One of the key goals of citizen observatories is to provide free access to education and scientific knowledge. In Mykolaiv, Ukraine, CitiObs is actively integrating citizen science into the research efforts of pupils and students. Ongoing projects include monitoring atmospheric air quality, assessing tree health, and analyzing drinking water parameters from different sources. 

From September 2024 to March 2025, partners from the National Ecological Center of Ukraine (NECU)—Inna Tymchenko, Diana Krysinska, and Maryna Tymchenko—organized public meetings, discussions, and hands-on research activities focused on drinking water quality. Their goal? To evaluate both the safety and the physiological suitability of water while involving young scientists in the process. 

The Challenge: Water Supply in a War-Affected Region 

Since March 2022, Mykolaiv's central water supply has been severely damaged due to military actions. In response, local authorities, with support from international partners, established drinking water filling stations. These stations rely on reverse osmosis to purify water sourced from both surface and underground reserves. However, the conflict has highlighted a deeper issue—the broader water supply crisis in southern Ukraine. 

This region faces limited groundwater availability and deteriorating surface water sources due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. As a result, many areas may require a dual water supply system, where separate technical water is provided for household needs, while purified drinking water remains accessible at designated points. 

To address this challenge, NECU is collaborating with scientists, activists, legislators, and local communities to develop sustainable solutions. 

The Role of CitiObs in Water Quality Monitoring 

CitiObs plays a vital role by providing accessible, real-time data on drinking water quality. The initiative raises awareness about not only safe drinking water but also physiologically complete water—which contains essential minerals for human health. 

To achieve this, citizen scientists use portable testing devices, including: 

• eXact® Micro 20 (USA) – Measure key chemical parameters 

• pH meters – Determine acidity and alkalinity 

• TDS meters – Evaluate total dissolved solids (mineral content) 

A diverse group—including local residents, ecology students, schoolchildren, and their parents—actively participate in data collection. Their involvement is crucial, as future generations may face severe water shortages due to global warming and declining freshwater resources. 

Expanding Research: Understanding Water Quality

During public research activities, scientists expand the range of tested parameters to assess both safety and physiological quality, including:

• Safety indicators: Chlorides, sulfates, nitrites, phosphates, and heavy metals
• Physiological factors: pH, salt content, and calcium hardness

Analyzing these factors helps identify:

• Optimal water distribution points
• Critical contamination areas
• Necessary policy actions to ensure safe water access

Results: Inspiring Young Scientists

Citizen science research has formed the foundation for student-led projects, two of which received awards in scientific competitions:

• Project 1: Water quality for urban irrigation of green spaces during drought conditions
• Project 2: Balancing drinking water parameters in conditions of limited access

Additionally, the research has revealed a significant concern—the drop in water mineralization after systemic treatment. In some locations, the mineral content falls below 40 ppm, meaning the water lacks essential minerals necessary for human health.

Looking Ahead: Water for the Future

March 22, 2025, marks World Water Day, with the theme: "Water for the Future: Management, Preservation, Innovations."

Ensuring that young people have free access to scientific knowledge about water is essential for developing sustainable water management strategies. Through citizen science and collaborative research, communities can actively contribute to preserving freshwater resources for future generations.