--- title: "«Blooming» of the Dnipro in Kyiv: causes of foam appearance and changes in water color" description: "🌊 The color of the water in the Dnipro in Kyiv has changed and foam has appeared. The Kyiv City State Administration explains this by «blooming» due to heat and the reproduction of algae. Water samples have already been taken for analysis. 🧪 🔍 Experts are checking whether there is chemical pollution, but for now they lean towards natural causes. The situation requires comprehensive monitoring of the Dnipro basin. #Kyiv #Dnipro #Ecology #XABinfo" date: 2026-08-18T14:46:04.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/blooming-of-the-dnipro-in-kyiv-causes-of-foam-appearance-and-changes-in-water-color tags: [kyiv, dnieper, ecology, pollution, algal-bloom] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # «Blooming» of the Dnipro in Kyiv: causes of foam appearance and changes in water color ![Foam on the surface of the Dnipro River in Kyiv: view from the beach with a bridge in the background](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/18/cvetenie-dnepra-v-kieve-prichiny-poyavleniya-peny/cvetenie-dnepra-v-kieve-prichiny-poyavleniya-peny-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - A change in water color and the appearance of foam have been recorded in the Dnipro in Kyiv. - The Kyiv City State Administration associates this with «blooming» of water — the reproduction of algae due to heat. - Specialists of the municipal enterprise «Pleso» have taken samples to rule out chemical pollution. - The decomposition of algae can lead to oxygen deficiency and fish death. - The situation requires monitoring throughout the Dnipro basin. In recent days, residents of Kyiv and guests of the capital have noticed a worrying change in the state of the Dnipro: the water near the banks has acquired an unusual tint, and accumulations of foam have appeared on the surface. The situation has caused public concern, however, specialists from the Kyiv City State Administration (Kyiv City Council) have already begun to investigate the causes of the ecological incident. ### Nature of the phenomenon: why the water changes color Representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City State Administration explained that the observed phenomenon is called «blooming» of water. This is not literal blooming, but the mass reproduction of microscopic algae and cyanobacteria. It is this process that causes the water surface to acquire green, blue-green or yellowish-brown shades. Specific weather conditions contribute to the active development of biomass. The prolonged heat, characteristic of the summer of 2026, leads to strong heating of the water. In combination with weak currents and stagnant areas of the river, this creates an ideal environment for the explosive growth of microorganisms. ### Where the foam and smell come from The appearance of foam near the banks, which observers are fixing, is also a consequence of biological processes. When algae multiply actively and then die off in large numbers, the process of decomposition of organic matter begins. Natural compounds and decomposition products accumulate at the water's edge. Under the influence of waves and wind, these organic substances form foam, which accumulates in places with low flow speed. The Kyiv City State Administration emphasizes that the presence of foam itself is not sufficient grounds to claim chemical pollution of the river. However, decaying biomass consumes dissolved oxygen in the water, which can create a deficiency for fish and other aquatic organisms. ### Laboratory analysis and monitoring To establish the exact causes and exclude the man-made factor, specialists of the testing chemical laboratory of the municipal enterprise «Pleso» have already gone to the site. Water samples were taken for detailed laboratory analysis. In case of signs of dangerous pollution, city authorities promise to promptly inform the population. In addition, the Kyiv City State Administration sent a request to the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine and the Basin Management of Water Resources of the Middle Dnipro. The purpose of the application is to coordinate actions, strengthen monitoring and comprehensively assess the situation in the entire river basin, as the water in Kyiv comes from the Kyiv Reservoir, where similar processes are also recorded. ### Contradictory data While official sources (Kyiv City State Administration) lean towards the version of a natural biological process («blooming»), social media users and a number of independent observers express concern about possible chemical pollution. In a publication on the Glavred portal (Source ID 1), the situation is described as the «terrible state of the Dnipro» with a mention of «kilometers of stench». Supporters of the pollution version point out that foam can be an indicator of effluents from industrial enterprises or inefficient operation of sewage treatment plants. However, until laboratory tests are completed, the version of chemical pollution remains hypothetical, while the version of biological blooming is confirmed by current meteorological conditions. ### Ecological context and prospects Experts remind that the Dnipro, like many rivers in Ukraine, suffers from the consequences of military actions, changes in the water regime and chronic pollution. According to statistics, only 57% of natural water bodies and 37% of significantly modified rivers in Ukraine have a good ecological state. To prevent such situations in the future, it is necessary to modernize sewage treatment plants and reduce the use of fertilizers in agriculture, which are the source of biogenic substances (nitrogen and phosphorus) that feed algae. At the moment, specialists continue to monitor the situation in order to prevent the death of aquatic organisms due to oxygen deficiency. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [Kilometer-long stench and green water: the terrible state of the Dnipro in Kyiv is shown on the Internet](https://glavred.info/ukraine/kilometrovaya-von-i-zelenaya-voda-v-seti-pokazali-uzhasnoe-sostoyanie-dnepra-v-kieve-10298934.html) - Источник подтверждает факт изменения цвета воды и наличия пены, описывая ситуацию как критическую. Использован для контекста общественного резонанса. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: Is it dangerous to swim in the Dnipro now? **A:** Authorities recommend refraining from swimming in places where foam and blooming water accumulate until the results of laboratory tests are received, as the decomposition of algae can cause allergic reactions and oxygen deficiency. ### Q: What is «blooming» of water? **A:** This is the mass reproduction of microscopic algae and cyanobacteria caused by heat, water stagnation and excess nutrients. ### Q: Is foam a sign of chemical pollution? **A:** Not necessarily. Foam can form due to the decomposition of organic substances (algae). The exact cause will be determined by laboratory analysis of samples.