Sustaining Life in Mykolaiv: Tackling Water Scarcity and Cold Winters

By Sofiia Tiapkina

Nova Ukraine supports Ukrainian communities facing russian attacks, including the Mykolaiv region. Initially, we tackled the water insecurity impacting Mykolaiv for over 1.5 years. To confront russian sabotage of the “Dnipro – Mykolaiv” water pipeline, Nova Ukraine helped distribute water filter equipment to the State Emergency Service workers, and supply the cities with barrels of clean water.

In Mykolaiv, our on-the-ground volunteers and local authorities have established 180 points for the free distribution of purified drinking water. The water, sourced from underground wells, undergoes a rigorous purification process to meet the state standards for drinking water consumption. This setup can purify 3 tons of water per hour, with residents typically collecting between 12 to over 20 cubic meters daily, even during air raid alarms.

As seasons changed, Nova Ukraine shifted its focus from clean water projects to spreading warmth and comfort during the winter months. In collaboration with our long-established partner, the 4UA volunteer center, we have been supporting the manufacturing and distribution of portable stove ovens in the Mykolaiv region and beyond. Since the project’s inception in 2022, several thousand stoves have been delivered to Ukrainian families who lack the means to prepare food or need additional heat. Made in Ukraine from durable materials, these portable stoves are designed to last up to 25 years. The volunteers are now coordinating with multiple steel mills across Ukraine to repurpose discarded materials to produce more stoves.

These initiatives reflect our broader commitment to support and improve the living conditions of Ukrainians affected by the ongoing war. We encourage everyone to join us and help spread heat to everyone in Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org/project/winter-prep-project/.

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