The water in Moldova’s wells and rivers is unsafe to drink. There are only two large sources of water in Moldova – the Prut and the Nistru Rivers, said doctor of biology Ilia Trombitski, executive director of the Eco-TIRAS International Environmental Association of River Keepers.

In a news conference at IPN, Ilia Trombitski noted that the territory between the Prut and the Nistru does not have access to other sources of drinking water that would be sustainable from economic viewpoint. Sources of water should be built artificially or work should be done to improve the existing water resources as the groundwater is 80% mineralized, while the quantity of salt in it is higher than 1g/l. Respectively, only 20% of this water can be used for consumption or irrigation.

Also, Ilia Trombitski said the well water does not meet the requirements even if the people got used to it. Ideally, the small rivers should be cared for by restoring the natural landscapes and extending wooded areas. This is the duty of the Government. To obtain the necessary effect, the wooded areas should be extended three times. The cultivated land absorbs water swiftly and this evaporates then. In woods, the water remains longer in soil.

Among the dangers, Ilia Trombitski mentioned soil erosion, the waste generated by households and pollution with plastic and micro-plastic. He noted that tonnes of plastic can be found in any river in Moldova.

According to the doctor of biology, the state does not want to be at loggerheads with anyone as the LPAs do not want their land to become wood because they perform other activities there. Under the legislation, a part of the territory from near banks does not belong to LPAs or locals or to bodies that are responsible for water. Trees and bushes should be planted on that land.

Ilia Trombitski considers the state should implement the EU Water Framework Directive that took effect in 2000. This creates a coherent legislative and political farmworker for all the problems related to water so as to ensure the ecological quality of all the European sources of water until 2027.

Vlastimil Karlik, the specialist in water management from the Czech environmental NGO «Arnika», has noted, that the improvement of the quality of the water is possible only in the case of the permanent attention of the government, but also the active implication of all interesting persons, including the local communities is a need.