Mitryasova, O. CHRONICLES OF THIRST: DOCUMENTING MYKOLAIV'S WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN A WAR-AFFECTED CITY: Monograph. Mykolaiv: PMBSNU, 2026, 124 p.

CHRONICLES OF THIRST: DOCUMENTING MYKOLAIV'S WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN A WAR-AFFECTED CITY Fig. 1.11. Water tower and its strong frame (author's photo). However, the city grew faster than the capabilities of its water system. Even despite such volumes, there was still a lack of water, which forced the authorities to continue drilling new wells. In 1925, the system already had a clear economic model — the tariff for the population was 33 kopecks per cubic meter. But over time, a new problem arose: intensive exploitation of underground horizons led to a deterioration in water quality. Hydrogeological studies of the late 30s increasingly signaled mineralization and depletion of springs. On the threshold of 1941, the city's water infrastructure consisted of 17 mine and tubular wells, 14 of which were operating at full capacity. It was a well-established system that seemed to guarantee stability until war came to the city. Bombing in March 1944 as an instrument of terror During World War II, Mykolaiv was under occupation. When Soviet troops launched an offensive on the city in the spring of 1944, the Nazi occupiers, retreating, used the tactics of "scorched earth". Their goal was to destroy critical infrastructure in order to leave the city completely unviable. March 12, 1944 became a black day for the Mykolaiv Vodokanal. German sappers planted explosives under the foundation and supporting structures of the Shukhov Tower. The explosion of great power was intended to completely destroy the tower. 20