In Ukraine, the financial crisis in the field of water supply is growing rapidly. According to Viceremer-Minister Alexei Kuleba, as of April 1, 2025, the accounts payable of the water supply and sewerage enterprises reached UAH 24.2 billion and the debts of the population-UAH 9.2 billion. This threatens the system's stable operation and brings the country closer to a significant increase in tariffs.
Kuleba noted that the total debt in the industry already exceeds UAH 14.8 billion, and most of them are consumers. The government recognizes the problem strategic and critical in war, when infrastructure requires not only retention but also protection.
Against the background of these figures, the alarming statement of the Utility Consumers Union is increasingly realistic about the possible rise in expenses of one cubic meter of water up to 200 UAH. Nevertheless, there is no moratorium on raising tariffs, and local authorities are already revising prices in mass. According to Kuleba, about 400 local self -government bodies have already decided to raise tariffs.
The government is currently considering system reform options. One of the steps is the transfer of water supply companies to full subordination to local communities. This should increase control, prompt decision -making and facilitate adaptation to technical challenges.
At the same time, officials promise that in the near future they will present systematic solutions that will stabilize the situation without a critical blow to the pockets of consumers. However, in the face of debt growth and the lack of centralized tariff regulation, the projected increase in water cost has already become a reality for thousands of Ukrainians.
