The Dniester Reaches Historic Lows in Northern Moldova: Authorities Assess Risks to the Population’s Water Supply

Water Level in the Dniester Reaches Historic Lows in Northern Moldova

The water level of the Dniester River in northern Moldova has fallen to historic lows, prompting the authorities to intensify monitoring of the hydrological situation and assess the risks to the population’s drinking water supply.

Monitoring the Water Supply

Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder highlighted that one of the most vulnerable pieces of infrastructure is the water intake station that supplies the municipality of Chișinău. In this context, the authorities are monitoring the evolution of the water level and assessing the measures that need to be implemented to ensure the continuity of the water supply service.

According to the minister, the hydrological situation is also difficult in Ukraine, where the Dniester originates before continuing its course toward the Republic of Moldova, and developments upstream have a direct impact on the water resources available in the country.

Need for Measures at the Water Intake Station

Gheorghe Hajder stated that the water intake station serving the municipality of Chișinău is managed by the City Hall and requested information on the works carried out to adapt the infrastructure to low water levels.

The information requested includes the minimum water level at which the pumping installations can operate, the status of the rehabilitation of backup wells, and any additional interventions that may require support from the Government.

Focus on Continuity of Water Supply

The Minister of Environment emphasized that, under the current circumstances, the authorities’ priority must be to ensure uninterrupted access to water for the population and to prepare the infrastructure for any further deterioration of the hydrological situation.

“There is still water, but it has receded significantly — the level has fallen to historic lows. The situation is equally critical in Ukraine, where the Dniester flows toward us, directly and significantly affecting us. […] The only real concern for everyone now must be to maintain an uninterrupted water supply for citizens,” said Gheorghe Hajder.

Cooperation and Continuous Monitoring

The minister noted that the authorities are continuously monitoring the situation in cooperation with the Ukrainian side in order to promptly identify risks and implement the necessary measures.

At the same time, Gheorghe Hajder reiterated the Ministry of Environment’s willingness to cooperate with municipal authorities to identify the necessary technical solutions and ensure the population’s water supply.

“It’s not too late to do what needs to be done. We are ready to work together, set aside the political debate, and make sure that people have and will continue to have water at the tap,” said the Minister of Environment.