How the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station affected rivers: an ecologist's explanation

After the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, a decrease in water levels in the rivers flowing into the reservoir is observed. Ecologist Vadim Manyuk points to the absence of a monitoring system for these changes. According to him, the decrease in water levels in the rivers is not a consequence of the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP. "It is obvious that the decrease in water level in the Kakhovka reservoir after its destruction should have impacted the small rivers that flow into it. Among the more noticeable ones are Bazavluk, Tomakivka, and Konka - quite full-flowing by local standards," emphasized the ecologist. According to Vadim Manyuk, the lack of systematic monitoring of the impact of decreasing water levels in rivers allows for the spread of inaccurate claims about the decline in water levels in the Dnipro reservoir after the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP. "The water level in the Dnipro reservoir is not dependent on the Kakhovka one, as the DniproHPP is located upstream. In other words, the Kakhovka HPP could not have affected the water level in the Dnipro. This is a myth that needs to be debunked," explained Manyuk. As a result, it can be concluded that it is necessary to establish a systematic monitoring of the changes occurring after the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP for an objective assessment of the impact on water resources.