Saksahan River dries up after Kakhovka blast — Ukraine to divert Dnipro water
Saksahan (Photo: Ministry of Environment)

Ukraine plans to build a 30 km water pipeline to replenish the critically low Makortiv Reservoir on the Saksahan River, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

The project aims to restore the hydrological balance of the river, which is vital for the city of Kryvyi Rih, and to supply drinking water to over 1.4 million people affected by the Russian destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.

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How and why Russia destroyed the Kakhovka HPP. First facts and estimates

The Russian demolition of the Kakhovka Dam, which previously supplied water to Kryvyi Rih, caused a dramatic drop in water levels in the Makortiv Reservoir — down to 19.6 million cubic meters, compared to the normal volume of 57.8 million cubic meters.

Under prolonged drought conditions, it could take up to 10 years for the reservoir to refill naturally. Meanwhile, two other reservoirs on the river — Kresivske and Saksahanske — are constantly exposed to highly mineralized mine water, making them unsuitable for long-term water supply.

As a solution, the government is considering the construction of a new 30-kilometer water pipeline to supply the Saksahan River with clean water from the Kamianske Reservoir on the Dnipro River.

Talks are underway with potential international donors to finance the initiative.

"The implementation of this project will enable the replenishment of the Makortiv Reservoir, improve water quality across the Saksahan River basin, and supply wells in households that lack access to centralized water infrastructure," said Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk.

  • On June 6, 2023, Russian occupying forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, flooding dozens of settlements, some of which are located in temporarily occupied territories.
  • On July 18, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution launching an experimental project to begin the reconstruction of the Kakhovka HPP.
  • The CEO of Ukrhydroenergo predicted that a swamp would form in place of the reservoir, while environmentalists say the area is already becoming overgrown with willow forests.