Transformation of water consumption and water disposal in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol under water resource shortage

The aim of the article is analytical assessment of transformation of water management and reclamative complex of Crimea under water resource shortage. The study was conducted by using system, and information and analytical approaches with the use of methods of logical and comparative analysis, qualitative and quantitative analysis of statistical data. Dramatic change in the structure of fresh water withdrawal is revealed. The data on the growth of water losses as a result of increasing deterioration of water supply systems and small volumes of its rehabilitation is presented. The dynamics of reduction of specific water consumption for drinking and domestic purposes, insufficient supply of population with drinking water of high quality is shown. The influence of recycled water supply on saving in fresh water use for production purposes is considered. Dramatic decrease of the area of irrigated land, change in the structure of irrigated land use, rapid development of drip irrigation, and the role of irrigation in the production of the most important agricultural products are shown. It is revealed that the share of polluted wastewater is increasing, and the share of normatively treated water is decreasing. In the Republic of Crimea there is both a decrease and an increase in the discharge of certain pollutants. Water quality of most rivers of Crimea does not deteriorate.