The Republic of Moldova Adjusts Water Resource Management: Dniester River Flow to Be Reduced to 60 m³/s

Water Flow to the Republic of Moldova to Be Temporarily Reduced

The volume of water released into the Dniester River towards the Republic of Moldova will be reduced over the next two weeks, from 75 m³/s to 60 m³/s. The decision was taken during a new extraordinary meeting of the Dniester Commission, convened to assess the hydrological situation and determine the necessary measures for the coming period.

Negotiations to Maintain the Most Favorable Possible Water Flow

According to the Ministry of Environment, the Ukrainian side initially proposed reducing the water flow to 50 m³/s. Following discussions between the two sides, the agreed level was set at 60 m³/s, representing a more favorable solution for the Republic of Moldova under the current hydrological conditions.

Novodnestrovsk Reservoir Reserves Continue to Decline

The measure is prompted by the continued decrease in water inflow into the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir. Its water level has fallen to 111.97 meters according to the Baltic Height System, a level reported as a historical minimum.

In this context, the temporary reduction in water flow is aimed at conserving the available reserves and extending the period during which the necessary volume of water can be ensured in the Dniester riverbed.

Monitoring of Water Abstraction and Water Supply

The responsible institutions will continue to monitor changes in water levels and coordinate measures with operators in the water supply and sewerage sector.

Particular attention will be paid to the operation of water intake stations to ensure that the reduction in water flow does not affect the supply of drinking water to the population.

The Evolution of the Situation Depends on Precipitation

Authorities estimate that the evolution of the hydrological regime in the coming period will be influenced primarily by weather conditions. In the event of insufficient precipitation in the Dniester River basin, water reserves could continue to decline.

Under these circumstances, the prudent management of the Dniester’s water resources remains a priority, with the aim of maintaining the supply of drinking water to the population and ensuring the operation of water intake infrastructure.

Cooperation for Water Resources Management

The meeting of the Dniester Commission was organized with the support of the project “Promoting Transboundary Cooperation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Dniester River Basin through the Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme”. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the OSCE and UNDP.