Residents suffer as Donetsk and Mariupol face dire water shortages

In Ukraine's eastern region, the cities of Donetsk and Mariupol are grappling with a profound water crisis that has significantly impacted daily life. The situation has escalated to a humanitarian emergency, with locals describing their existence as living in a 'water desert.' The water supply in Donetsk has been unstable since 2022, while Mariupol struggles with a meager supply of barrels, making clean drinking water scarce. Residents are forced to pay for water they cannot drink, highlighting the dire conditions. The infrastructure issues in this once industrial heartland have roots predating the current conflict, as the water systems were reported to be 80% worn out even before 2014. Leaks and bursts in the water supply are frequent, exacerbating the problem. The canal system, originally constructed in the 1950s to serve the growing cities, has deteriorated and is dependent on water from the Siverskiy Donets River. Efforts to address the crisis, including a project completed in mid-2023 aimed at resolving water supply issues, have fallen short and are contingent upon further military advances. Leadership within these cities has pressed Russian authorities to prioritize addressing this water crisis, given its immediate impact on health and wellbeing. Local infrastructure has not only been subjected to wartime destruction but has also succumbed to neglect over decades. Observers note that without a reliable water source, the region faces compounded challenges, including electricity shortages, which are inherently linked to available water supplies. As conditions continue to worsen, it's clear that immediate action is needed to prevent further humanitarian devastation. The ongoing struggle for water in Donetsk and Mariupol not only affects residents' quality of life but also poses long-term implications for health, stability, and recovery in a region already burdened by years of conflict.