For the last three years, the City of Mykolaiv has faced significant water shortages, leaving nearly 500,000 residents without reliable access to potable water. The brown bubbly tap water is unsafe to drink; citizens are forced to use bottled water or transport water from distribution stations around the city.
Historically, Mykolaiv relied on the Dnipro River for its water supply. However, in the early days of the war, 45 miles of water pipelines were destroyed by rockets and missiles. And, in June 2023, the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, causing a flood that damaged intake pumps and the electronic controls. With no way to bring fresh water from the Dnipro River, the city faced an urgent need to find alternative water sources to sustain its residents and businesses. The city resorted to using salt water from the Bug estuary, with the help of mobile desalination units. While this approach provided emergency relief, it is not a sustainable solution, as the salt causes significant damage to the pipes, resulting in leaks. Water is sourced from underground wells, but it must undergo a rigorous purification process to be safe for consumption.
Over the past three years we have delivered thousands of bottles of water to the Jewish community center for distribution to city residents. For the elderly people this is their primary source of water, as they are unable to travel back and forth to the municipal distribution centers. Additionally, we routinely provide other essential items including food, clothing and hygiene items. Recently, we delivered battery operated lights and portable chargers to help residents survive the extended power outages, and we also provided gift certificates for people to purchase needed goods.
With nearly 1,250 miles of water pipes no longer functional, 25 water treatment plants damaged or completely destroyed, and 182 pumping stations not working to capacity, access to clean water is a significant challenge across Ukraine. We are providing water and other lifesaving assistance to families in Mykolaiv and throughout the country.
