Russia could target water supply systems: Which cities are at risk?

Ukrainian authorities have warned of potential Russian attempts to target critical water infrastructure, particularly in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Experts and utility officials stress that, despite the risks, water systems have a degree of resilience, while cities are already developing contingency plans based on the experience of Mykolaiv.

This is reported by Radio Svoboda.

Russia plans to attack Ukraine’s water supplies: what we know

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that Russia is preparing operations against Ukraine's water supply infrastructure. On April 3, he said Russian forces were planning to target pumping stations, dams, and bridges, and called for stronger protection of critical infrastructure facilities.

Serhii Nahorniak, a member of the Ukrainian parliament's Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, also confirmed the threat facing the capital and other major cities.

"Their focus is on the water supply systems in cities with populations of over one million, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Most likely, they will try to deprive these large cities of the ability to provide water supply and wastewater services," the lawmaker said.

In addition, Stanislav Ihnatiev, chairman of the board of the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, warned on Kyiv24 TV that Russia was planning efforts to disrupt Kyiv's water supply and stressed the need for residents to be prepared for such a scenario.

Is water contamination possible?

Despite concerns about sewage entering drinking water systems, experts urge calm. Dmytro Novytskyi, president of the Ukrvodokanalekolohiia association, says that water supply and wastewater systems are fundamentally separated and that utility facilities have backup capabilities.

"The panic being spread by certain lawmakers is irresponsible," Novytskyi told Radio Svoboda.

He explained that even a major strike on a facility would not cause a complete system shutdown, while emergency response plans, including pressure-reduction measures, have already been developed.

Oleh Popenko, head of the Union of Utility Consumers, also said it would be physically impossible for a single strike to cut off water supplies across an entire city. However, he acknowledges that temporary disruptions could occur as a result of damage to energy infrastructure, as has happened before.

Cities prepare, drawing Lessons from Mykolaiv

Authorities and utility providers are strengthening the protection of water infrastructure. Measures include installing generators to cope with power outages, stockpiling spare parts, and identifying alternative water sources.

Experts point to Mykolaiv as an example. After its main water pipeline was damaged in 2022, the city managed to restore water supplies through alternative means. Officials at the local water utility advise other cities not to wait for a crisis but to prepare in advance by securing multiple water sources, drilling wells near critical facilities, and explain to people why it is vital to always have a supply of water at home.

Recommendations for the population

Experts advise city residents to prepare for potential disruptions, in particular:

- keeping a supply of water at home, including 5 liters of drinking water and 10-15 liters of utility water per person per day;

- to study the map of water pump rooms (biuvets) in their neighborhood;

- for residents of apartment buildings - to consider installing inverters with energy storage systems to ensure pump operation during power outages.