Water withdrawals have been reduced in Zakarpattia due to low water levels
Due to low water levels in Zakarpattia, the use of water from several rivers has been temporarily restricted. Water withdrawal limits have been reduced for nearly 30 businesses, but the drinking water supply for residents will not be restricted.
In Zakarpattia, due to declining river water levels, water withdrawal by enterprises and other business entities has been temporarily restricted. The new rules took effect on September 4 and will remain in force until at least September 15, 2026.
The decision was made after receiving data from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center regarding water levels in major rivers. Experts recorded low water levels, which necessitated a temporary reduction in the strain on water resources. The restrictions apply to water users who draw water from surface water bodies for domestic purposes.
Which rivers are affected by the restrictions?
In Zakarpattia, approximately 30 enterprises and other business entities were included on the list. For these entities, the established limits on water withdrawal from a number of rivers have been reduced. Specifically, these include:
- the Latorica;
- the Yaruga;
- the Serna;
- Stara;
- the Charonda;
- Vilyu;
- Salva;
- Vycha;
- Svalyavka;
- Uzh;
- Turya.
The restrictions also apply to the Uzh River diversion canal. This means that businesses that use water from these bodies of water must reduce their water withdrawal volumes for a certain period.
Drinking water for the public will not be restricted
At the same time, the State Water Agency’s decision does not apply to water withdrawal for drinking purposes. This means that the restrictions do not entail a reduction in the drinking water supply to the population. The main goal of these measures is to reduce water use by businesses during a period when river levels have dropped.
In addition, primary water users, in agreement with the State Water Agency, will be able to restrict the rights of secondary water users. In this way, the authorities aim to prevent the excessive use of water resources during periods of low water levels.
How Long Will the Restrictions Last?
The temporary regulations will remain in effect until September 15, 2026. After that, water users’ rights are to be fully restored. However, this will depend on river water levels.
If hydrological conditions return to normal, additional restrictions will no longer be necessary. If low water levels persist, the situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Currently, the restrictions are set to remain in effect until mid-September.
Why Is This Necessary?
The State Water Agency explains that such measures are necessary for the rational use of water during a period when water levels in water bodies are decreasing. Low water levels can place additional strain on rivers, especially when businesses are actively using water. Therefore, a temporary reduction in industrial and other commercial water withdrawals allows more water to remain in the rivers themselves.
At the same time, priority remains with the population’s drinking water needs. Thus, the current situation in Zakarpattia does not pose any drinking water problems for residents. The restrictions primarily apply to businesses that use surface water for economic activities. Authorities plan to continue monitoring river water levels. If the situation improves, water use will return to normal after September 15. This was reported by the State Agency for Water Resources of Ukraine.
In Transcarpathia, officials have begun developing a plan to address the water shortage, which is becoming increasingly acute in the region. One of the proposed options is to store water during periods when rivers are full so that it can be used during droughts.
