Moldova installs advanced carbon filtration at Cosăuți to restore water supply following Nistru River pollution
The Ministry of Environment has initiated the urgent installation of a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration system at the Cosăuți water treatment plant. This move aims to restore safe drinking water to northern regions following a major pollution incident on the Dniester River.
Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder confirmed on Wednesday evening, March 18, that a 10-ton shipment of specialized filtration material has arrived at the facility. Engineering teams are currently integrating the system into the existing technological flow to ensure water safety for the districts of Florești, Sîngerei, Soroca, and the municipality of Bălți.
The emergency measure follows an environmental alert triggered on March 16. Oil-based pollutants entered the Dniester River after targeted strikes on energy infrastructure in neighboring Ukraine. While initial estimates placed the spill at 1.5 tons, authorities warned the actual volume could be significantly higher.
"Our absolute priority is to restore access to safe, high-quality water as quickly as possible," Minister Hajder stated. He explained that GAC filtration is highly effective at capturing hydrocarbons and petroleum compounds due to its porous molecular structure.
Recent data from the National Agency for Public Health indicates improving water quality along the Dniester segment from Naslavcea to Vadul lui Vodă. If this trend holds for the next 48 hours, officials may authorize the reopening of the Cosăuți pumping station.
Until the aqueduct system returns to full operation, several northern localities remain dependent on water truck deliveries coordinated by emergency services.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
