Kyiv officials are closely monitoring water quality as pollution from the Desna River threatens to reach the capital. The city’s water supply currently meets all health standards, with no immediate risks reported.
In light of potential contamination, the Kyivvodokanal has announced plans to implement advanced water purification technologies if necessary. This includes the use of powdered activated carbon to effectively eliminate organic pollutants and odors.
Authorities have intensified collaboration with partners and donors to secure essential reagents for water treatment. A memorandum has been signed with UNICEF for the supply of 120 tons of activated carbon to enhance purification efforts.
Regular water samples are being tested at the Desnyansky water station and other control points to monitor the situation. As of now, no exceedances in sanitary and chemical parameters have been found in the centralized water supply of Kyiv.
However, predictions indicate that contaminated water may reach Kyiv between September 14-16. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is working with Kyivvodokanal to prepare a response plan in case of a water quality deterioration.
Kyivvodokanal's Deputy Director Vladimir Kostiuk warned that if the pollution worsens, the city might need to switch to alternative water sources, which may not fully meet the city's needs.
This situation arises following damage to wastewater treatment facilities in Russia, which has exacerbated pollution in the Desna and Semy rivers.