Key messages
Armenia is a country with seasonal water stress, with minimum supply of water demand. The annual water exploitation index (WEI) occasionally exceeds 40% (in 2000, 2008, 2019 and 2021 - 65%, and in 2023 - 46,7%).
In terms of seasonality assessment, water stress is mainly the result of high demands of centralized water supply (in 2022 - 10%) and agriculture (in 2023 - 85%).
Although the total population of the country decreased in 2000-2023 by around 8.9%, but during the same period, the annual freshwater abstraction increased by 56%, mainly due to the development of irrigation and fish farming.
The water abstraction pressure on renewable water resources is relatively higher for surface water in 2023. The latter accounted for 53% of the annual freshwater abstraction in the country. However, the pressure on groundwater has increased 2.6 times since 2000, (from 533 million m³ in 2000 to 1376.5 million m³ in 2023), which is due to an unprecedented increase in the volume of fish farming.
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Figure 1 - The annual water exploitation index in the Republic of Armenia (2000-2023)
Data resources:
(C1) Renewable freshwater resources by indicators and years, Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
(C2) Freshwater abstraction (surface and groundwater) by indicators and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
The WEI illustrates the level of the water abstraction pressure on renewable water resources. Renewable water resources, overall, are under the control of climate conditions. In particular, they are affected by precipitation and actual evapotranspiration. During wet years (high precipitation and low actual evapotranspiration), the WEI would be relatively lower, while in dry years, even though water abstraction remains at the same level, the WEI would be higher.
Renewable water resources in Armenia vary greatly from year to year. In 2007, renewable water resources amounted to 9367 million m³, which is the highest annual index for 2000-2023 period, and the lowest index was in 2000 — 2873 million m³. In 2023, the volume of renewable water resources amounted to 6244.4 million m³, which is relevantly lower than 2000-2023 average value (6312.4 million m³).
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Figure 2 - Freshwater abstraction (surface and underground) by indicators and years (2000-2023)
Data sources:
(C2) Freshwater abstraction (surface and groundwater) by indicators and years, Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
According to the estimated WEI, in 2023 water abstraction of the RA accounted for 46.7% of total renewable water resources, which means that Armenia is facing a water scarcity problem. On the other hand, it should be noted that seasonal variations in water use can be irregular and much higher in dry seasons.
According to the averaged data of 2000-2023, about 61.1% of the total water demand is met at the expense of surface water resources. Lake Sevan plays an important role in meeting water demand, particularly for the needs of Ararat Valley, which has a negative impact on the ecological and hydrological conditions of the lake. At the same time, water abstraction from groundwater resources has more than doubled since 2000. Groundwater is mainly used for drinking and fish farming purposes (2000-UNECE).
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Figure 3 - Water abstraction by types of economic activity in the Republic of Armenia (2011-2022)
Data resources:
(C2-1)Freshwater abstraction by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
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Figure 4 - Water abstraction by types of economic activity in the Republic of Armenia (2022)
Data resources:
Freshwater abstraction by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
A large demand for water arises in two main sectors of economic activity: in centralized water supply, where the amount of water supplied to the network in 2022 was 19% of the total freshwater abstraction, and in agriculture, where the amount was 78%. Mining, manufacturing, energy and other sectors account for only a small portion of total freshwater abstraction (3%). In Armenia, about 80% of arable land is irrigated (UNECE, 2000).
However, fish farming and fishing account for the largest share of water abstraction for agriculture. On average, 30% of freshwater abstraction for agriculture goes to fish farms, which are mainly located in Ararat Region of the RA, which is under high water stress.
To meet the demands of water of Ararat Region, the water is transferred from other basins, for example from Lake Sevan. Since the 1930s the water level of Lake Sevan has dropped more than 19 meters and 25.2% growth has been registered in water use. Inter-basin water transfer from the Arpi River basin to Lake Sevan has become widespread. However, water abstraction from the lake for irrigation and energy production purposes is still increasing.
The total population of Armenia has decreased from 3226.9 million in 2000 to 2961.4 million in 2022 (Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)). During the same period, total freshwater abstraction has increased by 64%.
In the water supply system in 2022 losses during water transfer make up 21% of water abstraction. Recently, with the financial support of the European Investment Bank, the Government of Armenia is implementing Yerevan Water Supply Improvement Project to improve the water supply system in Yerevan (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD).
Definition of the indicator
The total annual freshwater abstraction (surface and groundwater) by all types of economic activity is expressed as a proportion of renewable freshwater resources, i.e. as WEI for a country, which corresponds to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC).
Unit of measurement
The total volume of freshwater abstraction and the volume by the type of economic activity are measured in million cubic meters (mil. m3) per year, WEI is expressed as a percentage (%). The water exploitation index indicates the pressure of water abstraction on renewable freshwater resources and is expressed in (%).
Rationale
Rationale for the selection of the indicator
The indicator measures freshwater abstraction from natural sources, as well as the pressure on the environment in terms of freshwater abstraction.
Freshwater abstraction monitoring is of great importance for Armenia to conserve and improve the sustainability of renewable water resources. The indicator provides an opportunity to properly assess how Armenia implements the preservation and efficient use of natural capital.
Scientific links
Environmental economic accounts, Water accounts, Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
EBRD, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Yerevan, Water Supply Improvement Project, Procurement ref:8123-IFT-43253, Project number:43253.
Environment and Natural Resources in the Republic of Armenia for 2022, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia
UNECE, 2000. Environmental Performance Review- Armenia. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Committee on Environmental Policy, Environmental Performance Reviews Series No. 10, ISBN 92-1-116775-2, New York.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of C2. Freshwater abstraction.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – C2. Freshwater abstraction.
Context description
National policy context
Freshwater abstraction from surface and groundwater resources is managed by the Water Resources Management Department of the Ministry of Environment of the RA.
Water abstraction is regulated by the Water Code of the Republic of Armenia (04.06.2002), the RA Law “On the National Water Program of the Republic of Armenia” (27.11.2006), the RA Law “On Environmental Impact Assessment and Expertise” (21.06.2014), as well as by relevant decisions of the RA Government and other legislative documents.
International policy context
In 2018, Armenia presented its first Voluntary National Report (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the UN High-Level Political Forum.
This report presents the progress and experience gained by Armenia so far in the nationalization and implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals․ It also aims to provide and address the political, legal, practical and behavioural advantages, as well as the obstacles and challenges in the SDG implementation process.
Undoubtedly, this process is cross-sectoral and large-scale, which will most likely extend beyond 2030 and will require concerted efforts and commitments at both national and international levels.
Targets
National targets
No national target was identified.
International targets
By 2030, significantly increase water-use efficiency in all sectors and ensure sustainable freshwater abstraction and water supply to address water scarcity and significantly reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
Policy-related documents
Water Code of the Republic of Armenia (adopted on 4 June, 2002 ).
The Law of the Republic of Armenia on the National Water Program (adopted on 27 November, 2006).
The Law of the Republic of Armenia on National Political Provisions of Water (adopted on 3 May, 2006).
SDG Implementation Voluntary National Review – Armenia. United Nations (2018).
Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies. Report for the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Yerevan. (accessed 12 February 2019).
Sustainable Development Goals Voluntary National Review Report, Republic of Armenia (2020).
Methodology for calculating indicators
Units of measure and equations
| ID | Component | Units | Equation |
| C2.1 | Fresh surface water abstracted | million m3 | |
| C2.2 | Fresh groundwater abstracted | million m3 | |
| C2.3 | Freshwater abstracted | million m3 | = C 2.1 + C 2.2; = C 2.4 + C 2.5 + C 2.6 + C 2.7 + C 2.8 + C 2.9 |
| C2.4 | Water supply (ISIC 36) | million m3 | |
| C2.5 | Households | million m3 | |
| C2.6 | Agriculture, forestry and fishing (ISIC 01-03) | million m3 | |
| C2.7 | Manufacturing (ISIC 10-33) | million m3 | |
| C2.8 | Electricity (ISIC 351) | million m3 | |
| C2.9 | Other economic activities | million m3 | |
| C2.10 | Renewable freshwater resources (surface) | million m3 | |
| C2.11 | WEI for surface water | % | = C 2.1/C 2.10*100 |
Gap-filling methodology
The interpolation method was used for the theoretical assessment of water abstraction by sectors.
Methodology references
EEA, 2005. EEA core set of indicators guide. EEA Technical report No 1/2005, ISBN 92-9167-757-4, Luxembourg.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Data template – C2: Freshwater abstraction.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of C2: Freshwater abstraction.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – C2: Freshwater abstraction.
UNSD and UNEP, Questionnaire on Environment Statistics. United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Environment Programme, Questionnaire on Environment Statistics, Section Water.
Methodological uncertainties
No methodological uncertainty was found.
Data uncertainties
Groundwater abstraction is not measured by measuring instruments. It is estimated by changes in groundwater levels.
Actual evaporation is based on estimates. There is insufficient data on groundwater inflows from neighbouring countries and groundwater outflows to neighbouring countries.
From 1990 to 2011, the UNSD Questionnaire on Environment Statistics methodology was used to calculate the indicators, and from 2011, the UNECE Methodology for Environmental Indicators Calculation was used. This causes a large gap in the time series, particularly in the water supply and agriculture sectors.
Clasification of uncertainties
No uncertainty found.
Data resources:
Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
Environmental Statistics of Armenia for 2020 and Time-Series of Indicators for 2016-2020, Armstatbank
Environment and Natural Resources in the Republic of Armenia for 2022, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia
Environmental economic accounts, Water accounts, Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
National Accounts Of Armenia, 2022,Statistical Committee of the Rebublic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
Metadata
Subject: Water
Indicator code: C2:
Tags: Water abstraction, water exploitation index, Armenia, Period: 1993-2022
DPSIR. pressure
Type: descriptive indicator (class A: what is happening to the environment and people)
Dates: publication date / last modified: 25/06/2024.
Update frequency։ every year
Contact persons and responsible body
Contact persons: Naira Mandalyan, Gohar Harutyunyan, Ruzanna Safaryan
Responsible: Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
Short-term work
Implementation of a monitoring system for water abstraction from deep wells and groundwater resources.
Long-term work
Implementation of an automatic water monitoring and measurement system.