Water Crisis in Simferopol as Rivers and Reservoirs Dry Up

Water bodies in and around Simferopol are in a critical condition due to a prolonged drought, with major rivers drying up and reservoirs operating under emergency measures.
The Salgir River, a key waterway, is causing particular concern. According to a local historian, its riverbed has completely dried out along the stretch from the Simferopol Reservoir to the city's "Simferopol" cinema. The river's main tributary, the Maly Salgir, has dwindled to the size of a stream.
The water crisis extends to the city's recreational areas. In Gagarin Park, the main pond is shrinking due to a drop in groundwater levels, leaving a drainage canal empty. Stagnant water in the pond has begun to bloom, posing a threat to local wildlife.
In response to the severe water shortage, authorities have halted the release of water from the Simferopol Reservoir into the Salgir River. The reservoir is now being operated in a "strategic reserve" mode to accumulate its remaining volume.
The current situation reflects a persistent environmental issue for the region. For years, Crimean reservoirs have been shrinking, leading to significant water deficits, particularly in major urban centers like Simferopol.