Yekaterinburg first million-plus city to lower hot water standards amid pipe decay

Yekaterinburg and two neighboring cities have received Rospotrebnadzor approval to temporarily lower hot water quality standards until end-2032, as municipal water infrastructure wear approaches 100%. This marks the first such relaxation among Russia's million-plus cities, reflecting systemic underinvestment. The move signals deteriorating public infrastructure and potential health risks, with implications for regional governance and investment priorities.