According to the Kharkiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, in 6 months of 2026, 499 water samples from non-centralized water supply sources (wells, spring catchments) were tested for sanitary and chemical indicators in the Kharkiv region, of which 63.1% did not meet the requirements of DSanPiN 2.2.4-171-10 "Hygienic requirements for drinking water intended for human consumption.".
The tested water samples revealed exceedances of standards for total hardness, turbidity, color, oxidation, nitrate, sulfate, iron, and dry residue content.
374 water samples from wells and spring catchments were examined for microbiological indicators, of which 25.11% did not meet the standards.
In Kharkiv, 12 water samples from 8 natural spring catchments were examined (Sarzhyn Yar, Manzhosiv Yar, "Petrenki", "Oleksiivska Balka", 11 Mineralovodska St., 25 Vladyslav Zubenko St., Buchmy St., 64 Semena Kuznetsa St.).
Deviations from hygienic standards for microbiological indicators of epidemic safety were recorded in the water of 4 sources: "Petrenki", Sarzhyn Yar, from sources at 11 Mineralovodska Street and Buchmy Street.
According to sanitary and chemical indicators, the water from these sources met regulatory requirements.
Remember: water from wells and natural springs is not always safe, even if it is clear and tasty. It can contain harmful microorganisms and dangerous chemicals from soil, cesspools, agricultural lands and other sources of pollution. Therefore, such water can sometimes be even more dangerous than tap water.
To reduce the risk of intestinal infections, water from wells and springs should be boiled before consumption. However, boiling only kills microorganisms, but does not remove chemical contaminants. If the water contains nitrates, pesticides, or other toxic substances, it will remain dangerous to health even after boiling.
Kharkiv region is characterized by a high content of nitrates in groundwater. In 47.6% of the studied well water samples, the nitrate content exceeded the maximum permissible concentration, sometimes up to 10 times. The highest nitrate concentrations were found in wells in the territories of the Novovodolazka territorial community (TG) of the Kharkiv region, the Valkivska and Krasnokutska TG of the Bogodukhiv region, the Starovirivska and Natalinska TG of the Berestyn region, the Blyznyukivska TG of the Loziv region, the Zmiivska, Chuhuivska and Novopokrovska TG of the Chuhuiv region. Data on the percentage of water samples with an excess of nitrate content and the multiplicity of the excess in the context of territorial communities are given on the interactive map at the link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1LTpXO1DdlPnzlZApSpJudQGHT9E2A60&usp=drive_link
Nitrates in water cannot be detected "by eye." They do not change its taste, color, or smell, so water may seem completely clean and safe, although in fact it may contain dangerous amounts of nitrates. It is important to note that boiling water and ordinary household filters do not remove nitrates.
Water from wells and natural springs is not recommended for drinking, cooking or baby formula for infants and children under three years of age. Even if the nitrate content in it does not exceed the established norms, such water can be dangerous for young children. The body of infants is especially sensitive to nitrates, as they can reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. As a result, oxygen starvation of the body occurs, which may not have noticeable symptoms, but poses a threat to the health of the child.
For drinking and cooking food for young children, it is better to use special packaged drinking water that meets safety and quality requirements.
If the water in the well is contaminated or does not meet sanitary requirements, it must be disinfected. The most common method is chlorination. The most convenient way to do this is to use special tablets. For disinfection to be effective, you need to correctly determine the number of tablets according to the volume of water and follow the instructions for use.
Our specialists professionally disinfect water in wells both in everyday life and in emergency situations. You can order these services by phone: (057) 315 0143.
