In recent days, alarming information has been actively spreading among Kyiv residents, particularly those living in the Troieshchyna residential area, claiming that sewage networks could freeze and that people should therefore prepare pit latrines or temporary outdoor toilets. These messages quickly spread across social media, causing understandable concern. This was reported by Life.Kyiv.ua, PromPolitInform reports.
However, the official position of Kyivvodokanal is unequivocal: there are no grounds for panic.
Kyivvodokanal’s Position: Freezing Is Impossible
How the City’s Sewerage System Works
The municipal utility explains that courtyard sewerage networks maintained and serviced by Kyivvodokanal are laid below the soil freezing depth. This is a key engineering principle taken into account at the design stage.
In addition:
- wastewater has a positive temperature;
- flow inside the pipes is continuous rather than static;
- even in severe frost, conditions for ice formation do not exist.
For these reasons, specialists emphasize that freezing of such pipelines is technically impossible.
An Important Nuance: Who Is Responsible for What
Not All Sewerage Networks Fall Under Kyivvodokanal’s Responsibility
At the same time, utility workers draw attention to a detail that residents often overlook. Pipeline sections:
- from a building to the first sewer manhole
belong to internal building systems.
This means that responsibility for their condition lies with:
- homeowners associations (HOAs);
- housing construction cooperatives;
- property management companies.
Kyivvodokanal does not service these networks, and therefore, in case of problems, responsibility rests with the building balance holders.
Current Situation in Kyiv and Troieshchyna
According to official information from the company:
- sewerage networks in the capital are operating in normal mode;
- no cases of full or partial pipe freezing have been recorded in Troieshchyna;
- wastewater disposal is ensured continuously, even during power outages.
“The idea of installing temporary outdoor toilets or pit latrines is impractical and has no real grounds,” Kyivvodokanal stressed.
Why It Is Important Not to Give In to Rumors
Consequences of Panic for the City
The spread of unverified information has tangible consequences:
- it creates social tension;
- provokes unjustified expenses for residents;
- undermines trust in municipal services.
For a мегacity living under wartime conditions and facing energy challenges, this is particularly sensitive.
What Utility Services Advise
Experts urge Kyiv residents to:
- trust only official sources;
- refrain from spreading rumors in building chats and social media;
- contact balance holders or relevant services in case of doubts.
