# Moldova water and energy crisis: reservoir depletion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/moldova-water-sector-challenges > Updated: 2026-09-04T12:15:17.000Z. Sources: 85. Developments: 11. In late July 2026, Moldova’s regulator ANRE drafted tariffs to lower household water prices while raising sewage charges. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Infrastructure launched a competition to equip villages with Q–DROP Yellowstone treatment units. A severe drought and historic low flows in the Cubolta and Nistru rivers prompted emergency measures, with ANRE reporting water losses of up to 60% in some networks. By mid-August, the hydrological crisis intensified. The Novodnistrovsk reservoir level fell significantly, with natural inflow dropping from 38 m³/s in early August to a record low of 14 m³/s on 14 August. To maintain downstream flows, water was being released at three to four times the rate of incoming flow. In response to high temperatures and demand, the Moldovan Ministry of Environment and Romanian authorities issued appeals for water conservation, urging citizens to reduce shower times and limit irrigation. On August 24, the Moldovan government extended the state of alert for the energy and hydrological sectors for 30 days. While diesel shortages decreased, fuel stocks remained limited to approximately eight days of consumption. Hydrologically, the situation reached a critical point as the Novodnistrovsk reservoir level dropped toward 112 meters, and rivers like the Vilia and Botna were reported as almost entirely dry. Following discussions between Moldovan authorities and a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a compromise was reached on August 28 to reduce the water flow from the Novodnistrovsk reservoir to 60 m³/s for two weeks. This aims to protect reserves but poses risks to water supplies in Chișinău and energy security, as Moldova relies on Ukraine for 10–20% of its electricity. By early September, the crisis persisted. Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder reported that the Novodnistrovsk reservoir level dropped to 111.72 meters, a decrease of approximately four meters compared to the same period last year. ## Claims - The water level in the Novodnestrovsk reservoir fell to 112.95 m, a further six centimetres in one day. (disputed by 3 sources) - The water level in the Novodnestrovsk reservoir dropped by approximately one meter in July and 25 centimeters in early August. (disputed) - Mayor Ion Ceban says Chișinău will have water regardless of the situation. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Chișinău municipal Commission for Exceptional Situations approved the creation of water, fuel and generator reserves for continuous operation of essential public services. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The CSE decision establishes sector‑level working groups to monitor water and fuel stocks and report to the commission. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The plan permits procurement of water storage equipment such as eurocubes, tanks and cisterns, as well as additional fuel supplies. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The municipal water monitoring is carried out by the agency “Apă‑Canal Chișinău”. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Fuel stocks will be formed to ensure continuous operation of public services, public transport, municipal vehicles, generators, and critical infrastructure. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Cubolta River’s flow fell to about 0.083 cubic meters per second, roughly 10 % of its usual discharge. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Novodnestrovsk reservoir reaches critical water levels Water levels in the Novodnestrovsk reservoir have reached critical lows due to lack of rainfall, prompting authorities to urge rational water use as inflows fail to match outflows. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novodnestrovsk-reservoir-reaches-critical-water-levels ### 2026-08-28: Moldova and Ukraine agree to reduce Dniester River water flow Moldova and Ukraine agreed to reduce Dniester River water flow to 60 m3/s for two weeks to manage critical reservoir levels caused by drought, impacting water and energy security in both nations. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-and-ukraine-agree-to-reduce-dniester-river-water-flow ### 2026-08-25: Dniester River water levels face critical pressure as reserves deplete Moldova's Ministry of Environment warns of a critical water shortage in the Dniester River as Novodnistrovsk reservoir reserves deplete due to record-low natural inflows and heavy downstream discharge. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dniester-river-water-levels-face-critical-pressure-as-reserves-deplete ### 2026-08-24: Moldova extends energy and hydrological state of alert for 30 days Moldova has extended its energy and hydrological state of alert for 30 days due to critical water shortages and ongoing energy security risks. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-parliament-suspends-wastewater-treatment-rules-for-drugmakers ### 2026-08-18: Water conservation appeals issued in Romania and Moldova Authorities in Romania and Moldova are calling for responsible water usage and conservation to manage high demand and protect reserves during periods of high temperatures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-conservation-appeals-issued-in-romania-and-moldova ### 2026-08-08: Moldova faces water crisis amid severe hydrological drought Moldova is facing a severe hydrological drought, leading to a 30-day alert and reduced water discharge from the Novodnestrovsk reservoir to conserve supplies until autumn rains. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-supply-disruptions-reported-in-sngeorz-bi-and-trgu-neam ### 2026-08-04: Moldova's Water Supply Strained as Reservoir Levels Drop Chișinău adds five water wells, raising functional wells to 31, while Moldova draws from a strategic reserve as Ukraine's Novodnistrovsk reservoir falls over four metres, prompting joint flow negotiations and a 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiinu-faces-water-shortage-risk-as-dniester-flow-drops ### 2026-08-02: Moldova braces for water shortages as drought lowers Nistru levels Drought‑driven Nistru low water levels lead Moldova to boost reserves, build a temporary dam and consider steep water‑tariff hikes in Ialoveni and Glodeni. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiinu-mayor-ion-ceban-readies-city-for-water-and-energy-supply ### 2026-07-28: Chișinău readies water and fuel reserves as hydrological‑energy alert takes hold Chișinău’s Commission for Exceptional Situations approved emergency water and fuel reserves, creating sector work groups and authorising storage equipment amid a national hydrological‑energy alert. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldovas-rivers-hit-historic-low-flows-as-drought-triggers-emergency-water-measures ### 2026-07-28: Moldova water networks lose up to 60% of supply in some localities ANRE says water loss in Moldova’s regional supply networks can hit 60 % in some areas, calling for infrastructure upgrades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-water-networks-lose-up-to-60-of-supply-in-some-localities ### 2026-07-27: Moldova sets new water tariffs and launches village water‑treatment contest Moldova’s ANRE proposes lower water tariffs but higher sewage fees in Strășeni, while MIDR opens a contest for villages to receive modern drinking‑water treatment units funded by a Moldovan‑Belgian loan. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-sets-new-water-tariffs-and-launches-village-watertreatment-contest --- Cite as: Moldova water and energy crisis: reservoir depletion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/moldova-water-sector-challenges