislation in this area constitute important
steps taken towards significantly improving air quality.
NSDI 2008 Progress Report | 35