Ukraine and Moldova coordinate joint actions to overcome the consequences of low water levels on the Dniester

Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova continue joint efforts to respond to the prolonged low water levels on the Dniester. On August 4, representatives of both countries visited the Dniester Reservoir and the Khotyn water intake facility in Chernivtsi region to assess the current hydrological situation and its impact on community water supply.

The visit was held in line with agreements reached during an extraordinary meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin, when Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment Iryna Ovcharenko invited Moldovan colleagues to see the situation on the ground.

The working meeting took place near the Khotyn Fortress. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Head of the State Water Agency Ihor Hopchak. The Moldovan delegation was headed by Minister of Environment of the Republic of Moldova Gheorghe Hajder, joined by Deputy Director of the National Administration “Apele Moldovei” Radu Cazacu.

Participants inspected the Dniester Reservoir — a strategically important water supply source for both Ukraine and Moldova — and reviewed the operations of the Khotyn water intake, which is already experiencing the effects of prolonged low water. The enterprise had to adapt its intake system to ensure uninterrupted centralized water supply for residents of the Khotyn community.

Updated hydrological data were presented during the meeting. As of August 4, water discharge at Zalishchyky was only 38.8 m³/s, and forecasts from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center indicate that hot weather with below-normal rainfall will persist throughout August. This may further worsen the water management situation.

Due to prolonged low water, the level of the Dniester Reservoir has significantly decreased. In some areas, it has lost its typical reservoir features, and its hydromorphological characteristics increasingly resemble the natural riverbed.

To ensure rational use of water resources, in July this year the State Water Agency restricted special water use rights for 92 users in the Dniester basin.

“By inviting our Moldovan colleagues to Ukraine, we wanted to show the real situation directly on site. The Dniester is a shared river, and only by relying on factual data, open dialogue, and mutual trust can we make responsible decisions in the interests of communities in both countries. Ukraine will continue to fulfill its international obligations while ensuring water supply for Ukrainian communities,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine Iryna Ovcharenko.

As a result of the meeting, both sides confirmed readiness to continue coordinating actions within the Dniester Commission, maintain regular exchange of hydrological information, and jointly respond to challenges caused by prolonged low water.

The problem of water resource shortages is now a common challenge for many European countries. This summer, record low water levels have been observed on the Danube — Europe’s second-longest river and the most international river in the world (its basin covers 19 countries). Declining water levels are already affecting water supply and the functioning of certain economic sectors, including energy. Against this backdrop, cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova in managing their shared water artery — the Dniester River — serves as an example of responsible implementation of international agreements and joint response to climate change challenges.