Moldova is entering what officials describe as the most difficult phase of its current water crisis, as levels in the Novodnistrovsk Reservoir continue to fall amid persistent drought and a lack of significant rainfall.

The reservoir’s water level has declined by a further 25 centimetres since the beginning of August, reaching 112.76 metres. This is more than eight metres below its normal retention level of 121 metres. The drop follows a decrease of approximately one metre recorded in July.

Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder warned that the situation could deteriorate further during August and September. Current forecasts do not indicate sufficient rainfall in the coming weeks, while precipitation capable of bringing a substantial improvement may not arrive until October.

“August and September will be the most critical months from a hydrological perspective,” Hajder said.

The Novodnistrovsk Reservoir plays an important role in regulating water flows in the Dniester River, Moldova’s main source of drinking water. Continued depletion could therefore affect household supplies, agriculture, industry and the condition of ecosystems throughout the river basin.

The Dniester Commission is expected to conduct another assessment of the reservoir and the wider river basin. Officials will examine current water levels, changes in river flows and the potential need for additional restrictions.

The Moldovan Government declared a 30-day hydrological alert on July 28 following a sharp reduction in river flows and falling water levels in reservoirs. Authorities have since introduced measures intended to preserve drinking water and maintain supplies for essential services.

The use of drinking water and surface water for non-essential purposes has been prohibited. The restrictions cover activities such as washing streets and pavements, filling swimming pools and supplying recreational basins.

Water extraction from the Dniester and irrigation of agricultural land are now permitted only at night, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Priority is being given to horticultural crops, which are particularly vulnerable to prolonged water shortages.

Officials will monitor irrigation activities, while the Environment Ministry has been authorised to suspend water extraction temporarily in areas where levels fall below critical thresholds.

Local authorities have also been instructed to activate reserve wells to help maintain uninterrupted supplies. Water utility operators are increasing quality monitoring at intake points, as lower river levels can affect the concentration of pollutants and make water treatment more difficult.

The Government is also preparing for the possibility of direct emergency assistance. If conditions worsen, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations will deploy mobile water tanks to distribute drinking water to affected communities.

Businesses whose operations are not essential to food production, healthcare or public health have been ordered to reduce their water consumption by at least 20 per cent. The measure is intended to protect available reserves for households, hospitals and other critical services.

The coming weeks will determine whether the existing restrictions are sufficient. Without significant rainfall, Moldova may be forced to introduce tighter limits on water extraction and consumption as pressure on the Dniester basin continues to grow.

Authorities are urging residents, public institutions and businesses to use water responsibly and avoid all unnecessary consumption. Even if heavier rainfall arrives in October, the prolonged decline in reservoir levels means that the recovery of the Dniester system may take considerably longer.