Critical alert on Dniester: Pollution intensifies at border; Moldovan environment minister recommends halting water supply in Naslavcea area

The ecological situation on the Dniester River has worsened in recent hours, as new volumes of petroleum substances continue to flow from Ukraine into the territory of Moldova. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder announced an urgent update, raising the alert level to maximum for the northern area and imposing severe consumption restrictions.

Naslavcea on the brink of crisis: Water quality downgraded to Class 5

The latest laboratory tests taken in the area of the village of Naslavcea show an alarming deterioration in water quality, which has now been classified as Class 5 (major risk). Due to the increased density of the pollutant, which constantly varies depending on the currents, the authorities have taken radical measures.

“We have recommended that the local administration stop the water supply, and we urge citizens not to use water from the river in this area for household purposes or for animals,” said Minister Gheorghe Hajder. The measure is essential to prevent oil from entering the pipelines and reservoirs of household networks, which would lead to long-term contamination of the infrastructure.

Infiltration risks and precautionary measures for the Soroca and Balti regions

Although water intake and filtration solutions were installed as early on March 11, the large volume of pollutant continuously entering the river is putting pressure on the protection barriers. The minister warned that there is a risk that the filters may not be able to stop the entire flow of oil.

In the districts of Soroca, Floresti, Sangerei and the municipality of Balti, water quality is currently in Class 3 (medium level). Although the water supply has not been cut off, the official has issued a set of clear prohibitions for the population:

– Drinking water directly from the Dniester is prohibited;

– Refrain from watering animals and from fishing;

– Avoid using water for irrigation.

General recommendation: Creating water reserves

Even though in the districts in the central and southern parts of the country (from Soldanesti to Stefan Voda and the municipality of Chisinau) the water remains in Class 1 (normal limits), Minister Hajder calls for strategic caution. Due to the massive accumulation of oil at the country’s entrance, all citizens living in localities along the Dniester are advised to build up water reserves for the coming days.

Continuous monitoring and transparency

Gheorghe Hajder emphasized that the nature of this incident was unpredictable and that parameters can change from one hour to the next. “We choose to act with great caution. We will communicate each stage transparently and will continuously monitor water quality, in order to ensure the safety of every citizen,” the official concluded.

At present, the Dubasari dam remains the main protection point for the south of the country, but the authorities are on maximum alert to intervene, if the oil slicks manage to advance downstream.