Although the Ukrainian side initially proposed reducing it to 70 cubic meters due to the ongoing hydrological drought, the final decision on future water use regimes will be made after a reassessment of the situation at the end of the month.
An extraordinary meeting of the Dniester Commission was convened to jointly assess the hydrological situation in the Dniester basin, which continues to deteriorate due to a prolonged lack of precipitation and unfavorable weather conditions.
The Ukrainian side reported that precipitation in the Ukrainian Carpathians has decreased significantly, leading to a reduction in water inflow into the Dniester Reservoir near Novodnestrovsk. High temperatures and a prolonged heat wave have further exacerbated the situation, causing water losses to reach levels below previously observed historical lows. The average monthly runoff in June was also below long-term averages, indicating the development of a severe hydrological drought.
In light of this, Ukraine proposed reducing the volume of water released from the reservoir from 100 to 70 cubic meters per second to preserve necessary water reserves in case the situation worsens further. According to the Ukrainian side, restrictions on water use have already been imposed on 177 water users in the country, and additional water-conservation measures are being implemented.
The Moldovan delegation insisted on maintaining the current water discharge rate—100 cubic meters per second—at least until the end of July. This proposal was supported by both sides.
A new meeting of the commission is scheduled for the end of the month, when participants will evaluate updated hydrological data and, if necessary, adjust the reservoir’s operating regime.
Water supply to the population remains a priority
The Ministry of the Environment reported that, together with the “Apele Moldovei” agency, the State Hydrometeorological Service, and other relevant agencies, it will continue to analyze the situation and prepare possible response scenarios. The ministry emphasized that any further decisions will be made based on up-to-date hydrological calculations, and that ensuring the population’s water supply remains the top priority.
The ministry also called on citizens and businesses to use water resources rationally.
