Approximately 75% of all wells in the Republic of Moldova exceed the admissible pollution limit and remain unsafe for consumption. Environmental expert Ruslan Nercasu explained that the lack of sewage systems in rural areas, poor management of landfills and farm waste, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture pollute well water the most, news tv reports.
“We need to understand that, at present, research in Moldova focuses mainly on agricultural pollutants. In some wells in the south of the country, pollution levels exceed the limit by more than 50 times. As for tap water, especially in Chisinau, I do not know the current situation regarding chlorine. I know that authorities implemented systems to avoid the use of chlorine, but the main problem in the water supplied to large cities, especially in post-Soviet countries, is the presence of chlorine,” Ruslan Nercasu said on the show Buna Dimineata on Moldova 1.
The expert stressed that young children and pregnant women face the highest risk from contaminated water. He also pointed to solutions that can reduce water pollution.
“Filters are a solution, especially when we talk about what families can afford. Reverse osmosis filters, which are quite accessible, block most pollutants in water. People can also try carbon cartridge filters. We need to understand that boiling cannot eliminate chemical pollution, and it can actually worsen the situation. Boiling does not remove impurities,” the ecologist explained.
Specialists warn that although pesticides play an essential role in agriculture, farmers must use them correctly to avoid toxic effects on human health and the environment.
Fruits and vegetables cultivated without pesticides in Oliscani
Farmer Alexei Micu grows organic fruits and vegetables without using pesticides. Eco-certified in the village of Oliscani, Soldanesti district, he insists that ecological preparations can replace pesticides.
“From our experience, yes, it is possible. Yes, the harvest is smaller, but the maintenance costs for orchards are also lower, and we make fewer applications. In the long term, orchards are more resilient. Especially since we cannot irrigate, the limiting factor in our production is the lack of water. Ecological preparations already exist that reduce the impact of insecticides,” Alexei Micu said.
The National Agency for Public Health (ANSP) recommends that citizens act cautiously when using water from public wells and avoid consuming water from sources that are not tested regularly.
In areas where authorities declared wells non-compliant, ANSP advises citizens to use water from centralized systems or bottled water. The institution also urges citizens to regularly check water test results, which local authorities must publish, and to pay attention to possible symptoms of intoxication after consuming well water. In case of health problems, doctors should be consulted immediately.