Experts from the Lviv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and specialists from the Voivodeship Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Rzeszów, Poland, started work on the project (Interreg NEXT Poland - Ukraine) for joint water quality monitoring along the Polish-Ukrainian border on March 1, 2025. The project will last for two years.
The project's goal is to monitor water pollution used for drinking water production, as well as control surface waters, including bathing areas. The monitoring will involve expanding the current range of water testing parameters, which will allow for the identification of a wide range of microbiological and chemical threats. It is an important step in ensuring the safety of water resources in the cross-border region, promoting the adoption of modern monitoring methods, improving information exchange between countries, and protecting the environment. The joint efforts of experts from Ukraine and Poland will help effectively identify and prevent threats to aquatic ecosystems and public health.
The project will include the development of three new water quality testing methodologies, allowing for the prompt collection of data on its condition. The monitoring will be conducted in the waters of the Shklo and Vishnya rivers (from Ukraine to Poland); Viar and Strvyazh rivers (from Poland to Ukraine). Monitoring will include microbiological analysis (detection of coliform bacteria, E. coli, salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, cholera vibrio, and pathogenic viruses); chemical monitoring (detection of bisphenol A and microcystin, which affects the human hormonal system and can also damage the nervous and immune systems); and risk assessment related to chemical and microbiological threats. Throughout the project, there will be information exchange with local authorities, inspection services, and environmental agencies.
Additionally, the main project partner is the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Rzeszów (Poland), headed by Dr. Adam Sidor. The Ukrainian partner is the Lviv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, led by Director Natalia Ivanchenco.
