UNORGANISED WATER INTAKES OF SUMY TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY AS ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER DURING MILITARY OPERATIONS: ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study aimed at assessing the environmental status of unorganised water intakes of the Sumy territorial community and their potential as backup sources of drinking water supply during military operations. After the start of the full-scale aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine, critical infrastructure, including water supply facilities, suffered significant damage. Prolonged power outages of pumping equipment further complicated the situation, creating the threat of a complete cessation of centralised water supply. In such circumstances, there is a need to find alternative sources of water to meet the critical needs of the community. We analyse natural water sources, wells, individual boreholes, and their accessibility to the population.The hydrochemical composition of water, its level of contamination and compliance with sanitary standards are determined. It was found that the water from mine wells partially does not comply with Sanitary and Epidemiological Norms 2.2.4-171-10.The relevance of this study is due to the fact that water is one of the most valuable natural resources, playing a key role in life processes and maintaining ecological balance. Rapid growth of urbanisation, intensive industrial development, expansion of agricultural land and increased consumption of housing and household services by the population, especially under martial law, pose serious challenges for rational water use. At the same time, the level of water pollution is increasing, which makes it difficult to use water resources efficiently and provide the population with quality drinking water. The findings will allow us to develop recommendations for the safe use of unorganised water intakes, their integration into the emergency water supply system, and minimisation of environmental risks. This study will help improve the strategic management of community water resources, provide clean drinking water to its residents in crisis situations, and increase the overall level of environmental safety.