HZJZ: Water in Gospić Regularly Tested for PFAS Compounds
The Institute notes that in 14 analyses conducted this year, PFAS was detected in only one sample, at a concentration 20 times lower than the maximum permitted value.
The Institute notes that in 14 analyses conducted this year, PFAS was detected in only one sample, at a concentration 20 times lower than the maximum permitted value.
The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) on Wednesday dismissed media claims that drinking water in the Gospić area had not been tested for PFAS compounds over the past five months. In a detailed statement issued on August 12, the Institute cited specific dates and test results, emphasizing that monitoring had been carried out regularly.
"The claim that water in the Gospić area has not been tested for PFAS compounds over the past five months is incorrect," the HZJZ stated. As key evidence, they highlighted a water analysis from the Mrđenovac supply zone, which supplies Gospić, conducted on April 28 this year as part of regular state monitoring.
According to the HZJZ, in the April sample taken in Bilaj, all 20 analyzed PFAS compounds had values below the quantification limit of 0.0015 micrograms per liter. The state monitoring plan for 2026 includes one more sampling for this zone, scheduled for September.
An additional level of control was ensured by Ličke vode, the water supplier, which conducted its own sampling on March 23 at the Mrđenovac spring and at the distribution water at the consumer location of the MRO center. In these samples as well, all PFAS compounds were below the quantification limit.
Due to heightened public concern related to the discovery of illegally dumped waste in the Bilaj area, the HZJZ also conducted extraordinary sampling on Tuesday, August 11. Samples were taken at the Mrđenovac spring and from consumers in Gospić. "The results will be shared with the public," the Institute stated.
Referring to the entire area of Lika-Senj County, the HZJZ reported that a total of 14 analyses for PFAS compounds were conducted during 2026 as part of various types of monitoring. PFAS was detected in only one sample, at the Tonkovića vrilo spring. "PFAS was detected in only one sample at Tonkovića vrilo, at concentrations 20 times lower than the maximum permitted," the HZJZ emphasized. The measured concentration was 0.0052 micrograms per liter.
In the statement, the Institute also addressed concerns about the spread of contamination from the illegal Bilaj landfill and the Rakitovac landfill. They cited the conclusions of experts from the Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Zagreb and members of the Expert Committee for Drinking Water at the Ministry of Health.
"They concluded that there is no established possibility of impact from pollutants at these locations on the springs used for public water supply in Lika-Senj County," the HZJZ statement reads.
In addition to PFAS analyses, the HZJZ also reported on other parameters. From the beginning of the year to August 10, 159 analyses of group A parameters were conducted in the county. Two samples were non-compliant solely due to the sampling points themselves, but after urgent measures, repeated samples were compliant. All water delivered to consumers was microbiologically safe.
"HZJZ experts fully understand the concerns of residents of Lika-Senj County," the Institute stated, adding that monitoring will continue. They called on citizens to follow the instructions of the water supplier and rely on expert interpretation of results to avoid the spread of inaccurate information and unnecessary fear.
