The government warns of the threats of Russian strikes on water supply systems. How are cities preparing for the worst-case scenarios, what is the basis for protecting critical infrastructure, and how can Ukrainians ensure their safety?
Water / © pixabay.com
The Ukrainian government is warning about potential attempts by Russian forces to attack critical water infrastructure, particularly in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Experts and representatives of utility companies emphasize that despite the threats, the systems have a certain resilience, and cities are already developing action plans for critical situations, drawing on the experience of Mykolaiv.
This is reported by “Radio Svoboda”.
Russia Plans to Attack Ukraine’s Water Supply – What is Known
It is reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Russia is preparing operations against Ukraine’s water supply systems. In particular, on April 3, he noted that Russian forces aim to hit pumping stations, dams, and bridges, calling for enhanced protection of infrastructure facilities.
Serhiy Nahorniak, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Utilities Services, also confirmed the danger to the capital and other major cities.
“They are interested in the water supply in million-plus cities: Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv… They will most likely try to deprive million-plus cities of their ability to supply water and perform wastewater disposal,” the parliamentarian noted.
Furthermore, Stanislav Ignatyev, head of the board of the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, warned on the “Kyiv24” broadcast about the enemy’s plans to deprive Kyiv of its water supply and stressed the need for city residents to be prepared for such a scenario.
Is Water Contamination Possible?
Despite fears of sewage entering the water supply system, experts reassure. Dmytro Novitskyi, president of the “Ukrvodokanekologiya” association, emphasizes that water supply and wastewater disposal systems are fundamentally separate, and the facilities themselves have backup capabilities.
“The panic being sown by some deputies is irresponsible,” Dmytro Novitskyi stated in a comment to Radio Svoboda.
He explained that even a powerful strike on a station would not lead to a critical shutdown, and response scenarios, including pressure reduction, have already been developed.
Oleg Popenko, head of the Consumers’ Union of Utilities, also considers it physically impossible for water supply to be simultaneously cut off throughout the entire city due to an attack on a single facility. However, he allows for temporary disruptions due to damage to the energy infrastructure, as has happened before.
Cities’ Readiness and Mykolaiv’s Experience
Authorities and utility workers are strengthening the protection of water facilities. They are installing generators in case of power outages, stocking spare parts, and seeking alternative water sources.
Experts advise taking Mykolaiv as an example, which, after the destruction of its water pipeline in 2022, managed to establish water supply through other means. The local water utility advises other cities not to wait for disaster but to prepare in advance: to find various water sources, build wells near critically important facilities, and explain to people why it is important to always have a water reserve at home.
Recommendations for the Public
Experts advise city residents to prepare for possible disruptions, including:
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having a water reserve at home: 5 liters of drinking water and 10-15 liters of technical water per person per day;
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studying the map of water fountains in their area;
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residents of apartment buildings – considering the installation of inverters with energy storage systems to ensure the operation of pumps during power outages.
War in Ukraine – Latest News
We remind you that Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s new targets for attacks are not energy facilities. In the summer, Russians plan to strike logistics, as well as the water supply system.
Earlier, we wrote that damage to the water supply system could become one of the main summer threats for Kyiv residents.
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