Ukraine's water crisis: A hidden battle amidst conflict

The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly aggravated the issue of water access. Even before 2022, some regions, especially around Mykolaiv, faced difficulties.

Currently, the biggest challenges are in the Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhia regions. These issues stem from both military actions and infrastructural neglect caused by the conflict, said Helena Krajewska from Polish Humanitarian Action in a conversation with o2.pl.

- Water is being used as a weapon. The destruction of the dam in Nova Kakhovka has intensified the water crisis, and during wartime, government priorities often do not allow for quick repairs of water systems, stated Helena Krajewska.

Currently, it is estimated that nearly 10 million people in Ukraine have trouble accessing clean water and sanitation services. - The repair of water and sewage systems could take from 8 to 10 years and require investments of around £9 billion, the PAH spokeswoman emphasized.

Although we primarily think about military actions daily, the problem of water access in Ukraine is immense. In Mykolaiv, I saw people standing with jerry cans in line for water – an image we associate with Somalia or South Sudan, not Europe - said Krajewska.

PAH, in cooperation with local organisations, is working on rebuilding and constructing new wells in the Dnipropetrovsk region, aimed at providing water to tens of thousands of people. The organisation also focuses on repairing damaged water pipelines and providing bottled water in the most affected areas.

- The greatest effort will be needed when the military actions finally cease. When the bombs stop falling, a great reconstruction will begin and solidarity with Ukraine will be crucial, emphasised our interlocutor. She added that many regions would require long-term international support, both financial and technological, to rebuild the water infrastructure and ensure access to basic sanitation services.

Although the water shortage issue in Ukraine is dramatic, it is not isolated. Hydrological droughts also impact Europe, including Poland. PAH estimates that in a few decades 3 in 4 people worldwide will feel the effects of drought.

Climate change contributes to increasingly frequent dry periods, leading to lower groundwater levels and rivers drying up. The water crisis is becoming more apparent even in developed countries, where water infrastructure needs modernisation, and water resources are increasingly exploited.

PAH is working to ensure water access not only in Ukraine but also in Africa and the Middle East. Building wells, repairing water pipelines, and water conservation education are essential initiatives. The organisation is also introducing innovative solutions, such as sand dams in Kenya to help store rainwater or water filtration systems tailored to the needs of local communities.

Helena Krajewska, in a conversation with o2.pl, noted that the situation is very difficult in the Gaza Strip, where power outages prevent seawater desalination, leading to catastrophic humanitarian consequences. - Water is life. If there is no water, there is no life - she concluded.

In places where water is scarce, the struggle for survival becomes even more challenging. Moreover, in the face of conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change, international solidarity and long-term efforts towards sustainable water management are paramount for the future of millions of people worldwide.