Varenyk S.O.
Varenyk S.O. Bachelor Assistant Hydrogeologist, Hydrogeologist, LLC “INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY”, orcid: 0009-0005-3401-4800,sofikoshko@gmail.com
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CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF WATER ABSTRACTION AND WATER USE IN THE WESTERN BUG RIVER BASIN (2019-2024) AND THEIR IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY
Abstract. The article analyzes the dynamics of water abstraction and water use in the Western Bug River basin in Ukraine for the period 2019-2024. Key trends are identified, caused by both global (COVID-19 epidemic) and regional (Russian armed aggression, climate change) factors. It was established that during the studied period there was a relative redistribution of water supply sources in favor of surface waters, a sharp decrease in water consumption for production needs (more than 2 times) but an increase in the volume of polluted return waters. The deterioration of the quality of water resources in the river basin is associated not so much with the impact of changes in the structure of water use, as with the onset of the epidemic at the end of 2019 and the cessation of the operation of treatment facilities. The main threats to environmental safety associated with these changes are outlined. The quality of water in small rivers of the Western Bug basin has recently directly depended on the quality of wastewater discharges. The anthropogenic factor has become more influential over the past 6 years. First, Covid-19, due to which treatment plants were closed for prevention, and funding for various environmental programs was redirected to measures aimed at stopping the spread of the disease. Then the beginning of the war, which led to serious damage to infrastructure and internal migration of the population. Funds intended for the restoration and development of environmental programs were redirected to support the army and provide for refugees. Moreover, continuous shelling by combat drones, ballistic missiles and other types of weapons led to the inoperability of electrical substations that provided power to the treatment plants, and local pollution of rivers with oil products.
Keywords: water abstraction, water use, water quality, Western Bug basin, polluted wastewater, anthropogenic impact.
References
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