The Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Authority issued an updated hydrological warning on Thursday, August 21, for the period of August 22–28: reduced water flow will persist on the Dniester and Prut rivers, as well as on most of the country’s smaller rivers.
Ungheni residents are directly affected. The warning names the city of Ungheni at two different danger codes, depending on the river section:
- Orange code on the Prut, section Ungheni–Brânza: flow has dropped to 25–30% of the long-term monthly averages.
- Yellow code on the Prut, section Costești–Ungheni: 30% of the averages.
In practical terms, the Prut at Ungheni is carrying less than a third of its normal volume for this time of year.
Further upstream, it’s worse
Upstream, on the Criva–Costești section, the Authority has declared a red code: Prut flow has dropped to just 15% of the averages. Also under red code are the Ichel, Vilia, Draghiște, Cubolta, Ciulucul Mic, and Botna rivers, where flow has fallen below 10%.
On the Dniester, the situation is similar: yellow code on the Naslavcea–Dubăsari section (30–40%) and orange on Dubăsari–Tudora (30%).
What it means for Ungheni
Ungheni’s water treatment station, operated by SA Apă-Canal Ungheni, draws its water from the Prut. At a flow rate of one-quarter to one-third of normal, the concentration of substances in the raw water rises — which may make treatment more expensive or slower. The water operator, SA Apă-Canal Ungheni, has not announced any restrictions.
Beaches along the Prut are also affected: low water levels change the depth and bathing conditions.
“We urge economic operators and the population to use water resources rationally,” the Authority’s warning states.
The warning may be updated depending on the evolution of hydrometeorological conditions, the Authority notes.
Government extends hydrological alert by 30 days
On August 26, the Government extended the hydrological alert by 30 days, citing “continued low river flows.” The energy sector alert, in effect in parallel, was also extended for the same period. Although water supply continues without disruption, the Government’s statement notes, regional developments require maintaining the measures.