Heating season in occupied Donbas: why winter threatens collapse

Risks of the heating season in occupied Donbas

According to glavcom.ua: Vice President of the association 'Ukrvodokanalgeologiya' Andriy Nikitin warns of new risks for residents of occupied Donbas, who receive water for their needs on a schedule. According to him, people may start draining water from radiators, even if it is colored, as it is easier than lifting it to high floors. This could lead to significant water losses in the heating supply system.

People are likely to drain water from radiators, even if it is colored. After all, lifting water to the ninth or sixteenth floor is very difficult, and installing a valve on the radiator is easier. Because of this, the heating supply system will already experience water losses in winter

Filling the system requires a significant amount of water, but the occupying authorities do not have sufficient resources for this, especially given the wear and tear of the heating infrastructure. The lack of water also threatens the operation of power plants, increasing the risks of problems during the heating season, which are assessed at over 50%.

Water shortage in occupied Donbas

In the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas, the lack of water is felt acutely. Reservoirs are empty, channels have turned into frontline areas. The occupying authorities can supply only a quarter of the water needed before the war, but these resources are lost due to flow in worn-out networks. Residents receive water only for a few hours or even a week, but often it does not even reach them.

If there were significant disruptions in the heating season in 2024, then the situation will be even worse now. The system will operate, but only partially, its efficiency will be limited, and comfort for the population will be significantly reduced

The large-scale problem with water supply in Donbas threatens the safety of residents, especially during the heating season when the need for water is extremely important, but resources to provide it are insufficient.

Due to the lack of water in occupied Donbas, serious risks arise for residents during the heating season. Insufficient resources and the wear and tear of the heating infrastructure threaten the effectiveness of the water supply system, which could lead to significant problems in the operation of power plants and, ultimately, to reduced comfort for the population.