Kamianets-Podilskyi is facing potential water supply problems

In Kamianets-Podilskyi, residents are concerned about the sharp drop in the water level of the Dniester River, which is the city’s main source of water. Between September 1 and 18 alone, the water level dropped by 70 centimeters. The city council has already appealed to state authorities, but for now, the situation remains under control.

 

Kamianets-Podilskyi may face water supply problems due to low water levels in the Dniester River. The river is the city’s main source of water, so its shallowing is causing concern among local authorities. According to the city council, from September 1 to 18, the water level in the Dniester River dropped by 70 centimeters—from 112.30 to 111.60 meters according to the Baltic system. The city council emphasizes that the situation requires immediate attention. At the same time, they note that thanks to the measures taken, the city’s water supply remains stable for now.

To prevent the situation from worsening, the city council appealed to People’s Deputy Ihor Marchuk, Khmelnytskyi Regional State Administration Head Serhiy Tyurin, the State Agency for Water Resources of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture. City council officials explained that the issue goes beyond just the river’s water level. The main question is whether the city’s water intake facility will be able to continue operating reliably if the Dniester continues to recede.

What is the situation with the Dniester?

The problem affects more than just Kamianets-Podilskyi. The Dniester basin has been experiencing prolonged low water levels this year. According to the State Agency for Water Resources, the water level in the Dniester Reservoir dropped by more than one meter in September alone. The cause is attributed to very low inflow. The State Water Resources Agency also noted that the low water level poses a threat to the operation of drinking water intakes in Kamianets-Podilskyi and Khotyn.

According to the regional water resources office, as of September 15, the water level in the Dniester Reservoir stood at 111.35 meters. At the same time, experts are observing a very low inflow of water into the reservoir. The situation has been affected by a prolonged drought and high temperatures. As a result, less water than usual is flowing into the reservoir.

Ukrhydroenergo reported that in 2026, the Dniester entered a period of critical low water levels. According to hydrological observations, in July, river flow in the basin was only 10–40% of normal levels.

What Officials in the Region Are Saying

Serhiy Tyurin, head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional State Administration, confirmed that the problem is linked to the low water levels in the Dniester. According to him, the Dniester Reservoir has not been able to fill to its normal level in recent years. As a result, its ability to regulate water flow is currently limited. “Indeed, due to low water levels in recent years, the Dniester Reservoir has still not been filled to its normal storage level, which significantly limits its ability to further regulate water flow,” Tyurin noted.

 

He added that the State Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies, various ministries, and intergovernmental groups are working on the problem. “The issue is complex and is being monitored at the highest level,” said the head of the Regional State Administration. People’s Deputy Ihor Marchuk also weighed in on the situation. He stated that the authorities are working to assess how the situation will develop and prevent water supply problems.

The Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council, for its part, emphasized that it is working with the relevant authorities and monitoring the water level. So far, the city has not run out of drinking water. However, if the Dniester continues to recede rapidly, the situation could become more complicated. That is why local authorities have already reached out to state agencies, without waiting for a critical drop in the water level.