site.btaMoldova Declares Environmental Alert Over Oil Spill in the Dniester after Russian Strike on Ukrainian Hydropower Plant

Moldova's Government Monday declared a 15-day nationwide environmental alert after Russian strikes on Ukraine's Novodnistrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant on the border with Moldova om March 7 caused a massive spill of petroleum products into the Dniester River, Radio Moldova reported. 

The contamination is currently threatening the primary water supply for the country. Authorities in Moldova and Ukraine have been conducting analyses and deploying containment systems on affected river sections. Initial reports estimated around 1.5 tonnes of petroleum product spilled, Digi24 reported.

In a post on X, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said Russia holds full accountability for the escalating crisis. "Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant has spilled oil into the Dniester River, threatening Moldova’s water supply. We declared environmental alert and are acting to protect our people. Russia bears full responsibility," Sandu wrote. 

Local fallout

While the capital Chisinau maintains a stable water supply, the Municipality of Balti has faced a total suspension of service. Authorities halted the Soroca-Balti aqueduct as a precautionary measure, leaving residents without tap water for a minimum of 48 hours, Radio Moldova said.

Since March 14, water supply has also been suspended in Naslavcea and in the districts of Soroca, Floresti and Sangerei until water quality is confirmed. Depending on how the situation evolves, additional measures could also affect the districts of Camenca, Soldanesti, Rezina and Ribnita.

The local utility, Apa-Canal Balti, reported a critical infrastructure bottleneck, noting that only two out of 67 available wells are currently operational. When questioned on the timeline to restore the remaining wells, officials cited a 12-month restoration period, highlighting long-term investment gaps.

Strict prohibitions are now in place regarding irrigation and livestock watering from the Dniester. Authorities have also temporarily banned recreational fishing along the section of the Dniester between Naslavcea and the Dubasari Reservoir from March 13 to April 1, to protect the ecosystem.

State institutions are actively preparing alternative water sources for high-risk areas to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Local authorities and water operators have been instructed to check drinking water reserves, identify alternative supply sources and prioritize critical institutions such as hospitals, schools and social services.

Residents are advised to use only safe drinking water sources, including bottled water, for consumption and food preparation and to avoid using water from the Dniester for drinking or cooking until its quality is officially confirmed.

Emergency containment measures

On Sunday, Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu convened a government meeting to review and approve the introduction of a 15-day environmental alert for the Dniester River basin. The measure aims to enable additional interventions to limit water contamination and protect drinking water supply systems.

The situation was also assessed during a meeting of a coordination cell called by the National Crisis Management Centre, where authorities reviewed the spread of the pollution and its potential impact along the river.

Continuous monitoring of water quality through sampling at several points along the river shows fluctuating concentrations of pollutants, with higher levels recorded in the northern section of the Dniester. 

To limit the spread of pollution, authorities will install additional containment barriers and oil-absorption systems at several strategic points along the river, particularly in the northern section and downstream towards the water intake station supplying the capital Chisinau. Additional barriers will also be installed in the Dubasari area, where a hydroelectric power plant is located at the Dniester River.

Romania's assistance

On March 13, Digi24 reported that Romania has sent equipment and specialists to Moldova to assist authorities in managing the pollution incident. The intervention was carried out under a decision of Romania’s National Committee for Emergency Situations and at the request of Moldova’s Ministry of Environment. 

The team arrived Friday morning in Moldova with materials including 200 metres of hessian cloth, 600 kg of absorbent material, 2,000 metres of absorbent rolls, 30 oil traps and 112 metres of absorbent barriers. Field operations began immediately to limit and collect the spilled substances.

Chisinau has also requested activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to mobilize specialists and equipment for immediate field operations, including systems to capture, contain and collect petroleum substances and mobile water quality testing stations.