Expert concerned over water-supply problem in Armenia

The World Resources Institute (WRI), in its ‘Top 33 Water-Stressed Countries: 2040’ list ranks Armenia 22nd with 4.60 points.

Inga Zarafyan, Chairperson of the Ecolur NGO, is not surprised at the results. According to her, the water-supply problem in the Ararat valley arouses serious concern.

“We must realize that Armenia has a water shortage, at least in the Ararat valley, where the excessive use of ground and surface water poses a serious threat to the ecosystem,” Ms Zarafyan said.

According to her, Aram Harutyunyan, the then minister of nature protection and current head of the state committee of water economy, allowed such use of water.

“The major water sources are drying out as well, which is a serious threat,” the expert said.

With respects to concerns over the climate change, she said that, according to the WRI, Armenia’s water resource programs are following the worst scenario.

Armenia’s government is well-informed of the grave situation, the ministry of nature protection, in cooperation with different international organization, is conducting surveys to find out specific steps to prevent grave consequences.

Mher Mkrtumyan, Head of Staff, State Committee of Water Economy, told Tert.am that he is not informed of the standards applied by the WRI.

“Of course, we have problems, and we have a clear program of action,” he said.

Armenia has 7.5bn cubic meter of renewable water resources, using 1/3 of the resources.

“We will continue accumulating water in Lake Sevan as a large natural reservoir. We have much work to do,” the official said.