Contaminated water from the Desna may reach Kyiv, more than half of the city is at risk. The Ministry of Environment says the situation is under control
9 September 2024 09:05
The contaminated water in the Desna River is moving towards Kyiv and may reach the capital as early as 10 September. At the same time, it is known that about 60% of Kyiv residents have water from the Desna in their taps. However, both the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Kyivvodokanal emphasise that the situation is under their control, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
Thus, there is a positive trend in the pollution of the Seim River, the ministry says.
“According to the results of measurements in water samples taken in the Sejm River on 5 and 6 September, the water condition is improving. The nitrogen content is not exceeded in all sections. There is a slight increase in dissolved oxygen in the water, a decrease in the pungent unpleasant odour and the restoration of the natural colour. No dead fish were found,”
– the Ministry of Environment reports.
The situation with the Desna River remains more complicated. Cases of fish kills have been recorded in the Chernihiv region.
“In total, about 26 tonnes of dead fish were collected in the Seim and Desna rivers during the emergency response,”
– officials say.
However, there are positive developments. In the most polluted areas, water is being artificially filled with oxygen, and this is already showing results.
“At the points of aeration, the content of dissolved oxygen in the water has doubled in three days, which indicates a gradual dilution of pollution,”
– experts from the Ministry emphasise.
Officials reassure that the situation remains stable at water intakes for the capital and satellite cities.
“According to the State Water Agency, the State Environmental Inspectorate and the Kyiv City Centre for Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health, the water quality of the Desna River at the water intakes of Kyiv and Brovary is currently at the level of values typical for this period. No excesses of chemical or highly toxic components have been detected. There are no risks to water intake”,
– the Ministry assures.
However, the water is still moving to Kyiv, 60% of which consumes water from the Desna. The ministry hints that the pollution may not reach the capital, but does not make a definite statement.
“As of today, the rate of pollution movement has slowed down within the city of Chernihiv in the area of the destroyed road bridge. The bulk of the contaminated water has reached the village of Boromyky in Chernihiv district, Chernihiv region. Further downstream, the condition of the surface waters of the Desna River is satisfactory. Changes are recorded pointwise and are not uniform everywhere,”
– the Ministry of Environment reported.
Kyivvodokanal also has everything under control.
“We remind you once again that the situation with water treatment and water supply in the capital is under control. The water supplied to Kyiv residents is safe, its quality is constantly monitored, so there are no threats to consumers,”
– the utility said.
If contaminated water does reach the Desnianskyi water intake, they know what to do:
“Kyivvodokanal specialists constantly take water samples both at the water intake stage and at all stages of water treatment. In case of deterioration in the Desna River, the water treatment process will be immediately adjusted. If necessary, experts will use appropriate reagents to ensure the proper level of water purification and safety for consumers.”
As 
wrote, the authorities tried to hush up information about the pollution of the Sejm River.
Pollution of the Sejm
Water pollution in the Sejm River was first detected in the Novoslobidiska community in Sumy region on 14 August. Already then, discolouration of the water and abnormal behaviour of fish were reported. Local authorities reported that the contamination was likely caused by a substance of organic origin, as the oxygen level in the water had critically decreased. The pollution developed into a real environmental disaster of local significance, with a sea of fish in the river and significant environmental damage.
One of the assumptions is that the pollution occurred on the territory of Russia, from where the Sejm waters enter Ukraine. The pollutant discharge allegedly occurred near the Russian village of Tiotkino, as there is a sugar factory there. This version is quite plausible, since there are no large enterprises on the territory of Ukraine on the Sejm that could cause pollution of this magnitude, says journalist Oleh Lystopad.
In Ukraine, the Sejm flows into the Desna River, so the pollution has reached this river as well.
