RESUMO
To develop a realistic model of the situation, a study was carried out in four different socioeconomic and hygienic areas of Tirane, namely in the modern and historical centre as well as in the intermediate and peripheral areas. In each area interviewers from the city's Public Health Directorate, contacted randomly, door-to-door, the residents, submitting a questionnaire and collecting water samples at the same time. Our data show relevant differences regarding distribution and quality of drinking water between the centre and peripheral areas. One third of water samples revealed the presence of microorganisms, whereas one fifth had no residual chlorine. Altogether more than 200,000 people in the peripheral areas of Tirane live under low level hygienic conditions. The recent outbreaks of cholera, poliomyelitis and the hyperendemic hepatitis A disease are the dramatic results of the low quality drinking water.