In Ukraine, there are plans to significantly increase fines for unauthorized use of water from wells, boreholes, and rivers without the appropriate permits. The corresponding draft law, which has already received government approval, aims to enhance financial liability for violators of environmental legislation.
This is reported by Finway
Tougher Penalties for Borehole Owners
Currently, the minimum fine for unauthorized water use is 136 UAH. However, if the new regulations are adopted, fines could rise to 5100 UAH. The heaviest penalties are expected for those who drill a borehole without the proper permit or use water from state water resources.
Violations of existing legislation are currently punishable by fines ranging from 85 to 136 UAH, but soon these amounts could range from 3400 to 5100 UAH. The goal of these innovations is to combat unauthorized water use and encourage the legalization of boreholes, as well as to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Additional Requirements and Exceptions for Households
The draft law also stipulates penalties for providing false data regarding water accounting and for altering riverbeds during construction work. Particularly severe sanctions threaten those who use significant volumes of water without permission, as such activities harm the environment and can lead to the depletion of underground water sources.
At the same time, owners of ordinary private houses are not subject to special water use regulations. A simplified procedure applies to household wells — special permits are not required. However, owners must comply with sanitary and environmental safety requirements, particularly not to pollute groundwater.
Experts emphasize that strengthening responsibility for violations of water use rules is an important step in preserving strategic reserves of drinking water in Ukraine, especially in regions where shortages are recorded.