Novodnestrovsk discharge talks stalled; Chisinau and Kyiv resume negotiations
Chisinau and Kyiv have not agreed on the volume of water to be released from the Novodnistrovsk reservoir. The Moldovan authorities rejected Ukraine's proposal to reduce the flow rate from 60 cubic meters per second to 22, considering the change too abrupt. Negotiations are expected to resume in the coming days.
Representatives from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine recently held another round of consultations under the Nistru Commission. According to Minister of the Environment Gheorghe Hajder, the Ukrainian side initially suggested that Moldova would receive only the volume of water actually flowing into the Novodnestrovsk reservoir.
"During the consultations, the Ukrainian side proposed releasing a volume of water to the Republic of Moldova equivalent to the amount actually entering the Novodnestrovsk reservoir—specifically, an average flow rate of approximately 22 cubic meters per second," stated the Ministry of the Environment.
Chisinau rejected this proposal.
"The Moldovan side turned down the offer because it would result in a drastic reduction in downstream flow. Currently, the flow rate is maintained at approximately 60 cubic meters per second," the Ministry of the Environment explained.
The Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with the relevant institutions, is actively monitoring the situation to prevent a sudden decrease in downstream water flow. Such a reduction could impact the water supply for the population, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and upset the hydrological balance of the Nistru River, according to the Ministry of the Environment.
According to Minister Gheorghe Hajder, the Moldovan side's arguments led Ukraine to agree to a higher flow rate than initially proposed. However, this adjustment was not enough for both parties to reach an agreement.
Without consensus, the Moldovan side suggested postponing the meeting. The Ministry of Environment announced that dialogue between the two countries will continue to find a solution that is "balanced and acceptable to both parties," taking into account the hydrological situation and the downstream water needs.
Chisinau authorities continue to monitor hydrological developments and the potential impact reduced flow could have on the Nistru River.
A hydrological alert remains in effect in the Republic of Moldova until the end of September. Authorities implemented this measure because of drought conditions and falling water levels in the Nistru. It aims to mitigate water supply risks and ensure that authorities can intervene quickly as the situation evolves.
Water inflow into the Nistru reservoir has sharply decreased due to a lack of precipitation. On some days, the inflow was only 16 cubic meters per second, while outflows remained at 60 cubic meters per second. The reservoir level has dropped to approximately 111.5 meters, significantly below normal levels.
