Kyiv's water crisis: Why backup generators aren't enough

Kyiv's water supply has been disrupted due to power outages, and a Ukrainian lawmaker says the city government failed to install adequate backup power sources, such as cogeneration units, for the water utility. The water utility requires about 50 MW of electricity, making standard diesel generators insufficient, according to lawmaker Serhiy Nahornyak. He holds the Kyiv City Council and Mayor Vitali Klitschko responsible for failing to prepare infrastructure, criticizing sidewalk repairs while residents lack water and power. Nahornyak also noted that the restoration of some hydroelectric facilities is two years behind schedule. Kyiv's winter preparedness has been repeatedly questioned, and an October 8 strike on energy infrastructure caused emergency outages and reduced water pressure in several districts.