Tariffs are rising, and quality is deteriorating: a critical situation with drinking water

The quality of tap water in Ukraine is a growing concern among citizens. Many people are noticing a deterioration in the taste, smell, and appearance of the water supplied to their homes.

The water supply situation is proving to be more serious than it initially appears. The water supplied to millions of homes could pose a health risk, according to Oleg Popenko, head of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities, who cites previously ignored official reports and legislative acts.

According to the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, 700,000 tests were conducted during a mass water inspection, with 70% of the results revealing serious violations of sanitary standards. Popenko points out that this is not just a cause for concern, but a real catastrophe that the authorities are unwilling to acknowledge.

In the past, only one company was fined 500 thousand for providing poor-quality water. At the same time, most cases were referred to local authorities, which often lack the resources and incentives to address these problems.

Lowering water quality standards

In 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to lower water quality standards, citing a lack of funding for the purchase of necessary reagents. Although this is considered a temporary measure, it actually legalizes the use of unsafe water, which can pose a health threat.

The expert compares the situation in Ukraine with Poland, where water can be safely drunk from the tap. In Ukraine, the problem is only worsening, and boiling is not always a guaranteed measure of safety.

Rising tariffs and financial difficulties

Despite the difficulties, water prices continue to rise. Currently, the cost of water supply and wastewater reaches approximately 120 hryvnia per cubic meter. This brings Ukrainian tariffs closer to European ones, but the quality of services remains catastrophically low.

In addition, the Kyiv City Council refused to guarantee an international loan of 80 million euros to upgrade technologies at the Desnyanskaya station, which could lead to further deterioration of the water supply in the capital.

Problems for citizens

Residents of large cities, particularly Kyiv, Poltava, and Odessa, face various problems: some complain about the smell of iron in the water, others experience a pressure drop, and in some cases, the water disappears altogether for extended periods.

Oleg Popenko conducted a survey that showed most Ukrainians avoid drinking tap water or filter it, in an effort to reduce health risks.

Alarming conclusions

Ukraine is heading for a water crisis, while state authorities prefer to stay on the sidelines. The issue concerns the health of millions of people, but the state continues to lower standards, forcing Ukrainians to pay more for water that is dangerous to life.