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 supply not only for the city's drinking needs, but also for irrigation of agricultural land in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. The operation of this station in wartime was a heroic feat of the staff, especially after the disaster at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, when the units were completely flooded. The resumption of the station's operation took place in record time — in two weeks, which made it possible to restore the supply of technical water to Mykolaiv on June 22, 2023. Water quality of the Inhulets River One of the most difficult issues of using Inhulets as a source of water supply was the unstable and unsatisfactory quality of its water. Throughout the entire period of 2023-2024, the quality of water did not meet the requirements of DSanPiN 2.2.4-171-10 "Hygienic requirements for drinking water intended for human consumption". The main reason for this was the long-term anthropogenic impact associated with the activities of enterprises of the Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin. The Inhulets River is a receiver of highly mineralized return waters from the reservoirs of mine and quarry waters of Kryvbas. The largest source of pollution is the state-owned enterprise Kryvbasshakhtozakryt, which discharges excess water from the storage pond in the Svistunov gully. According to official data, about 11 million cubic meters of mine water with mineralization of up to 4000 mg/l are discharged into the river annually. In March 2024, the situation became critical. On the basis of the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 121-r, it was allowed to discharge mine water in the period until March 15 to prevent accidents at hydraulic structures. The results of laboratory tests during this period showed shocking figures. For example, the level of mineralization exceeded by 3-4 times, which led to the appearance of a specific yellow or brown color of water, which was noticed by residents of all districts of Mykolaiv. Experts explained this phenomenon by a combination of natural factors and "man- made leaching": a high concentration of chlorides stimulates aggressive corrosion of pipes, as a result of which rust from the inner walls falls directly into the water flowing from the taps. In addition to mineral salts, studies of water in Mykolaiv networks in 2022–2023 revealed the presence of pathogenic microflora. In particular, the presence of enterococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was recorded in the technical water. It was also noted that the content of toxic elements was exceeded, which made such water dangerous not only for drinking, but also for hygiene procedures without preliminary boiling or filtration. Corrosion processes and destruction of urban infrastructure The use of highly mineralized water from Ingulets (and before that from the estuary) led to catastrophic consequences for the physical condition of city networks. The chemical aggressiveness of water became a catalyst for the rapid wear of materials that were not designed to work under such conditions. The consequences of using aggressive water are reflected in the official reports of the enterprise and the statements of its management. The number of accidents per day has increased significantly, creating an extraordinary burden on repair crews and the city budget. 40