Expert: Crimea enters water-deficit period

In June of this year, the volume of filling decreased by 17 million cubic meters, currently the natural runoff reservoirs have an actual water volume of 176 million cubic meters. The average volume of filling of reservoirs over the past forty years is about 183.1 million cubic meters. That is, in June of this year, the amount of water has already dropped below the average. This means that Crimea is moving from a period of high water to a water-deficit period. This year still allows us not to worry, the available water resources will last for the next year. Well, and then, in 2026-27, we should expect water-deficit periods.

The scientist noted that in June of the previous two years, there were significantly more reserves in the reservoirs — 216 million cubic meters of water in 2023 and 230 million cubic meters in 2024.

Earlier, the Crimean Department of Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring reported that June was very hot and dry, precipitation was exclusively local, which reduced the level of water reserves. A significant shortage of precipitation over the past three months caused a sharp drop in water levels on all rivers.

According to the State Committee for Water Management, there are 23 reservoirs with a total volume of 398.4 million cubic meters located on the territory of the republic: 15 natural runoff reservoirs with a total volume of 235.05 million cubic meters and eight filling reservoirs filled from the North Crimean Canal system with a total volume of 145.35 million cubic meters.