Republic of Moldova and Ukraine Face Pressure on Water Reserves in the Dniester River Basin

Alarming Situation on the Dniester: Ukraine Can No Longer Maintain the Minimum Flow Rate

The water level of the Dniester River continues to decline, and the minimum flow rate maintained until now can no longer be guaranteed. Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder announced the situation following the extraordinary meeting of the Dniester Commission convened on September 29, amid a significant reduction in water reserves.

Difficult Hydrological Conditions Upstream

According to the minister, a water deficit has persisted for several months in the area upstream of the Novodnistrovsk reservoir. The effects of the hydrological drought are already being felt in some localities in Ukraine, where water supply to the population is, in certain cases, provided only during designated time intervals.

Ukraine Limits Releases from the Novodnistrovsk Reservoir

Ukrainian representatives informed the Dniester Commission that, under the current conditions, they can no longer ensure releases from the reservoir exceeding the volume of water flowing into the reservoir. The decision is aimed at protecting existing reserves and preventing their depletion, which could further affect the water supply of upstream localities.

“The minimum flow rate maintained until now can no longer be ensured, given that the natural inflow into the Novodnistrovsk reservoir has been 27 m³/s over the past two weeks,” said Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder.

The Flow Rate Depends on Precipitation in the Upper Basin

Any improvement in the situation will depend primarily on the amount of precipitation recorded in the upper part of the Dniester River basin. An increase in the flows feeding the reservoir could allow water reserves to be replenished and, subsequently, enable higher volumes of water to be released towards the Republic of Moldova.

Reservoir Reserves Continue to Decline

Data previously presented by the Ministry of Environment indicated a concerning trend during the first part of September. During the first 20 days of the month, the average inflow into the Novodnistrovsk reservoir was approximately 23 m³/s, while the downstream discharge remained at around 60 m³/s.

During the same period, approximately 40.3 million cubic meters of water flowed into the reservoir, while the volume discharged reached approximately 103.7 million cubic meters. The difference of approximately 63.4 million cubic meters contributed to the depletion of available reserves.

Water Level Fell by Approximately 68 Centimeters

At the beginning of September, the water level in the reservoir stood at 111.83 meters. Based on the volume of water lost during the first 20 days of the month, authorities estimated that the level could have fallen to approximately 111.15 meters, representing a decrease of around 68 centimeters.

Rainfall in the Republic of Moldova Does Not Offset the Upstream Deficit

Although precipitation was recorded in the Republic of Moldova, it was not sufficient to produce a significant increase in the Dniester’s flow rates. Authorities noted that substantial rainfall is needed in the river’s upper basin, located in Ukraine, to restore the natural inflow into the reservoir.

Monitoring of the Situation Continues

Authorities in both countries will continue to monitor developments in the Dniester’s water levels and flow rates, as well as the volumes available in the Novodnistrovsk reservoir. Precipitation levels upstream will remain an important factor in determining the volumes of water that can subsequently be released towards the Republic of Moldova.