Ukraine and Moldova Reduce Water Discharge on the Dniester to 85 Cubic Meters per Second

Due to critical low water levels on the Dniester, Ukraine and Moldova have agreed to temporarily reduce water discharge from the Dniester integrated hydrosystem to 85 cubic meters per second for the next two weeks. July 2026 has become one of the driest months in recorded history, with river flow in the Ukrainian part of the Dniester basin dropping to 10-40% of normal levels, and inflow to the reservoir reaching only 21% of the long-term average. On July 8, a record low daily inflow was recorded. The forecast for August does not anticipate significant precipitation. The State Water Agency has restricted special water use for 92 Ukrainian enterprises in the Dniester basin. In July, Ukraine maintained discharges at a level of no less than 100 cubic meters per second, allowing Moldova to accumulate resources in the Dubossary reservoir. The level of 85 cubic meters per second will apply provided that the water inflow is between 50-90 cubic meters per second. In case of a worsening hydrological situation, the Commission will hold an extraordinary meeting.