In the village of Ustye in the Vologda region, water pumps were locked.

In the village of Ustye in the Vologda region, access to outdoor water pumps has been restricted: now, only residents who have signed a contract with the local organization "VodoprovodUstye" and received a key can use them. The restrictions have already been introduced on three streets, and in the future the system will be extended to the entire village with a population of about 4 thousand people.

"I don't see any problems with this. The monthly fee is about 120 rubles, but it's all legal. This locking device will prevent careless people from using it," said The head of the Ust-Kubinsky district, Sergei Shcherbakov, explained that the measure is aimed at those who collect water in large volumes. He also clarified that such columns will only be used during the warm season.

The situation reflects a broader problem of water access in the region. In the Vologda Oblast, the level of centralized water supply remains below the national average, especially in rural areas, where a significant portion of residents still rely on alternative water sources.

As of 2023, Russia has a central water supply have had 88,6% of the population, with more than 12,5 million households, were left without cold water. In the Vologda Oblast data Below: in 2025, centralized water supply covered 67,1% of housing, and sewerage – 61,5%. In rural areas, access is even more limited – only 32,2% of housing had water supply, and 19,3% had sewerage.

The situation is significantly better in the region's cities: centralized water supply is available to 85,9% of residential buildings, and sewerage is available to 84,3%. However, the gap between urban and rural areas remains significant.

Photo: administration of the Ust-Kubinsky district