By Vestnik Kavkaza
Crimea is thought to be the least water-secured region of the former USSR. And today one of the most urgent problems of the peninsula is its water supply. Water was transported through the North Crimean Canal from Ukraine, but the canal is 80% worn-out. The problem is proposed to be solved by construction of a water pipeline from Kuban through the Kerch Strait.
Polad Polad-Zade, the deputy chairman of the Board of the Union of Watermen and Irrigation Engineers, the Water Economy Minister of the USSR, thinks that the project is unrealistic. He told Vestnik Kavkaza his views.
- How can Crimea get water resources?
- Water has almost stopped running through the canal. These are remains of water which is delivered to Crimea from the Kherson Region. There is no normal water. The problem could be solved in several ways. I think a small amount of water for water supply of Kerch could be delivered from the Kuban River. But the idea of solving the whole problem of Crimea’s water supply by the Kuban water is unreal. It is impossible due to financial, environmental, and situational factors. The North Caucasus has water deficit as well, and we cannot take additional volumes of water from the region.
- What can be done?
- We should count on demineralization. It is acceptable today financially and technologically. For example, in Israel a big part of water supply is demineralization. Today the cost of demineralization is not much bigger than the cost of river water. 1 cubic meter costs about $0.54. The price is not high.
Moreover, the Azov Sea is soft. Expenditures for demineralization of water from the Azov Sea would be much lower than expenditures for demineralization in Israel and other countries.
- Are there any other options?
- We should study opportunities for intensive usage of underground waters in Crimea deeply. Underground waters are used there, but I am sure that the process can be improved, and it would solve many problems. Water-saving spending of water from small rivers will also bring results. Reservoirs should be reconstructed and new reservoirs should be built. I think there is no tragedy. All issues will be settled.
