--- title: "Climate change's impact on Moldova's water resources: The role of the National Hydrological Monitoring Network" url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/85091/climate-change-s-impact-on-moldova-s-water-resources-the-role-of-the-national-hydrological-monitoring-network published: 2026-09-15T05:58:00Z language: en author: "Cristina Prisacari" section: "Social" source: radiomoldova.md --- # Climate change's impact on Moldova's water resources: The role of the National Hydrological Monitoring Network > Climate change is significantly affecting the Republic of Moldova's water resources, making ongoing river monitoring crucial for effective management and for warning residents about potentially hazardous hydrological events. Currently, the National Hydrological Monitoring Network includes two hydrological stations—the Nistru and the Prut stations—and 52 hydrometric stations, more than 20 of which are automated. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/08b7f50f-5ce5-41f1-bb50-4fc3f513e062.jpg) Climate change is significantly affecting the Republic of Moldova's water resources, making ongoing river monitoring crucial for effective management and for warning residents about potentially hazardous hydrological events. Currently, the National Hydrological Monitoring Network includes two hydrological stations—the Nistru and the Prut stations—and 52 hydrometric stations, more than 20 of which are automated. A hydrological post is a specific location on or near a river where measurements of water level, temperature, and occasionally flow rate are taken. In contrast, a hydrological station serves a broader purpose by monitoring, processing, and managing data for a specific river basin and then transmitting this information to the environmental authority. “A hydrological post is a designated point on a river or tributary where we conduct observations and measurements. We monitor parameters such as water level and temperature, and sometimes flow rate. A station, however, has a wider role,” explained Maria Alii, a senior engineer at the Hydrological Forecasting Directorate of the Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Authority, during an interview on Radio Moldova’s program "Zi de Zi." At traditional hydrological posts, observers take measurements manually, typically at 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. In exceptional situations, such as flash floods or sudden increases in water levels, observers increase the frequency of their observations. These may be conducted every four hours or even every two hours, depending on the severity of the situation. Observers use graduated gauges or hydrometric posts to determine the water level and record the data, which is then transmitted to specialists. In automated posts, sensors collect information, allowing for real-time data acquisition. “Traditional hydrological posts remain very important; they provide us with direct field observations and serve as a reliable source of data that has been utilized over many years,” notes Maria Alii. The data collected play a crucial role in generating hydrological forecasts, warnings, and updates on river conditions. Over the long term, the data is archived and used for analysis and scenario development, as well as for the National Archive. Although automation is a key focus for the network's development, traditional stations will not be phased out. One significant advantage is that these stations do not rely on a power supply, an internet connection, or automated systems. Additionally, a field observer can detect situations that a sensor might not capture or convey as accurately. Conventional monitoring systems have limitations: data is not available in real-time, and observations occur less frequently than with automated systems. Experts believe that there is a need to modernize and automate the monitoring network while still retaining some strategic conventional stations. For hydrologists preparing forecasts, one of the biggest challenges is obtaining the most complete and timely information in a very short timeframe, especially during heavy rainfall, flash floods, and general flooding. This process involves utilizing field data, models, and information from various sources, all of which must be analyzed and verified quickly. In these situations, specialists face significant pressure to match speed with accuracy. Continuous data verification is essential, and collaboration between monitoring units and forecasting teams is crucial. "The biggest challenge is obtaining the most complete and timely information within a very short timeframe, especially during flash floods or heavy rainfall," stated Maria Alii. The modernization of the network and the introduction of new technologies also require ongoing training for specialists. According to Maria Alii, the ideal solution involves combining data from both conventional and automated monitoring systems, continuously verifying information, and ensuring close cooperation between the relevant departments. *** A hydrological alert was issued in the Republic of Moldova and will remain in effect until the end of September. Authorities issued the alert because of drought conditions and falling water levels in the Nistru, to reduce water supply risks and allow them to respond quickly as conditions change. Inflow into the Nistru reservoir has significantly decreased because of insufficient rainfall. On some days, the inflow has been as low as 16 cubic meters per second, while outflows are maintained at 60 cubic meters per second, in accordance with agreements between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. As a result, the reservoir level has fallen to approximately 111.5 meters, well below the normal range.