The Dniester Reservoir in Ukraine has dropped nearly to its natural riverbed level in some areas following prolonged low water levels. The Ministry of Economy and Environment reported on Wednesday that the reservoir has lost its characteristic features in certain sections as water levels significantly decreased.
The reservoir is a strategically important water supply source for Ukraine and Moldova. The Moldovan government introduced a state of high readiness in late July due to risks of water supply disruptions. Moldova may limit water consumption for irrigation, industrial processes, and surface washing if conditions worsen, while prioritizing drinking water for the population.
Ukraine has already started limiting water use in the Dniester basin. The Khotyn water intake in Chernivtsi Oblast adapted its system to preserve uninterrupted centralized water supply. Low water levels caused electricity generation at the Dniester Hydroelectric Power Station to decrease by 43 percent in July 2026 compared to July 2025.
Impact on Water and Energy Supplies
The Ministry of Economy and Environment warned that the situation may worsen during August. Water discharge at Zalishchyky measured 38.8 cubic meters per second on August 4. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center forecast hot weather and rainfall below climatic norms throughout the month. Officials have not reported how long the restoration of the reservoir will take. Pan-European drought also brought record low water levels this summer to the Danube, Europe's second longest river, and the Rhine.
