When bacterial contamination forced Fushe-Kruje Cement Factory to halt its drinking water supply, over 350 workers were left relying on a temporary alternative. PaquaVida resolved the contamination (manganese, coliforms, and E. coli) and restored a safe water supply across the entire industrial estate within days of arrival.
Sector
Industrial — large-scale cement manufacturing
Location
Fushe-Kruje, Durres County, north of Tirana, Albania
Source Water
On-site freshwater borehole contaminated with manganese, coliforms, and E. coli
Goal
Permanent, sustainable supply of wholesome drinking water for the entire estate and workforce
The Challenge
Fushe-Kruje's cement factory is a major local employer, with over 350 staff working across offices, production areas, restaurants, and residential accommodation. The factory drew its drinking water from an on-site borehole that had historically struggled to meet potable standards.
When tests identified bacterial contamination, the factory halted distribution immediately. Analysis confirmed contamination with manganese (a heavy metal associated with industrial sites), coliforms, and E. coli. The distribution network reached every corner of the estate, and a permanent fix was needed.
The Solution
Paqua's engineers designed and configured a PaquaVida unit specifically targeting each identified contaminant. The system was assembled and tested at our Portsmouth facility, then installed within a shipping container and transported by road to Albania.
Working with the factory's engineering team, Paqua brought the system online within days. Comprehensive sampling confirmed the treated water met all drinking water standards, with zero detectable bacterial or heavy metal contamination.
All test results proved that the water does not have any bacterial or heavy metal contamination anymore and is in compliance with the quality parameters for consumption.Fisnik EleziElectrical Engineer & Project Manager, Fushe-Kruje Cement Factory
The Outcome
More than 350 workers now have access to clean, safe drinking water across the entire factory estate. The project demonstrates PaquaVida's effectiveness in demanding industrial environments where contamination profiles are complex, distribution networks are large, and reliable uptime is non-negotiable.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the Fushe-Kruje Cement Factory deployment.
What contamination was found at Fushe-Kruje Cement Factory?
The site's borehole was contaminated with manganese, a heavy metal, alongside coliforms and E. coli. This prompted the factory to halt its drinking water supply to more than 350 staff until it could be made safe.
How long did installation take at the cement factory?
The PaquaVida unit was assembled and tested in Portsmouth, shipped by road to Albania, and brought online within days of arriving on site, restoring safe drinking water across the entire estate.
Can PaquaVida handle industrial-scale water supply?
Yes. At Fushe-Kruje it supplies over 350 workers across offices, production areas, restaurants and accommodation from one system, with treated water testing free of bacterial and heavy-metal contamination.