Dniester River flow reaches new historic lows, as Moldovan authorities prepare urgent measures

The hydrological situation on the Dniester River is deteriorating and the inflow of water into the Novodnistrovsk reservoir has dropped to new consecutive historic lows. Data presented today by Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder shows that, in the last five days, the average daily inflow was only 19 m³/s, almost twice as low as the 38 m³/s average recorded at the beginning of the month.

The lowest level was recorded August 21, when the inflow into the reservoir fell to 14 m³/s, a new historic negative record. In previous days, the values were 15 m³/s on August 17, 29 m³/s on August 18, 19 m³/s on August 19 and 18 m³/s on August 20.

The decrease in inflow is beginning to be reflected in downstream discharges too. While until August 20, the releases from the Dubasari reservoir were maintained at approximately 77–78 m³/s, the following day they were reduced to 72 m³/s, and for today a further decrease to 65 m³/s is forecast.

“The Dniester is thus entering a critical period and every cubic meter of water is becoming increasingly important for the communities and ecosystems that depend on the river,” Hajder said.

The environment minister warns that this development is putting growing pressure on the entire ecosystem of Dniester, as well as on water supply and water resources’ management.

The Moldovan authorities are constantly monitoring the situation and stay in contact with the relevant institutions, including with the authorities of Ukraine. At the end of August, a new extraordinary meeting with the Ukrainian side is planned, at which the evolution of hydrological indicators will be analyzed and possible intervention measures will be agreed.

Under the current conditions, the Environment Ministry is calling on consumers, economic agents and local authorities to closely monitor the situation at water intake stations, reduce losses in the networks and avoid unjustified water consumption.