Moldova’s Minister of Environment convened an extraordinary meeting of the Dniester Commission to jointly assess the worsening hydrological situation in the Dniester River basin, which continues to experience a prolonged period of low water flow.
The Ukrainian side reported a significant decline in rainfall in the Ukrainian Carpathians, resulting in lower inflows into the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir. According to Ukrainian officials, the average river discharge in June remained below the long-term average, indicating severe hydrological drought conditions.
Ukraine proposed reducing water releases from the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir from 100 cubic meters per second to 70 cubic meters per second in order to preserve water reserves.
Moldovan representatives, however, requested that the current release rate of 100 cubic meters per second be maintained at least until the end of the month. Ukraine agreed to the proposal, and both sides will reassess the situation during another meeting scheduled for the end of the month, when further decisions will be made based on hydrological conditions.
The Ministry of Environment said it will continue monitoring the situation together with Apele Moldovei and the Environmental Meteorology and Monitoring Authority, emphasizing that ensuring a stable water supply for the population remains its top priority.
Earlier on Friday, Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder warned that Chișinău could face a water supply crisis if the Dniester River’s water level continues to decline.