The STATE INSTITUTION “DONETSK REGIONAL CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF UKRAINE” provides information on the results of laboratory tests of drinking water in the Donetsk region.
During the first 6 months of 2026, specialists from the State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health” tested 1,015 drinking water samples for sanitary and chemical parameters at centralized water supply facilities. No exceedances of established standards were detected (in 2025 – 5.51%).
A total of 1,018 samples were tested for microbiological parameters, of which 17 samples (1.67%) did not meet established standards (in 2025 – 0.87%). Deviations were most frequently recorded for total coliforms—15 cases, specifically: Kramatorsk—13, Druzhkivka—1, Sloviansk—1. Four cases of exceedances for enterococci were also recorded, including: Druzhkivka—1 case, Kramatorsk—3 cases. In addition, four cases of exceedances for E. coli and one case for total microbial count were recorded in Kramatorsk.
Six samples were tested for parasitological indicators. As in 2025, no deviations were detected.
At decentralized water supply facilities (community wells, boreholes, and water distribution points), 51 drinking water samples were tested for sanitary and chemical parameters, of which 26 samples (50.98%) did not meet standards (in 2025 – 67.78%). Exceedances were most frequently recorded for the following parameters: total hardness—16 cases (Druzhkivka); nitrates—16 cases (Druzhkivka—7, Yasnogirka settlement—
At decentralized water supply facilities (community wells, boreholes, and water distribution points), 51 drinking water samples were tested for sanitary and chemical parameters, of which 26 samples (50.98%) did not meet the standards (in 2025—67.78%). Exceedances were most frequently recorded for the following parameters: total hardness—16 cases (Druzhkivka); nitrates—16 cases (Druzhkivka—7, Yasnogirka settlement—5, Kramatorsk—4); chlorides—3 cases (Druzhkivka); one case each for dry residue and sulfates in Druzhkivka, as well as 1 case for turbidity in Kramatorsk.
A total of 81 samples were tested for microbiological parameters, of which 13 samples (16.05%) did not meet the standards (in 2025 – 39.76%). Exceedances were most frequently detected for total coliforms—11 cases, specifically: Yasnogirka settlement—6, Kramatorsk—4, Druzhkivka—1. The presence of E. coli was recorded in 6 samples: Yasnogirka settlement—5, Kramatorsk—1.
Due to periodic interruptions in the centralized water supply to the public, the agency’s specialists are also involved in assessing the water quality from new alternative sources. Thus, during the first six months of 2026, 60 water samples from potential alternative sources of drinking water were tested for sanitary and chemical parameters, of which 23.33% did not meet established standards, and 61 samples were tested for microbiological parameters, of which 1.64% did not meet standards. Based on the test results, the intended use of each source was determined—either for drinking water or exclusively for domestic and household use.
Compared to the same period in 2025, the quality of drinking water in centralized water supply systems improved in terms of sanitary and chemical indicators: while in 2025 the proportion of samples that did not meet standards was 5.51%, no non-compliant samples were detected in 2026. At the same time, the situation deteriorated in terms of microbiological indicators—the proportion of non-compliant samples rose from 0.87% to 1.67%.
Positive trends were also noted at decentralized water supply facilities: the proportion of samples that did not meet sanitary-chemical standards decreased from 67.78% to 50.98%, and for microbiological standards, from 39.76% to 16.05%. These results indicate an improvement in water quality from non-centralized sources and a stabilization of sanitary-chemical and microbiological indicators.
However, these results do not take into account the situation in the Dobropil community, where significant exceedances of drinking water standards were recorded in 2025 due to the use of alternative water sources with elevated levels of pollutants. During the reporting period of 2026, no studies were conducted in that community because part of its territory is under temporary occupation, while the other part is located directly in the combat zone, making monitoring studies impossible. At the same time, the quality of water from decentralized sources remains a cause for concern, primarily due to microbiological contamination and elevated nitrate levels, which pose additional risks to public health and require strengthened sanitation, hygiene, and preventive measures.
Monitoring of the region’s water supply continues; test results that do not meet established standards are forwarded to executive authorities, relevant services, agencies, and other entities for appropriate action, and preventive recommendations are provided as necessary.
To prevent infections transmitted through water, please follow these guidelines:
- For drinking, cooking, bathing, washing dishes, doing laundry, brushing your teeth, and other purposes, you must use high-quality drinking water only from centralized water supply systems or bottled drinking water;
- Do not use water from sources of unknown quality or water of unguaranteed quality for consumption;
- Do not use water from non-centralized sources (wells, boreholes, cisterns, drinking fountains, etc.) without laboratory confirmation of its quality and safety, even for household needs, due to the likelihood of chemical and microbial contamination;
- Store water in sealed containers, and be sure to label them: “DISINFECTED DRINKING WATER,” “WATER FOR NON-DRINKING PURPOSES”;
- Remember that the storage period for drinking water from dispensing points, drinking fountains, wells, and spring catchments in the consumer’s container must not exceed 24 hours, provided it is stored in a clean, sealed container at a temperature between 5 °C and 20 °C in areas protected from direct sunlight.
According to the recommendations of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, if drinking water from centralized water supply sources is unavailable during a state of emergency, use:
drinking water from decentralized water supply sources—drinking fountains, wells, and shaft wells (except during flood situations);
water from drinking water distribution points (if available);
pre-packaged bottled water and water in containers for personal use;
use water from open bodies of water only for non-potable purposes.
If the quality of the water is questionable or if it comes from a non-centralized water supply, it must be boiled for 5–10 minutes before use. After boiling, let the water cool and store it in a clean, sealed container. It is recommended to use boiled water for drinking, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing your teeth.
Stay informed about drinking water quality and usage recommendations through official sources provided by local authorities, water supply companies, and the State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health,” which are constantly updated.
State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health”