Kamianets-Podilskyi Risks Being Left Without Drinking Water: Dniester Recedes by 70 cm

In Kamianets-Podilskyi there is a threat of interruptions to drinking water due to a sharp drop in the Dniester, from which the city gets its water. In just two and a half weeks of September, the river has diminished by 70 centimeters, prompting the city authorities to seek help from government agencies.

This is written by Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council.

From 1 to 18 in September, the water level in the Dniester fell by 70 centimeters. For Kamianets-Podilskyi this is especially dangerous, since the river is the city’s main water source.

The city council is concerned that further drying could complicate ensuring residents have drinking water. To prevent the situation from worsening, local authorities turned to officials and institutions that can influence a resolution of the problem.

Corresponding appeals were sent to Member of Parliament Ihor Marchuk, head of the Khmelnytskyi Oblast State Administration Serhiy Tyurin, the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

The city authorities emphasize that the issue must be resolved at the state level, since it concerns drinking water for the residents of the entire community. At present the city continues to interact with the responsible bodies and promises to report changes.

Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration Serhiy Tyurin also responded to the situation. According to him, the problem is not only related to the drop in water level in recent weeks.

Due to low water availability in previous years, the Dniester Reservoir has not yet been filled to a normal backflow level. This significantly limits the ability to regulate water outflow and complicates responses to further drying.

Tyurin said that the problems are being addressed with the involvement of the State Commission on Technogenic and Ecological Safety and Emergency Situations, relevant ministries, and intergovernmental groups. He said the situation is being monitored at the highest level.

Member of Parliament Ihor Marchuk, whose electoral district includes Kamianets-Podilskyi, also reported work on the problem. He said officials are trying to determine how the water level situation will develop further and to prevent possible social and environmental consequences.