In a remote village in Eastern Ukraine, less than 40 kilometres from the frontline, the residents have long lived with uncertainty. Not only because of the ongoing conflict that disrupted their peace, but because of something even more essential: water. Before Medair’s intervention, families faced daily struggles just to meet their most basic needs for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. But today, life looks different. And it begins with a steady, safe flow of water.

A Community Dependent on a Private Farm

In this remote village, water used to be a privilege controlled by a single private farm. The only functioning borehole in the area was privately owned, and while it technically served the community, access was limited and unreliable. The borehole filled a water tower just once every two days, often prioritising agricultural use over domestic needs. Villagers were left with around 20 litres per person per day. Much less than what is needed for a minimum standard of living.

Boiling was the only form of treatment, and the water, high in salts and sulfates, was far from ideal. “Sometimes the pressure was so low that the water didn’t even reach the taps,” explained Medair’s WASH Officer, Natalia. “People had to choose between washing or watering the garden,” adds her colleague, Anton. The situation was particularly hard on elderly people and families with small children, who could not fetch water from distant sources.

Why Medair Stepped In

This village is not alone. According to the 2025 UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, 8.5 million people in Ukraine are in need of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. Across Ukraine, the fighting has deeply disrupted people’s ability to access safe water. One in five households now struggles to meet their daily water needs. In many cases, this hardship is directly linked to the conflict. In many areas near the front line, repeated shelling and insecurity have made it nearly impossible to repair damaged infrastructure. Even communities far from active fighting are affected, with power outages interrupting supply systems for days at a time. In Donetska Oblast, where the featured village is located, 60% of the villages recently assessed were found to be in severe need. A significant number of them depend heavily on expensive and unreliable trucked water just to get by.

In response, Medair launched a major WASH project across eastern Ukraine, with a special focus on vulnerable and underserved remote communities. Funded by the European Union and Swiss Solidarity, Medair’s goal is not only to repair what was broken, but to build a sustainable solution for the future, hand in hand with local authorities and the communities.

Transforming the Village’s Water System

After conducting a thorough technical assessment, Medair’s teams confirmed what the community had long known: the water situation was neither safe nor sustainable. Medair committed to:

• Drilling a new borehole on public land,

• Installing a new 25m³ water tower,

• Connecting the new system to the existing water network,

• Rehabilitating key gate valves to improve distribution pressure.

Construction began in early 2025, with the team navigating logistical hurdles to make the vision a reality. By bringing the water source under public control and improving the infrastructure, the aim was clear: to restore dignity, reduce dependency, and offer every resident equal access to clean water.

Life After the Intervention

Today, residents of this remote village, like Bohdana*, can turn on their taps with confidence. For the first time in years, the water is consistent, accessible, and safer to drink. “The new water is tasty. It is excellent, really good,” said Bohdana*, “we do appreciate it. Look at the pressure. What is there more to wish?”

Thanks to the new system, water is now available daily, and without the anxiety of inflated private tariffs. The improved network also means families no longer need to boil drinking water every day. This has eased the burden on caregivers and significantly improved household hygiene and the ability to water the families' kitchen gardens. These gardens have become an even more important source of local food since the conflict started and markets were disrupted.

Building Resilience for the Future

Beyond infrastructure, this project is about empowerment. By strengthening local capacity and working closely with Vodakanal (the local water authority), Medair is helping build a more resilient future. One where water is not a source of stress, but a foundation for recovery.

And the story of this remote village reflects a much larger reality across Ukraine. In times of crisis, access to safe water is not only about survival, but also about restoring the rhythm of daily life and preserving human dignity.

Medair’s work in Eastern Ukraine, funded by the European Union and Swiss Solidarity, is a testament to what is possible when humanitarian expertise meets local partnership and a commitment to long-term impact. In a context where so much feels uncertain, one thing is now clear: clean water is no longer out of reach for this community.

*Names have been changed for security reasons

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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