Due to low water levels, Ukraine has restricted water use through the end of September
The State Agency for Water Resources of Ukraine has imposed temporary restrictions on water users due to low water levels in certain rivers across the country. The new rules took effect on September 18 and will remain in place until the end of the month.
However, the restrictions will not apply to drinking water supplies.
The relevant decision is set forth in Order No. 140 of the State Water Resources Agency dated September 18, 2026. It was adopted based on information from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center regarding water levels in major rivers and the onset of low water conditions.
The restrictions apply to water users engaged in special water use from surface water bodies. For business entities included in a separate list, the permitted water withdrawal limits will be reduced.
In addition, primary water users will be able to restrict the rights of secondary water users; however, such decisions must be approved by the State Water Agency.
The temporary restrictions will remain in effect until September 30, 2026. After this period ends, water users’ rights will be fully restored provided that the hydrological situation returns to normal.
At the same time, the State Water Agency emphasized that the restrictions do not apply to water abstraction for drinking purposes. In other words, the measures introduced do not entail any restrictions on the drinking water supply to the population.
Local governments, regulatory agencies, and water users must be notified of the new rules. The agency explained that the measures were introduced to ensure the rational use of water resources during periods of low water levels.
This was reported by the State Water Agency.
Due to low water levels, water intake has been reduced in Zakarpattia.
In Zakarpattia, efforts have begun to develop a plan to address the water shortage, which is becoming increasingly severe 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.
