Dead fish, foul tap water, and a criminal investigation: what’s happening to the Tura River in Russia’s Tyumen region
Residents of Tyumen, Russia, have reported dead fish in the Tura River, foul-smelling tap water, and health issues; a criminal case has been opened over unsafe water services.
Water Crisis in Tyumen
For over a week, Tyumen residents have been posting on social media about the state of the Tura River, complaining of a strong foul smell and piles of dead fish along the banks. Many also report a strange odor from their tap water, and some say it has caused conjunctivitis, cystitis, and intestinal infections.
Criminal Investigation
On July 24, after a woman raised the issue online, Russia's Investigative Committee opened a criminal case for providing services that fail to meet safety requirements. Committee head Alexander Bastrykin demanded a progress report.
Fish Die-Off and Causes
The water situation began deteriorating in mid-June when fish started dying in lakes and the Tura. By July, local specialists from the Federal Fisheries Agency and VNIRO collected water samples. On July 17, authorities blamed the die-off on "oxygen starvation," with oxygen levels near zero. No industrial waste traces were found. Treatment plants promised to increase powdered carbon use tenfold.
The agencies attributed the oxygen shortage to record rainfall: in June, the region received 260% of normal precipitation. Rain washed soil into the river, causing organic matter to oxidize and consume oxygen.
Flood Risk
By July 25, the Tura's water level reached 846 cm, close to the critical 850 cm mark. Some 146 homes are in the potential flood zone, and authorities prepared temporary shelters.
Health Warnings
Infectious disease specialist Gennady Umansky warned against swimming in the river due to risk of intestinal infections, hepatitis A, and rotavirus. He advised avoiding contact with water and dead fish.
Tap Water Quality
In mid-July, residents began complaining about tap water odor. On July 20, citing Rospotrebnadzor, the regional government said water met standards. However, three days later, Rospotrebnadzor recommended drinking only bottled water and boiling tap water. While residents link ailments to water, no official outbreaks have been reported.
