Water, this vital and seemingly inexhaustible resource, is becoming increasingly rare and precious in the face of accelerating climate change, anthropogenic pressure and the degradation of natural ecosystems. Although Romania has a rich hydrographic network and an advantageous geographical position, it is increasingly confronted with hydrological imbalances, persistent droughts and an ever-increasing consumption of water resources. Studies carried out in recent periods provide a detailed picture of the current state of Romania’s waters, highlighting alarming trends in the degradation of water resources. Green solutions applicable in the context of urban planning and landscaping can be useful in the sustainable use of this vital resource.
Romania’s natural and hydrographic framework
Romania is often perceived as a water-rich country with an extensive hydrographic network of more than 78,000 km of watercourses, 3,500 natural and man-made lakes and a valuable underground heritage. However, the real data shows a significant vulnerability.
The volume of renewable water resources is about 40 billion m³/year, which is about 1,840 m³/inhabitant/year, below the European average and close to the UN water stress threshold (1,700 m³/inhabitant/year). In the southern and eastern parts of the country, this figure drops dramatically during dry summers.
A large proportion of our water resources comes from the Danube River, which makes much of our water supply dependent on external factors. During periods of drought, the level of the Danube drops significantly, negatively affecting both water supply and hydropower production.
Disappeared rivers and widespread drought
One of the most dramatic expressions of the hydrological crisis is the progressive drying up of many rivers and streams. Over the last decade, more and more watercourses have been reduced to mere dry valleys in summer. These phenomena are common in low mountain and hilly areas, but especially in the Romanian Lowlands, Dobrogea and the Moldavian Plateau.
For example, in Bărăgan and southern Moldova, watercourses such as Călmățui, Gălățui, Bârlad, Elan and others have increasingly long annual periods when no water flows at all. In the south of the country, rivers such as Vedea or Mostiștea are experiencing dramatic decreases in flow, affecting the water supply of localities and dependent ecosystems.
This reality is aggravated by increasingly frequent and prolonged periods of extreme drought. According to the ANM and the Romanian National Waters Administration (ANAR), 2022, 2023 and 2024 were among the driest years in recent history, with record levels of decline in river flows in the summer months.
Growing pressure on water consumption
In parallel with the reduction of available resources, water consumption has an increasing trend. Water use is intense in agriculture, industry and in the urban environment, where:
- Inefficient power supply networks are maintained (losses of over 30% in some localities)
- There is a massive development of waterproof built surfaces
- Drinking water is used for purposes that could be covered by recyclable- or rainwater.
At the same time, irrigation, indispensable during dry periods, is increasing pressure on groundwater resources. In some areas, groundwater levels have dropped by more than 4 meters in the last 15 years.
Water quality problems
In addition to the quantitative deficit, Romania faces serious water quality problems. Only 39% of surface water bodies are in good ecological status. The rest are affected by: pollution with nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from agriculture; untreated wastewater (especially in rural areas); industrial contaminants and emerging pollutants (microplastics, drugs). In addition, only 59% of the population is connected to sewage networks, and a third of the treatment stations operate with outdated technologies.
Sustainable solutions in urban and landscape planning
Romania is part of the Water Framework Directive and the EU Water Strategy, but implementation of measures is slow and uneven. River basin management plans provide for complex interventions, but without local support and inter-institutional coordination, their effectiveness remains limited.
It is increasingly evident that the conventional approach is no longer sufficient. Ecological solutions must be imposed, especially in urban areas, where consumption is high and impermeable surfaces accentuate hydrological imbalances.
An increasingly promising direction for conserving water resources, especially in the context of rapid urbanization and climate change, is the integration of green solutions in architecture, urban planning and landscaping. This approach brings obvious aesthetic and ecological benefits, but also actively contributes to intelligent water management, reducing consumption, filtering impurities and supporting natural soil recharge.
A central aspect of this vision is the gradual move away from traditional lawns, which require high water consumption and constant maintenance, in favor of more resilient vegetation adapted to new climatic conditions. Succulents, drought-tolerant native species and biodiverse flower meadows are becoming an effective solution in urban landscapes. They withstand without irrigation systems, support local biodiversity, providing food and shelter for pollinating insects.
To complete the green picture, extensive green roofs offer a practical and aesthetic alternative. Most often made with sedum vegetation, they are low-maintenance, withstand extreme conditions and help manage stormwater by retaining, filtering and gradually releasing water into the urban sewage system.
At the same time, capturing and reusing rainwater is becoming an essential practice in a sustainable society. By installing simple and efficient systems – such as catch basins, or swales – rainwater can be stored and reused for irrigation, green space maintenance or other non-potable purposes. In dry periods, these reservoirs become vital for maintaining vegetation and reducing pressure on drinking water networks.
In addition to vegetation and direct water management, materials and urban infrastructure play a critical role in conserving resources. Replacing concrete and asphalt with permeable materials, such as filter tiles or porous pavements, allows water to infiltrate into the ground and prevents unwanted accumulations on the roadway. At the same time, the integration of elements such as vegetated swales, rain gardens or green street alignments into the cities contributes to the formation of a “blue-green” infrastructure – a functional network that balances urban and ecological needs. They reduce the risk of urban flooding and rapid runoff, while also providing a more natural environment, reconnecting residents with nature and contributing to a better quality of life in urban areas.
By adopting these green and sustainable solutions, the cities of the future can evolve towards a model of balance between development and nature – they will become healthier, more resilient, and responsible to the resources that sustain our existence. And water remains the most precious of all: a vital, fragile and essential element that we owe it to ourselves to protect respectfully, intelligently and consciously.
