New Water Pipeline for Mining Territories

Construction of the second, reserve branch of the Gundorovo-Gukovsky water pipeline in the Rostov region is planned for 2028. This was stated by Deputy Governor Vladimir Revenko. The existing main water pipeline, which supplies mining territories, regularly breaks down, leaving tens of thousands of residents without water.

According to Revenko, the water supply problem is divided into two parts:

• Reconstruction of distribution networks in cities and towns, which should be carried out by the regional «Water Supply System Development Management» (URSV).
• Construction of a new large-diameter main line.

The deputy governor provided cost calculations for the project: one kilometer of water pipeline with a diameter of 1000 mm costs approximately 100 million rubles (about $1 million at current rates). Out of the total length of 82 kilometers, about 67 km are for large-diameter pipes. «This is a very large amount of money, and the region doesn»t have it,« emphasized Vladimir Revenko.

Regional authorities intend to turn to the federal government for funding or a loan under the program for modernizing utility infrastructure. If funds are allocated, a reserve water pipeline will be built, and the existing worn-out main will be brought up to standard technical condition.

Before applying for funding, it is necessary to develop design and estimate documentation. This work is planned for 2026–2027. «Then in 2028 we can start on the [construction] site and proceed in stages, because the federation won»t find such money in one year, to carry out work between pumping stations,« explained Revenko.

For immediate improvement of the situation, especially in the city of Gukovo, which suffers more often from outages, URSV is required to prepare a plan for sectoring the water supply network by January 30. Installing shut-off valves will allow in case of an accident to shut off not the entire city, but only specific sections.

«For 15 years, the shut-off valves at pumping stations haven»t been changed, in fact, they are not operational. The governor has made a decision to allocate money for valves, but for their replacement, a phased plan is needed,« noted the deputy governor. Implementation of the plan must start no later than February 7, so that by the end of the month, the first results on improving water supply in Gukovo and Zverevo are obtained.