Rospotrebnadzor conducted sampling of water and environmental objects in the Kherson region, and to date no deviations from established standard indicators have been detected. The department’s press service confirmed this assessment, highlighting that ongoing observations are part of a broader effort to monitor public health and environmental safety in the region. The samples are collected using rigorous protocols designed to ensure accuracy across different matrices, including drinking water, surface environments, and potential contact points along the supply chain. This proactive approach underscores a commitment to transparency and timely communication about the safety of water and related environmental factors in Kherson.
At present, 35 drinking water samples have been drawn from the distribution network to analyze microbiological and sanitary-chemical indicators across 20 settlements within the Kherson region, including areas downstream of the Dnieper River. The sampling schedule is structured to reflect ongoing variability in water quality, with collection taking place regularly to capture any transient changes that might affect residents. In addition to domestic supply assessments, efforts are extending to include water from coastal areas along the Black Sea and from the Crimea region, ensuring a comprehensive view of water quality that can inform local authorities, healthcare professionals, and residents about potential risks and protective steps.
The monitoring plan includes daily sampling of drinking water in some areas, with frequency adjusting to every two days in others, ensuring a continuous stream of data for interpretation by water safety specialists. Experts are also taking sea water samples from the Kherson coastal zone and from the Crimean shoreline to evaluate salinity, contaminants, and ecosystem indicators that can reflect broader environmental status. An emphasis is being placed on strengthening controls over water that passes through the North Crimean Canal, with sanitary and epidemiological conditions in settlements and retail points of sale under ongoing review. This layered approach aims to rapidly identify any shifts in water safety and respond with appropriate measures to protect public health as needed.
Earlier, in the night of June 6, 2023, the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station on the Dnieper River occurred, an event that led to an emergency regime in the Kherson region. As a consequence, approximately 2.7 thousand households experienced flooding, and many residents who live along the riverbanks were evacuated. Some settlements faced complete submersion, and local authorities reported that tens of thousands of people were affected by the disaster. Vladimir Saldo, who was serving as the acting governor of the region, indicated that up to 40,000 individuals found themselves in the disaster area. In the aftermath, discussions among Ukrainian officials warned of potential long-term consequences for the southern agricultural landscape, with early projections suggesting that fields could suffer significant degradation if remedial actions are not pursued. For a broader context and follow-up details, media outlets have continued to cover the evolving situation and its implications for the region’s recovery and resilience, with reports noting the need for coordinated, sustained efforts to restore infrastructure, guard against water-related hazards, and support affected communities in the months ahead.”