Ukraine and Moldova are coordinating joint actions to address the consequences of low water levels on the Dniester, the Ministry of Economy said on Wednesday, UNN reports.
Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are continuing joint efforts to respond to the prolonged low water levels on the Dniester
Representatives of Ukraine and Moldova, as stated, visited the Dniester Reservoir, a strategically important source of water supply for Ukraine and Moldova, and the Khotyn water intake facility to assess the current hydrological situation and its impact on water supply to communities.
During the meeting, up-to-date hydrological data were presented. As of August 4, the water discharge at the Zаліshchyky gauging station was only 38.8 m³/s, while the forecast of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center indicates that hot weather with precipitation below the climatic norm will persist throughout August. This may lead to a further deterioration of the water management situation.
Due to the prolonged low water levels, the water level in the Dniester Reservoir has fallen significantly. In some areas, it has lost the characteristic features of a reservoir, and its hydromorphological characteristics are increasingly approaching those of a natural river channel. To ensure the rational use of water resources, the State Water Resources Agency in July restricted the right to special water use for 92 water users in the Dniester basin",
"Ukraine and Moldova agreed to continue coordinating their actions, exchanging hydrological information and jointly responding to challenges related to low water levels," the Ministry of Economy said.
"The Dniester is a shared river, and only by relying on factual data, open dialogue and mutual trust can we make responsible decisions in the interests of communities in both countries," said Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment Iryna Ovcharenko.
Supplement
As noted, the problem of water resource shortages is now a common challenge for many European countries. This summer, record-low water levels are being observed, in particular, on the Danube — Europe's second-longest river and the world's most international river (the Danube basin covers 19 countries). The decline in water levels is already affecting water supply and the operation of certain sectors of the economy, including the energy sector.