Agreement between Ukraine and Moldova
Ukraine and Moldova have agreed to reduce the water discharge from the Dniester Hydro Complex to 75 m³/s due to critically low water flow. This decision was made at the fifth extraordinary meeting of the Commission on the sustainable use and protection of the Dniester River basin. The natural inflow of water to the Dniester reservoir remains insufficient, and the forecast for the near future does not anticipate any increase.
In this regard, the operating mode of the reservoir will be reviewed depending on the hydrological situation. If the water flow continues to decrease, Ukraine will insist on reducing the discharge even further. Since June, restrictions on water use have already been in effect for 92 water users in Ukraine.
“We have entered a new water reality, where every cubic meter of water matters,” said Iryna Ovcharenko.
Discussion on the situation with reservoirs
The meeting also discussed the situation with the Dubosary reservoir and the provision of drinking water needs for Chisinau.
This agreement between Ukraine and Moldova is an important step in ensuring the water resources of both countries in the context of climate change and decreasing water supplies. Reducing water discharge may have serious consequences for agriculture and water supply in the region; therefore, further steps in water resource management will be crucial for stability in this area. It is important for the countries to continue cooperating in this field since water is a shared resource that requires a collective management approach.
As water levels in rivers across Ukraine reach unprecedented lows, the implications for regional water management become increasingly critical. This situation underscores the need for collaborative efforts between neighboring countries. To understand the broader context of these alarming trends and their potential impact on water resources, read more about the historic low river levels affecting Ukraine.