The provision of high-quality drinking water and sanitation to all residents of the Odessa region is a challenging task, particularly amidst the ongoing Russian aggression in the country. The associated environmental and humanitarian risks, including the scarcity of clean freshwater, exacerbate this challenge. Despite existing treatment facilities and technologies, some are unable to meet regulatory standards for water cleanliness. Improper agricultural practices, industrial, communal, and agricultural pollution of water bodies, compounded by adverse climate changes, have led to the disappearance of numerous small rivers from Ukraine’s map. Additionally, the degradation of aquatic ecosystems has been observed.

Monitoring of surface reservoirs has revealed little improvement in their ecological condition, with the onset of Russian aggression further deteriorating the situation. The outdated drainage systems in Ukraine compound these issues. Furthermore, the majority of the country’s water supply systems were established several decades ago, using technologies ill-equipped to handle current levels of pollution, resulting in the trophication of water bodies. Of particular concern is the inadequate water supply system in rural areas, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to clean water.

In 2022, a substantial percentage of rural water supply systems failed to meet laboratory standards, exacerbating the issue of water quality in these regions. Changes in government structures and the transfer of rural water supply systems to municipal authorities have further complicated matters, leaving many systems in disrepair and requiring inhabitants to foot repair bills. Centralized water supply systems now serve less than a quarter of Ukraine’s population, leaving the rural populace to rely on wells and individual boreholes, often resulting in unsanitary conditions.

In the same year, a significant proportion of samples from decentralized water supply systems failed to meet standards for both chemical and microbiological indicators, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. This includes samples from mine wells, which also failed to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, nitrates in drinking water exceeded permissible levels in a considerable percentage of samples, posing health risks to the population.

The use of outdated technologies and inadequate purification methods further compound the problem, resulting in the entry of pollutants into drinking water. Chlorine and ineffective coagulants are commonly used, leading to the ingestion of inorganic and organic contaminants that pose health risks, particularly in regions affected by radiation.

The issue of anthropogenic pollution, including untreated industrial and domestic effluents, remains significant. Phosphate pollution from synthetic detergents and the “blooming” of surface waters exacerbate these challenges, further compromising the quality of drinking water sources.

Non-compliance with regulatory standards for drinking water quality contributes to the spread of various diseases, including gallstones, peptic ulcers, and kidney and bladder diseases. High levels of nitrates in drinking water, even within permissible concentrations, pose health risks, according to scientific research.

In the Odessa region, water is sourced from both surface and underground reservoirs, primarily from the Dniester and Danube rivers. However, many small rivers in the region have become polluted or disappeared entirely. Pipelines transport water from surface sources such as the Dniester and Danube rivers, but inadequate infrastructure and geographical challenges hinder access to clean water in many areas.

Challenges with water supply infrastructure, including aging pipelines and insufficient maintenance, contribute to energy inefficiency and increased costs. In low-lying areas, groundwater often fails to meet national standards due to high levels.