DID YOU KNOW THAT...

...There are about 30 water reservoirs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily on the Neretva and Trebisnjica basin, and the Drin. more...

...Raw wastewater generated by 90 percent of the population is discharged directly into the closest water flows or bodies. more...

...Bosnia and Herzegovina has considerable water resources that have important economic potential. more...

Mostar and the Neretva River

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Source: CIA - The World Factbook   

Water Resources

The river basins of the Black and Adriatic seas supply Bosnia and Herzegovina with most of its fresh water. The country receives some 1000 mm of precipitation annually.

There are about 30 water reservoirs in Bosnia and Herzegovina primarily on the Neretva and Trebisnjica basin, and the Drin. Most are designed for hydropower and all are important for flood control, drinking water and irrigation. Ninety percent of drinking water comes from groundwater resources.

Maglic Mountain

Raw wastewater generated by 90 percent of the population is discharged directly into the nearest water bodies. Uncontrolled deforestation and erosion of soil and mountain streams have resulted in eutrophication of surface waters as well as the creation of alluvia and sludge that increase the risk of flooding and water pollution. There is no information on non-point source pollution.

Water in Bosnia and Herzegovina's Economy

Bosnia and Herzegovina has considerable water resources with important economic potential. The country is also rich in mineral and thermal waters, which can serve as the basis for eco- and health tourism.

Water Management

Although official data for the region indicate relatively high coverage of water services -- up to 90 percent -- the reliability and quality has deteriorated alarmingly in the past decade. Coverage in urban areas is generally higher than in rural areas, but intermittent service is common. Moreover, inadequate functioning of water treatment plants and badly deteriorated distribution networks have made drinking water unsafe in many urban centres, leading to a rise in water-borne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea. Rural water supply services are largely in a state of total disrepair.

Under the Law on Water of 1998, two Public Companies of Watershed areas, one for the River Sava and the other for the Adriatic Sea, are delegated water management responsibilities. A Commission for coordination of water management issues between the two entities was established in 1998. Amongst other duties, the Water Commission deals with international water management projects, cooperation with Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro on water-related issues, as well as with the harmonization of the two entities' water quality monitoring and flood protection.

As described above, the new Water Law reorganizes management of the water sector including establishment of inter-entity river basin agencies. Another significant obstacle to the water sector has been the absence of a state- (federal) level body responsible for environment and water. There is no state-level organization responsible for overall management and coordination of water and the environment.

Transboundary and International Water Issues
Flood management, water pollution control and water quality monitoring are all important water resource management challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina and all require transboundary approaches. The institutions and organizational structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina's water resource sector are different from its neighbours. Effective ties internationally may have been hindered by internal policy disputes regarding water management caused by two different water laws and water protection approaches. The new water laws in each entity, harmonized, and the application of a river-basin approach to water resource management is expected to improve the internal problems with water resource management. The proposed state-level body (the Committee on Sustainable Development) dealing with water hopefully will provide one means for Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in transnational water initiatives, like the Danube Basin Commission.

Total

Total Available Renewable Water Resources [1]

Surface water produced internally

Groundwater recharge

Incoming water

Rainfall

Used by human beings 

38 km2/year

24,547 L/day/cap)

No data available

No data available

No data available

1000 mm/year

1.52 km3/yr (4%)

Water Use [2] 

By Sector:

Agriculture

Industry 

Domestic

1.52 km³/yr (100%)

0.91 km3/yr (60%)

0.15 km3/yr (10%)

0.46 km3/yr (30%)

Population [3] without Safe Access to...

 ...an improved water source (2004) [4]

Average in Urban Areas

Average in Rural Areas

...improved sanitation (2004)

Average in Urban Areas

Average in Rural Areas

(125,520) 3%

1%

4%

(209,200) 5%

1%

8%

Water and water-related legislation

Water Law of 1998