All hydrotechnical constructions built before 1991 are to be subject to mandatory technical examination. Also, the dam administrators are obliged to submit quarterly a Register of Observation of the water level in reservoirs, lakes and ponds. This is provided in a draft law that was approved by the Cabinet, IPN reports.

The bill also specifies the methods of renting areas for locating water stations and mobile pumping installations, of registering the operating regulations and technical papers with the administrative authority for water management, and of adding data into the Automated Information System “State Water Cadaster”.

According to the Ministry of Environment, water resources will be managed more efficiently and their exploitation will be strictly monitored so as to reduce the risks of flooding and water pollution.

The Cabinet also approved the methodology concerning the analysis of pressure and risk assessment of human activity for waterbody districts. This specifies how to determine the waterbodies that are at risk of non-fulfillment of environmental objectives. The results of the assessment will be represented on maps by assigning a color to each waterbody, depending on risks.

In this connection, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that these actions were necessary and will help the authorities to better manage the crisis situations caused by natural disasters. “It’s a pity that a calamity had to happen for us to draw due attention to water resources and, especially, to how we manage waterbodies,” stated the official.