Abstract
The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone remains one of the most radioactively contaminated territories in the world, and the state of its water resources continues to play an important role in long-term radiological impacts on downstream populations in the Pripyat – Dnieper basin. Radiation monitoring of surface and groundwater in the ChEZ is a key tool for assessing radionuclide migration, predicting environmental risks, and supporting decision-making in post-accident management. However, the current monitoring infrastructure was largely established in the early 1990-ies and no longer meets modern scientific, technical, or regulatory demands. This work explores current challenges and opportunities in enhancing the monitoring system for water resources in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Particular attention is paid to the overall need for harmonization with international standards including modernization of the monitoring network, optimization of monitoring program, integration of modern sensor technologies, and introduction of the efficient data management and analysis tools.