Moldova holds emergency talks as Dniester water levels drop
Moldova held an emergency meeting in Chisinau on Monday to discuss water supplies as Dniester levels drop.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan convened a meeting in Chisinau on September 29 with environmental officials, local authorities, and water utility representatives to address falling water levels in the Dniester river. Officials reviewed hydrological data and discussed emergency response measures to protect tap water supplies across the country in the event of further deterioration.
Water levels at the Novodnistrovsk reservoir in neighbouring Ukraine fell below 111 metres, dropping more than 10 metres from the normal level of approximately 121.5 metres, according to government figures. Water levels at the Cosăuți intake station dropped by 10 to 23 centimetres over recent periods, while utility officials and local leaders assessed the data.
Representatives from Apă-Canal Chișinău reported that all consumers currently receive water and facilities operate normally while technical options are evaluated. Authorities agreed to maintain continuous monitoring of the river and coordinate further actions during upcoming sessions to prevent supply disruptions.
Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder stated on social media that the municipal water intake station in Chisinau represents the most vulnerable link in the national infrastructure. Hajder inspected the Cosăuți station, which supplies Bălți, noting that pumps remain safely positioned below the water line despite the drop.
Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban stated on social media that the situation has grown alarming and urged the central government to provide clear information regarding Dniester water management. Parliament previously instituted a 60-day state of emergency across energy and hydrological sectors starting on September 26 to manage growing risks.
The National Crisis Management Commission approved several measures to maintain energy and fuel reserves, protect water resources, and secure essential services. Parliament approved the state of emergency after 54 deputies voted in favour of the government proposal.
What we know
- Vasile Tofan convened an emergency meeting in Chisinau on September 29.
- Water levels at the Novodnistrovsk reservoir fell below 111 metres.
- Parliament declared a state of emergency in energy and hydrological sectors on September 26.
- Apă-Canal Chișinău confirmed that water supplies to consumers remain uninterrupted.
Not yet confirmed
- Environment ministry claims regarding municipal infrastructure vulnerability.
Why it matters for Europe
The Dniester river serves as the primary water source for major population centres in Moldova, including Chisinau and Bălți. Unusually low water levels in the river and upstream reservoirs threaten domestic water security and prompted the national government to declare a state of emergency across energy and hydrological sectors. The emergency measures also cover the Prut river, another significant water source for the country, as authorities work to safeguard supplies during the drought and monitor further changes in river levels.
Sources
Reported by 2 reports from 2 independent outlets in 1 countries.
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Questions and answers
- Why did Moldova declare a state of emergency?
- Parliament declared a 60-day state of emergency in energy and hydrological sectors due to drought and very low water levels in the Dniester and Prut rivers.
- Are water supplies currently interrupted in Chisinau?
- No, water utility representatives confirmed that all consumers currently receive water and stations operate normally.
- What is the water level at the Novodnistrovsk reservoir?
- The water level dropped below 111 metres, compared to the normal level of about 121.5 metres.
This article was written with AI assistance from 2 verified reports and checked under the ECTV editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.