The Scientific Basis of Water Safety of Crimea: Problems and Solutions

The present-day knowledge of Crimean water resources is analyzed; the data on surface water and, the more so, deposits of groundwater, as well as the interaction between them are shown to be poor. The potential for meeting the demand for water from external sources in the medium term is considered and estimated negatively. It is supposed that the full-scale water supply to the population and economy of Crimea can rely on the local sources with their rational use, integrated management of water resources, and modernization of water economy. The main factors that govern the formation of water quality in natural water objects of Crimea are identified, and some lines for the development of water quality monitoring and measures for its improvement are proposed. The floods of 2021 in Crimea are considered as a signal that such hazard should be regarded as a permanent factor; some anthropogenic conditions that enhance the risk of floods and measures to reduce the risk are mentioned.