Pollution of water sources

Water pollution has been a problem in Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In the years following the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine's water infrastructure deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance. This led to a dramatic increase in the number of pollutants entering the country's rivers and lakes, leading to a significant decrease in water quality. The situation was further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, as both sides sought to gain control over important water sources.

The effects of water pollution in Ukraine have been dire. Poor water quality has led to a significant increase in water-borne diseases, with the World Health Organisation estimating that over 1 million Ukrainians are exposed to unsafe drinking water. The contamination of rivers and lakes has also led to a dramatic decline in fish populations, decimating the livelihoods of people who depend on the rivers and lakes for their income.

The situation in Ukraine is made worse by the fact that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to a significant decrease in funding for environmental protection. Without proper funding, it is difficult to implement the necessary measures to reduce water pollution. As a result, the situation is only likely to worsen in the near future.