Ukraine: Keeping Mykolaiv’s water network running

Since 2022, damage to Mykolaiv’s water infrastructure has put additional pressure on the city’s water network. In winter 2026, a damaged section of the network left around 60,000 residents without water, highlighting the importance of having reliable infrastructure and the capacity to repair it quickly. 

With funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has worked with MykolaivVodokanal to restore and strengthen the city’s water infrastructure. This has included support to restore a second water supply line, helping ensure sufficient capacity for three neighbourhoods, as well as providing equipment and technical support to the utility.

Pipes, cables and other infrastructure run beneath the city’s streets, often close to one another. When repair works are needed, knowing exactly what lies underground helps utility teams plan their work more safely and efficiently. 

DRC provided MykolaivVodokanal with a DigiTrak Falcon F5+ utility locating system and trained staff to operate and calibrate it. The system helps specialists locate underground pipelines and cables before starting works, allowing them to control the drilling process more precisely and reduce unnecessary excavation.  

The system has also been integrated with MykolaivVodokanal’s compact horizontal directional drilling rig, supporting works in densely built-up areas where underground infrastructure is particularly complex. 

The new system is part of longer-term cooperation between DRC and MykolaivVodokanal.  

Since 2022, DRC and MykolaivVodokanal, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, have worked together to restore damaged infrastructure while strengthening the systems and capacity needed for the city’s long-term recovery. 

MykolaivVodokanal is receiving modern equipment to help its teams maintain, repair and operate the city’s water system more effectively. From specialised machinery to tools for everyday work, the equipment helps the utility respond faster and keep water services running.

For the people of Mykolaiv, much of the work that keeps water flowing happens out of sight. Maintaining the network requires not only functioning infrastructure, but also the right equipment and skilled teams able to respond when repairs are needed. 

By combining infrastructure support with modern equipment, practical training and knowledge sharing, DRC is helping MykolaivVodokanal strengthen its capacity to maintain and repair the city’s water network.

This support helps the utility carry out works more precisely, reduce unnecessary disruption and respond to technical challenges more efficiently — contributing to more reliable water services for people across Mykolaiv.