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 Throughout 2022, local authorities and specialists of Mykolaivvodokanal were in a continuous search for alternative sources that could replace the lost Dnipro artery. Two main strategic directions were considered: 1. Underground horizons. An attempt to return to the origins. The first logical step was to drill new wells directly within the city. The idea was to supply artesian water directly to the apartments. However, this plan faced a harsh geological reality: hydrogeological conditions near Mykolaiv do not allow the extraction of fresh water in the volumes necessary for a city of half a million. Deposits are limited, and the quality of water often does not meet drinking standards. Despite this, it was decided to drill wells where possible. This made it possible to obtain at least a small amount of water that could be mixed with the general flow or purified at local reverse osmosis stations. But this was not enough for the stable operation of the network. 2. Use of the Southern Buh River. A critical decision was made: to use water from the Southern Buh. Because this water has a high salt content (due to mixing with seawater in the estuary), it has never before been considered as the main source for centralized supply. Technological cycle of purification Before getting to the taps of Mykolaiv residents, water from the river and wells underwent an accelerated preparation cycle. Unlike in the pre-war period, then the main emphasis was shifted to disinfection in order to prevent epidemics. The process looked like this: Sampling and mixing . Through special shore structures, water was taken from the river and added to the volumes received from wells. Primary chlorination is the first and most important barrier. High doses of chlorine were administered immediately to instantly kill pathogenic bacteria that may be contained in an open body of water. Settling . The water was in the horizontal sedimentation tanks for some time. Here, under the influence of gravity, large mechanical particles and suspensions were deposited. Filtration . Passing through the units of quick filters helped to get rid of smaller debris. Secondary chlorination is the final stage of disinfection before sending water to the consumer, which ensured that the water remained safe (in terms of bacteriology) while driving on long urban networks. Distribution . The water purified in this way was accumulated in clean water tanks, from where pumping stations pumped it to the districts of the city. This scheme (Fig. 1.24) allowed Mykolaiv to function: the sewerage system worked, firefighters had water to extinguish the fire after shelling, and people had the opportunity to maintain basic hygiene. However, this method did not solve the main problem - the chemical composition of water. Salt and chlorine became a "slow poison" for the city's metal pipes, starting an irreversible process of destruction of the entire underground infrastructure. 37