Interview with the CEO of Smart Solution for Kyiv 24 TV channel.

As is well known, Ukraine ranks among the lowest in Europe in terms of fresh water reserves per capita.

The European Economic Commission defines 1.7 thousand m3/person as the critical water supply indicator. In Ukraine, due to local runoff in a low-water year, this indicator is 0.52 thousand m3/person, and taking into account transit water, it is 1.2 thousand m3. For comparison: water availability in France is 3.5 thousand m3/person, in the United Kingdom - 5 thousand m3/person, in Poland - 1.4 thousand m3/person.

In addition, the regions of our country are characterised by extremely uneven water supply: Kherson 0.14 km3/year, Zakarpattia 7.92 km3/year. This significant difference of 60 times creates a number of problems in water supply and tariffs.

For general understanding, the total precipitation in Ukraine is about 377 km3, evaporation is 325 km3, and runoff is 52.4 km3.

The country's water supply is significantly affected by the effects of climate change. According to estimates by the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, a 1 degree increase in temperature causes a 9% increase in evaporation. Over 30 years, evaporation has increased by 40-45 km3.

That is why, despite the reduction in water consumption compared to 1990, the total potential for access to water in Ukraine is declining.

The problem of accounting for water use and losses during transportation remains critical. Even according to official data, the share of losses is 38%. Obviously, in the absence of clear accounting and control over water consumption, this figure is much higher. The leaders in water losses are Odesa (66%), Poltava (62%) and Chernivtsi (61%).

In terms of water use, 56.2% of water is used for industrial needs, 22.3% for agriculture, and 19.7% for domestic and drinking purposes. At the same time, a total of 1,573 million m3 of treated water was supplied, with slightly more than half (846 million m3) being discharged.

The modernisation of water supply and sanitation equipment and technologies, as well as the tariff-setting mechanism for users, remain significant issues. Despite obvious water problems, Ukraine has the lowest tariffs in the region. For example, tariffs for water supply/sewerage (in euros): Denmark 5.4/3.2; Sweden 2.3/3.0; Germany 2.5/2.9; Finland 3.0/2.6; Ukraine 0.4/0.4.

The water sector has suffered significant losses due to military operations. According to experts, the industry needs $11 billion to recover.

Based on materials from the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Water Association.