C1 – Renewable Freshwater Resources in the Republic of Armenia
Key Message
From 2000 to 2024, the volume of renewable freshwater resources in Armenia fluctuated considerably. The lowest volume was recorded in 2000, amounting to 2,873 million m³, while the highest was recorded in 2007, reaching 9,367 million m³. In 2024, Armenia’s renewable freshwater resources amounted to 8,793.7 million m³.
Figure 1. Renewable Freshwater Resources in Armenia by Year Data source: (C1) Renewable Freshwater Resources by Indicators and Years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank The volume of renewable freshwater resources is of great importance for every country. Figure 2. Renewable Freshwater Resources, Water Abstraction, and the Water Exploitation Index (WEI) in Armenia by Year Data sources: The total volume of renewable freshwater resources is formed by internal renewable freshwater resources generated within the country's territory and by surface water and groundwater inflows from neighboring countries. Figure 3. Renewable Freshwater Resources in Armenia by Year Data sources: (C1) Renewable Freshwater Resources by Indicators and Years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank This indicator assesses the volume and availability of the main renewable freshwater resources in a given country. It also includes data on surface water and groundwater outflows to neighboring countries and seas. Unit of Measurement million m³/year Rationale The indicator selected for assessing renewable freshwater resources enables the assessment of the balance between the replenishment and use of water resources. It is therefore considered an effective tool for sustainable water resources management and planning. Methodology References Context Description National Policy Context This Code regulates water relations in the field of use, protection and development of water resources for the purpose of guaranteed, adequate and safe water supply for the population, environmental protection and rational development of the country's water fund. The Resolution establishes the general requirements for the content of water basin management plans and describes the information they should contain to serve as effective tools for water resources management. Methodological Uncertainties No methodological uncertainties have been identified. Data Uncertainties Groundwater abstraction is not measured using metering devices and is estimated based on changes in groundwater levels.
Fluctuations in the volume of renewable freshwater resources are influenced by a number of natural and climatic factors, including precipitation, snow and glacier melt, air temperature, evaporation, droughts, relative humidity, changes in river flow, and the impacts of climate change. As a result of the combined effect of these factors, the volume of renewable freshwater resources may increase or decrease from year to year.
Evaporation is one of the key factors affecting the formation of renewable freshwater resources. Due to high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and Armenia’s climatic conditions, evaporation is significant across the country, reducing the recharge of surface water and groundwater and, consequently, the volume of renewable freshwater resources.
The volume of renewable freshwater resources indicates the amount of water that is naturally replenished without depleting existing water reserves. Water abstraction refers to the volume of water withdrawn from natural sources (rivers, lakes, and groundwater) and reservoirs for various purposes, including drinking, domestic, agricultural, industrial, and energy use.
The ratio between renewable freshwater resources and water abstraction reflects the efficiency of water resources management. It is measured by the Water Exploitation Index (WEI), which is calculated as the ratio of total annual water abstraction to the volume of renewable freshwater resources, expressed as a percentage. The WEI indicates how intensively available water resources are used.
A WEI below 20% indicates little or no pressure on water resources. A WEI between 20% and 40% indicates moderate pressure, while a WEI above 40% indicates that a country is experiencing water stress. This may result in:
1. Water scarcity during droughts and dry years;
2. Overexploitation of rivers, lakes, and aquifers;
3. Ecosystem degradation.
(C1) Renewable Freshwater Resources by Indicators and Years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank
(C2) Freshwater Abstraction (Surface Water and Groundwater) by Indicators and Years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank
In 2000, 2008, 2019, and 2021, the WEI exceeded 65%, and in 2022 reached 77%.
The ratio of water abstraction to renewable freshwater resources was 1.5–2 in some years, which is considered a low indicator of water abstraction efficiency.
The components of internal flow are atmospheric precipitation (including snow accumulation and snowmelt) and evaporation. Atmospheric precipitation and evaporation are distributed unevenly across the country's territory, depending on topography and climatic conditions. Internal flow is generated within the borders of a given country as a result of natural processes.
Surface and groundwater inflow characterizes the volume of water resources entering the territory of a given country from neighboring countries.
Indicator Definition
Rationale for Indicator Selection
Actual evaporation is based on estimation. There are insufficient data on groundwater inflows from neighbouring countries and groundwater outflows to neighbouring countries.
From 1990 to 2011, the UNSD Questionnaire on Environmental Statistics methodology was used to calculate the indicator. From 2011 onwards, the UNECE Environmental Indicators Calculation methodology has been applied. This has resulted in a significant break in the time series, particularly for the water supply and agriculture sectors.