Moldova inventories wells for water security
The authorities have mandated a complete inventory of all wells in the Republic of Moldova to identify alternative water sources for localities affected by the pollution of the Nistru River. This announcement was made by Gheorghe Hajder, the Minister of Environment, in response to the crisis caused by oil product leaks into the river.
"We have already ordered an inventory of all these wells to ensure they are properly maintained and capable of generating drinking water in any situation. This is vital for our security, especially given the ongoing conflict on the border. We can never be completely safe in the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, or elsewhere, and tragedies can occur at any time," the minister stated during a Jurnal TV show.
According to the official, the responsibility for managing these alternative water sources primarily falls on local authorities and operators. Under current legislation, they must periodically inspect the technical condition of these sources.
"Local authorities and water utility operators are required to inventory these wells and conduct tests at least once a year. It is crucial for local authorities and those providing this service—either directly or through delegated entities—to ensure the availability of these alternative sources," explained Gheorghe Hajder.
Several localities in northern Moldova, including the municipality of Bălți, have recently been left without drinking water. However, authorities have assured that the water in Chișinău is currently safe for consumption and can be used without restrictions for food and other purposes.
Furthermore, we remind you that the government in Chișinău declared a state of environmental alert for the Nistru beginning March 16, following the detection of petroleum substances in the water, which occurred after a Russian attack on the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric power plant in Ukraine on March 7.
