Chișinău water supply at risk as Moldova‑Ukraine Nistru flow pact expires

Moldova and Ukraine have agreed to maintain the release of water from the Novodnestrovsk reservoir into the Nistru River at 100 m³/s until 31 July 2026. Authorities warn that without sufficient rainfall after that date the release may need to be reduced, which could affect the water supply to the capital, Chișinău.

Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder has said the city consumes no more than about 2 % of the river’s total flow and that current water reserves are sufficient for municipal, agricultural and ecosystem needs. He explained that the Nistru is regulated by the reservoir in Ukraine, with present releases of roughly 100‑130 m³/s.