Read more about water resources in Moldova
From WaterWiki
In 2002, these two rivers accounted for a third of the potable water supply in Moldova, serving mostly the urban population of the country . Up to a fifth of this water is used in the food processing industry. Yet, the Ministry of Health reports that about a quarter to a half of all tests of the Nistru and Prut rivers do not pass quality standards to be used as source of potable water . In 2003, both rivers registered the presence of heavy metals, ammonia and nitrates anywhere from 5 to 18 times the allowable limits . The main sources of water pollution are urban and rural wastewater, pollution from agricultural operations, and spills from improper warehousing of dangerous chemicals, particularly fertilizers and pesticides. The quality of inland tributaries and reservoirs is alarming and some downstream segments are classified as extremely polluted. Ground water is the main source of potable water for over 1.5 million rural residents and about 300,000 residents of small and medium-sized towns . The quality of shallow groundwater has been deteriorated by nitrates, ammonia, chlorides and microbiological pollution . The average nitrate concentrations in wells exceed the maximum allowable limits for most categories of land-use, particularly residential areas. The significant deterioration of river water and groundwater in Moldova pose serious threats to human health. Approximately half of the country’s population is at risk of illness caused by contaminated drinking water . Water supply and sewerage infrastructure One in two Moldovans depend on piped water systems, mainly in cities and medium-sized towns . Only about half of these systems are in satisfactory condition, mostly in larger cities. Piped systems serve only about 9% of the population living in small towns and rural areas, and most of these systems are not operating, mainly due to broken pumps, collapsed boreholes and blocked distribution systems .
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection is preparing a new set of standards for the drinking water quality that is in line with the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality and the EU Drinking Water Directive. The last countrywide study indicates that about 71% of the urban population is connected to wastewater facilities. In Chisinau and Balti this increases to 90%. But many are not functioning. About a half of the populations of small and medium-sized towns are connected. By contrast, only 12% of the rural population are connected to wastewater and sewerage systems, many of which are not functioning. It can be assumed that no more than 2% of the rural population enjoys functioning systems . The rest rely on pit latrines and basic drainage systems for household waste-water.
Pollution of surface and ground waters
Human activity has significantly altered the quality and quantity of surface and ground water resources. This poses direct threats to the health of population. Wastewater collection and sewerage treatment technologies are outdated and there is widespread non-compliance with quality control standards. Reporting of water quality testing results is irregular and conceals the actual effectiveness of wastewater treatment capacities. There is inadequate collection and disposal of domestic and industrial waste and very low awareness among the general population about the danger of improperly stored domestic and agricultural waste, particularly to rivers and dug wells.
The inadequate storage of pesticides is another important factor. Despite the fact that the Moldova Government ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on 7 April 2004 and therefore committed itself to taking measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, there is still low awareness of population about the dangers of exposure to toxic chemicals. Supervision is insufficient to assess the danger and there are few properly organised facilities for the processing or safe storage of toxic waste. Improper tillage and ploughing practices also contribute to soil erosion, losses of soil fertility and contamination of water bodies. Finally, vulnerable areas of major rivers, such as floodplains, are not sufficiently protected from other uses, particularly grazing.
Sewerage and wastewater treatment facilities and waste and hazardous material disposal systems suffer from severe budgetary constraints. Tariffs for services are inadequate and their application is uneven. There is also insufficient awareness among both the general population and local administrations about environmental protection. Water service reforms have little environmental emphasis, institutional cooperation is poor, and there is little strategic planning for water conservation. Households and local administrations alike are reluctant to enforce sound environmental practices if they are seen to limit the short-term economic value of their lands and other natural resources.
