Ukraine and Moldova coordinate response to low water levels in the Dniester

Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova continue to work together to minimise the impact of low water levels in the Dniester River. The issue was the main focus of the third extraordinary meeting of the Commission on the Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin.

The Ukrainian side briefed its Moldovan counterparts on the current hydrological situation and the outlook for the ongoing low-water period, based on forecasts prepared by the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre. According to the forecasts, the prolonged lack of rainfall and low inflows into the Dniester Reservoir could further worsen the situation throughout July and August this year.

During the meeting, participants reviewed possible scenarios for further developments based on the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre’s forecasts. In particular, if hydrological conditions deteriorate, additional measures to ensure the prudent use of water resources may become necessary. Water abstraction problems have already emerged in the town of Khotyn, Chernivtsi region, where additional technical measures are being implemented to maintain the water supply.

The Moldovan side, in turn, requested that water discharge into the downstream section of the buffer hydropower complex be maintained temporarily at 100 cubic metres per second, in accordance with the Operating Rules for the Reservoirs of the Dniester Integrated Hydropower Complex, until the end of July. According to the Moldovan representatives, this would allow time to prepare for a possible deterioration in the situation, implement the necessary organisational measures and, if required, introduce restrictions for certain categories of water users.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain the current water discharge regime until the end of July and to hold another extraordinary meeting of the Commission in early August. Taking into account updated forecasts and the actual water levels in the Dniester, they will then determine the future operating regime of the Dniester Reservoir.

“For both Ukraine and Moldova, the Dniester is a matter of water security. We are keeping our Moldovan partners informed of the projected risks so that we can jointly take decisions that will ensure the most efficient use of water resources while meeting the needs of the populations of both countries. Open dialogue and coordinated action are the foundation of effective management of transboundary water resources,” said Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Background

The Dniester is one of Europe’s largest transboundary rivers and a vital source of drinking water for millions of people in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Continuous information sharing, joint monitoring and coordinated decision-making are therefore essential to ensuring the water security of both countries in the face of climate change and the growing risk of low-water conditions.