The Dniester is the most important hydrographic artery of the Republic of Moldova, with an average multiannual volume of runoff of about 10.0 km3 per year. Most of the natural lakes in the Dniester District are meadow lakes, or belciuge lakes, which represent segments of riverbeds abandoned as a result of the natural processes of modifi cation of river meadows. Natural dam lakes are characteristic of highly fragmented hilly regions, usually formed as a result of gravitational processes such as landslides. Such lakes are mainly present in Codri Bоcului. Most lakes are usually covered with vegetation and frequently swamped shores.