Saving Lake Katlabug: Odesa Regional Administration allocates UAH 4 million

One of the largest Danube lakes — Katlabug — is rapidly drying up due to high temperatures and intensive evaporation. This poses a threat to water supply, agriculture, and the ecological balance in southern Odesa region.

Funding is provided under the “Agrarian Odesa” program. This summer, similar measures were already implemented: while they did not significantly raise the lake’s level, they compensated for evaporation losses caused by drought.

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research

The Institute of Danube Studies welcomes the Odesa administration’s prompt decision but stresses that forced pumping of Danube water is only a temporary measure. The problem of Katlabug’s shallowing — along with neighboring lakes Yalpug, Kugurluy, and Kitai — requires a comprehensive program of water management for the Danube region.

Key steps should include:

• regular replenishment of lakes with Danube water through modernized canals and pumping stations;
• cleaning and restoration of water arteries and natural circulation;
• climate monitoring and systematic drought forecasting;
• involvement of international cross-border cooperation programs (EUSDR, Interreg, ICPDR).

 IDR conclusion: The situation with Lake Katlabug is a clear signal of the need to move from one-time crisis measures to a long-term water security strategy for southern Odesa region. This is not only about ecology but also about economy, food security, and social stability in the region.