Russian forces destroyed a key water pipeline that supplied the city, leaving 500,000 residents without consistent access to water.
In 2024, the government allocated UAH 8.7 billion (about $210.5 million) for a new water intake system from the Southern Bug River. The project was completed at a reduced cost of UAH 6.5 billion (approximately $157 million), with the saved funds being used for water pipeline construction in other areas.
Construction began in January 2025, with the water pipeline currently in the testing phase and expected to fully replace salt water in Mykolaiv's systems within two weeks.
The project aims to provide 120,000 cubic meters of water daily for households and 50,000 for agricultural irrigation. The infrastructure includes underground pipes and pumps, remote control panels, power reserves, and defense systems against regular Russian strikes.