Low water flows in Dniester; Moldovan environment minister announces measures to manage situation

The Environment Ministry is taking measures to manage the hydrological situation on the Dniester River, including removing illegal dams, cleaning riverbeds and strengthening water infrastructure. The actions are being carried out amid reduced flows in the upper Dniester basin, which caused the water level in the Novodnistrovsk Reservoir to drop by 68 centimetres during the first 20 days of September.

„Although precipitation was recorded in Moldova, it was insufficient in the upper Dniester basin in Ukraine to improve the hydrological situation. Given the continued low flows and hydrological risks, we are continuing to remove illegal dams and constructions that block waterways, clean and dredge riverbeds, strengthen water infrastructure and update data on alternative water sources. We are monitoring the Dniester's flow rates and reserves in the Novodnistrovsk Reservoir and will inform the public of any changes,” said Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder.

Between 1 and 20 September, the average inflow into the Novodnistrovsk Reservoir was approximately 23 cubic metres per second, while outflows remained at around 60 cubic metres per second.

„Between 1 and 20 September, the hydrological situation remained difficult. The average inflow was only around 23 m³/s, while outflows remained at 60 m³/s. Thus, over the 20 days, approximately 63.4 million m³ more water was released from the reservoir than entered it, leading to a further reduction in water reserves. Between 1 and 20 September, the water level in the reservoir fell by 68 cm, from 111.83 m to 111.15 m. Compared with the normal level of 121.5 m, the reservoir is now more than 10 metres below it. During this period, approximately 40.3 million m³ of water entered the reservoir, while around 103.7 million m³ was released, resulting in a difference of approximately 63.4 million m³,” the minister noted.

In the context, the Environment Ministry urges the public and economic operators to use water rationally and responsibly, repair leaks and losses and avoid using water for non-essential activities.

The Dniester basin has been experiencing low-water conditions since June, while inflows into the Dnistrovsk Reservoir in Ukraine reached record-low levels in September. The situation is being monitored by the authorities of Moldova and Ukraine in the framework of the Dniester Commission.