Government restricts Dniester water usage as oil spill threatens regional supplies
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has convened an emergency Cabinet meeting to approve a 15-day environmental state of emergency for the Dniester River basin. The decision follows a significant oil spill triggered by a Russian military strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric plant.
The National Crisis Management Center (CNMC) is spearheading the response to contain the contamination. Authorities are deploying additional barriers and absorption systems at strategic points, particularly in the northern sector and upstream of the Chișinău water intake stations.
Immediate restrictions and water safety
As a preventive measure, officials have restricted water usage from the Dniester for communities between Rezina and Dubăsari. Pumping stations in Cosăuți and Naslavcea, as well as those serving the Soroca, Bălți, Florești, and Sângerei districts, suspended operations on March 14.
Local authorities in riverside communities have 48 hours to secure alternative water sources. Residents are strictly advised against using river water for domestic consumption or livestock until further notice.
Monitoring and containment efforts
Constant water quality monitoring reveals fluctuating pollutant concentrations, with the highest levels detected in the river's northern reaches. Additional barriers are being installed in the Dubăsari area to prevent the spill from migrating further downstream.
"These measures are strictly preventive and will be adjusted based on daily laboratory results," the CNMC stated. Water utility operators are currently auditing their reserves to ensure continuity of supply if the crisis escalates.
Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder will provide further technical details and long-term remediation plans during a press conference following today’s 3:00 PM Cabinet session.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
