Maryna Slobodnichenko, Deputy Minister of Health, highlighted the complexities and potential repercussions of adopting these standards without adequate infrastructure and resources.
Concerns Over Immediate Implementation
During a recent announcement, Maryna Slobodnichenko emphasized that enforcing EU drinking water standards at the current stage would reveal significant deficiencies in Ukraine's water quality infrastructure. She stated:
"If we write it now, as the EU wants, it will immediately lead to the fact that we do not have drinking water, but only technical water throughout the country."
Slobodnichenko explained that such a scenario would necessitate consumers to differentiate between "technical water" and safe drinking water, potentially leading to a tiered pricing system where technical water is sold at a lower price. This could result in decreased water tariffs and, consequently, reduced revenue for the national budget.
The Need for Comprehensive Implementation
Slobodnichenko stressed that aligning with EU standards requires more than just legislative changes. Comprehensive implementation involves significant investments in time and resources to upgrade Ukraine's water infrastructure. She remarked:
"In order to comply with European standards, it is necessary not just to write them on paper, but to implement them in the country. And this is a big question. How much time and money does it take? This is not a question of one year. And there are many such questions."
Ongoing Efforts and Legislative Measures
Despite the challenges, Ukraine has been actively working towards meeting EU water quality directives since signing the Association Agreement with the EU. Key initiatives include:
Normative Legal Acts: The Ukrainian government has approved several legal measures aimed at improving water quality and managing water resources effectively.
Governmental Social Program "Drinking Water of Ukraine" (2022-2026): Adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in 2022, this program allocates over 28 billion hryvnias to ensure sustainable development and reconstruction of centralized water supply and drainage systems. The program aims to provide citizens with high-quality drinking water and modernize the water policy framework.
Financial Implications and Sustainable Development
Implementing EU drinking water standards is crucial for Ukraine's integration into the European community and for improving public health. However, the financial and logistical demands are substantial. Slobodnichenko highlighted the following points:
Budgetary Impact: Lowering water tariffs for technical water could lead to significant budgetary shortfalls, affecting the government's ability to fund other critical services.
Long-Term Investment: Achieving compliance with EU standards will require sustained investment in water infrastructure, including upgrading treatment facilities, enhancing water distribution networks, and ensuring consistent water quality monitoring.
Strategic Importance of Water Quality Improvement
Improving drinking water quality is essential for several reasons:
Public Health: Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental to public health and well-being.
Economic Growth: Reliable water infrastructure supports various economic activities, including agriculture, industry, and tourism.
EU Integration: Aligning with EU standards is a critical step towards deeper political and economic integration with the European Union, enhancing Ukraine's international standing and fostering stronger regional partnerships.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine acknowledges the necessity of adopting EU drinking water standards but underscores the need for a strategic, well-funded approach to ensure successful implementation. Comprehensive upgrades to Ukraine's water infrastructure are imperative to meet these standards without causing economic strain or compromising public access to safe drinking water.
As Ukraine continues its path towards EU integration, addressing the challenges in water quality management remains a top priority. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, international partners, and financial institutions will be essential to achieve sustainable and equitable access to clean drinking water for all Ukrainian citizens.
