Polluted water from the Desna River may reach the Kyiv region by the weekend

Contaminated water from the Desna River may reach the Kyiv region between September 14 and 16.

This was reported by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, citing the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center (Ukrhydrometcenter).

“On August 14, contaminated water from a sugar factory in Tetkino, Kursk region of Russia, caused pollution in the Seim River, and subsequently, the Desna. The polluted water has reached the city of Chernihiv and is moving toward the border with the Kyiv region. According to Ukrhydrometcenter, the contaminated water may reach the water intakes of the Kyiv region between September 14 and 16,” the publication states.

The condition of the Seim River is gradually improving. As for the Desna, the pollution is slowing down and gradually moving within the Chernihiv region, occurring in localized areas and not uniformly. No contamination has been detected in the Kyiv region, according to the ministry.

“To prevent the spread of pollution downstream in the Desna, increase oxygen levels in the water, ensure water supply safety, and maintain the quality of water supplied to Kyiv residents, three aeration systems and a compressor have been installed near Chernihiv. On September 10, additional aeration systems were installed in four locations (Chernihiv region – the villages of Shestovytsia and Nadinovka; Kyiv region – the villages of Pukhivka and Letky),” the ministry stated.

Currently, the water quality in the Desna at the water intake points for Kyiv and Brovary is at levels typical for this period. There are no risks to the water supply, the report said.

It should be recalled that at the end of August, it was reported that the Seim River, flowing from the Kursk region of Russia, where fighting is ongoing, into Chernihiv region of Ukraine, had been completely polluted, with waste beginning to enter the Desna River, into which the Seim flows.

Yesterday, the deputy head of Kyiv’s water utility warned that Kyiv could face significant water supply problems due to the pollution of the Desna. However, Kyivvodokanal effectively refuted this claim.