Pollution, droughts, and the overregulation of rivers by dams—these and other factors have already pushed water resources to a critical state. Some regions are already experiencing water shortages. However, instead of finding rational solutions to these problems and effectively managing the water sector, lawmakers are passing risky regulations. According to experts, they are prioritizing the economy over the environment, national security, and the well-being of Ukrainians.
This was reported by the environmental organization "All-Ukrainian Ecological League" (AUL).
Key issues in the water sector
Environmentalists identify several major problems in the field of water security. Among them:
- pollution – biological, chemical, including heavy metals and petroleum products;
- an imperfect land reclamation system with outdated approaches and excessive regulation of water bodies;
- misuse in industrial and agricultural water consumption;
- climate change;
- military actions.
The impact of war
The most painful blow to water security has been the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam by the enemy. This crime resulted in a massive loss of fresh water, the destruction of river ecosystems, and the disappearance of entire species of plants and animals.
This is a very telling but not the only example. As environmentalists have explained, more than 1,500 hydraulic structures have been destroyed due to Russian aggression, including dams, pumping stations, and locks. Currently, 30% of water treatment and intake facilities in the affected regions are operating in emergency mode. Both rivers and reservoirs are already showing markedly reduced water levels.
Legislation does not help but only creates chaos
“The state must strengthen, not undermine, the institutional capacity for managing water resources,” AUEL emphasizes.
It seems there are other incentives for this, beyond just direct national security – such as Ukraine’s candidacy for European Union accession and the need to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, Ukraine has such strategic documents as the Water Strategy of Ukraine up to 2050 and the Operational Plan for 2025–2027. However, even during the full-scale war, legislative changes have been taking place that could harm the environment, people’s well-being, and national security.
The organization refers to bill No. 7577 as such a chaotic attempt to introduce irrational changes in the water sector.
“It contradicts legislation by violating the principle of the state's exclusive right to dispose of strategic resources, including water (hydraulic complexes that ensure drinking water supply),” environmentalists write.
According to AUEL experts, the document will transfer small and medium rivers, under the guise of being objects of the amelioration canal engineering infrastructure, to the management of the State Agency for Amelioration Development, Fisheries, and Food Programs. As a result, the State Agency for Water Resources will lose its authority for the care and restoration of water bodies. Instead, the State Fisheries Agency has a different objective – to use water, not to safeguard its sources.
AUEL notes that this contradicts the Water Strategy of Ukraine, the Water Code, and a number of sector-specific documents.
Everyone must be accountable for their part of the work
Environmental advocates emphasize that each institution should be responsible for its own set of functions. They cite the provisions of the law “On the Basic Principles (Strategy) of the State Environmental Policy of Ukraine until 2030,” which set out the following:
- The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture is tasked with shaping water policy in line with European directives and regulations. The agency is responsible for determining the priorities of water protection and restoration, as well as for the development and implementation of eco-standards.
- The State Agency for Water Resources is in charge of the practical implementation of national water policy. It is tasked with developing River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), issuing permits for special water use, monitoring water quality, maintaining the state water cadastre, and carrying out measures for the protection and restoration of water resources.
- NAK “Waters of Ukraine” is to perform the economic function of using water resources, maintaining infrastructure, and meeting the needs of the population and economic sectors in water resources, as well as carrying out actions aimed at preventing the harmful effects of water and eliminating their consequences.
“This very model in the water management sector will ensure 100% state control over this critical national resource, avoiding the risks associated with the chaotic transfer of water management to hundreds of operators. It also enables the introduction of uniform standards, environmental norms, and technological solutions within the water management industry nationwide,” emphasizes the All-Ukrainian Environmental League.
The water sector needs reform
According to the All-Ukrainian Environmental League, in order to maintain the balance between the economy and the environment, the water sector must be reformed. However, these changes must, without exceptions, comply with the provisions of Ukraine’s Water Strategy until 2050 and the Operational Plan for 2025–2027.
The environmental advocates also propose the following:
- Preservation of an integrated state system for water resources management. This function should be performed by the State Agency for Water Resources;
- Halting the transfer of state-level canals and engineering infrastructure facilities of small and medium rivers to the jurisdiction of the State Fisheries Agency;
- Creation of NAK “Waters of Ukraine”. This body should be assigned the economic function of ensuring the needs of the population and economic sectors in water resources, using water resources, providing services, maintaining and developing infrastructure, and attracting investment.
EcoPolitic previously reported that environmental advocates called on the president to veto the new water law.
It should be recalled that the United Nations has declared the era of total water bankruptcy, noting that the word “crisis” is too mild for the situation of global water scarcity.
