C3 – Total water use in the Republic of Armenia
Key messages
2000-2022 during this period, the total consumption of fresh water increased more than twice: (in 2000: 1046 m3, in 2022: 2422.3 m3). Agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2022. accounted for 87% of fresh water use.
On average, about 26% of freshwater intakes are transit losses. 2022 losses amounted to 21.1%, with a downward trend.
2011-2022 during this period, the GDP increased (respectively in 2011: 27.98 billion USD and in 2022: 44.65 billion USD).
In 2022, the consumption of fresh water per 1000 dollars of GDP was 54.3 million m3.
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Figure 1 - Development of total freshwater use in the Republic of Armenia (2011-2022)
Data resources:
(C2) Freshwater abstraction (surface and groundwater) by indicators and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
(C3) Water use by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
(C7) Water losses by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
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Figure 2 - Development of total water use by economic activities in the Republic of Armenia (2011-2022)
Data resources:
(C3) Water use by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
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Figure 3– Water use by economic activity grouping in the Republic of Armenia (2022)
Data sources:
(C3) Water use by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
Armenia is one of the water-stressed countries facing severe water scarcity (water exploitation index was 65.7% in 2021). Although the renewable freshwater resources do not indicate a water deficit in the overall natural water balance of the country, the high level of water abstraction and the high use of water by different sectors, particularly for agriculture, create a high pressure on the renewable freshwater resources of the country (UNECE, 2000).
On average, 84.7% of the total use of fresh water is accounted for by agriculture, forestry and fish farming, more than 64.2% of which is accounted for by irrigation.
Although a certain increase in water losses was recorded in 2000-2017 (758.9 million m3 in 2000, 825.4 million m3 in 2017), however, a decrease in water losses was observed in 2018-2021 (788 million m3 in 2018, 710 million m3 in 2021).
In 2000, the annual consumption of fresh water was about 2550 million m3, and in 2021 decreased to 2256.7 million m3. Large volumes of water abstraction and water use, especially in agriculture, led to sectoral water stress and caused environmental problems.
Due to the excessive use of Lake Sevan waters by many children, the lake level decreased by more than 19 m, the volume of 55.8 billion m3 decreased to 38 billion, the lake mirror area decreased by more than 140 km2 (Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank).
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Figure 4 - Development of total freshwater use per unit of gross domestic product at purchasing power parity in the Republic of Armenia (2011-2022)
Data resources:
C 3 -Water use by NACE and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
Gross Domestic Products, provided by World Bank
As the main economic sectors in Armenia depend heavily on the availability of renewable freshwater resources, water resources management plays a significant role in the country’s overall economic situation. The water input to the economy is measured by total freshwater use per unit of GDP.
Indicator definition
The indicator specifies the use of fresh water in various sectors of the economy. It characterizes the state of demand for water.
The indicator is given for the whole country and by sectors of the economy, per unit of GDP, as well as for the value added formed during the year.
Units
Volumes of water use are measured in million cubic meters, per unit of GDP (at constant 2017 prices, calculated in US dollars, data taken from the World Bank website).
Rationale
Justification for indicator selection
Volumes of water use are measured in million cubic meters, per unit of GDP (at constant 2017 prices, calculated in US dollars, data taken from the World Bank website).
Scientific references:
Environment and Natural Resources in the Republic of Armenia for 2021, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia
Environmental economic accounts, Water Accounts, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
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 C3: Total water use.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – C3: Total water use.
Context description
National policy context
The Republic of Armenia Water Code (adopted on 4 June, 2002) is the main legal document defining and regulating the concepts and relationships of the water industry. The Water Code regulates the issues relating to the protection, use and coordination of water resources and systems, as well as defining the principles and forms of private sector involvement.
The Republic of Armenia National Water Policy Act (adopted on 3 May, 2005) is a conceptual framework for the strategic use and maintenance of water resources and water systems. The purpose of this law is to ensure the availability and accessibility of water resources necessary for human well-being, for the development of the country’s socio-economic system, and for the economic and ecological needs in the present and in the future.
National Water Programme of the Republic of Armenia (adopted on 27 November, 2006) is the main document for the long-term development of water resources and water systems by which the measure to resolve the problems set forth in the Water Code of the Republic of Armenia are implemented. This code regulates relations related to the definition and implementation of the National Water Programme, involving the national water resources, strategic water resources, assessments of usable water resources, the supply and demand for water, and the main issues and prospects for water sector conservation and development.
The goal of the code is to address the needs of the population and the economy through the effective management of available water resources, to ensure the sustainability of the environment; the formation and use of strategic water resources; the protection of national water resources; and the implementation of the Water Code and the principles set out in the Law on the Principles of National Water Policy.
International policy context
The Republic of Armenia Water Code (adopted on 4 June, 2002) is the main legal document defining and regulating the concepts and relationships of the water industry. The Water Code regulates the issues relating to the protection, use and coordination of water resources and systems, as well as defining the principles and forms of private sector involvement.
The Republic of Armenia National Water Policy Act (adopted on 3 May, 2005) is a conceptual framework for the strategic use and maintenance of water resources and water systems. The purpose of this law is to ensure the availability and accessibility of water resources necessary for human well-being, for the development of the country’s socio-economic system, and for the economic and ecological needs in the present and in the future.
Armenia’s National Water Program (adopted on 27 November, 2006) is the main document for the long-term development of water resources and water systems by which the measure to resolve the problems set forth in the Water Code are implemented. This code regulates relations related to the definition and implementation of the national water programme, involving the national water resources, strategic water resources, assessments of usable water resources, the supply and demand for water, and the main issues and prospects for water sector conservation and development.
The goal of the code is to address the needs of the population and the economy through the effective management of available water resources, to ensure the sustainability of the environment; the formation and use of strategic water resources; the protection of national water resources; and the implementation of the Water Code of the Republic of Armenia and the principles set out in the Law on the Principles of National Water Policy.
International policy context
Armenia presented its first voluntary national review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations (UN) High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2018.
The VNR presents the progress and experience gained by Armenia so far during the nationalization and implementation process of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. It also aims to deliver and reflect on political, legal, practical and behavioral advantages, as well as obstacles and challenges in Armenia’s daily life regarding the implementation of the SDGs. Undoubtedly, the process confirms the cross-cutting and broad-ranging nature of the exercise that most probably will go beyond 2030 and will require concerted efforts and commitment at both national and international levels.
Targets
National targets
No specific national target has been identified.
International targets
UN SDG 6, target 6.4 By 2030 to substantially increase water use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
Related policy documents
Republic of Armenia Water Code (adopted on 4 June, 2002).
Republic of Armenia Law on the National Water Programme (adopted on 27 November, 2006).
Republic of Armenia Law on Fundamentals of the National Water Policy (adopted on 3 May, 2005).
SDG Implementation Voluntary National Review – Armenia. United Nations (2018).
Report for the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
Sustainable Development Goals. UN (2016). Sustainable development goals, the sustainable development agenda.
Methodology for indicator calculation
Units and equations
| ID | Component | Units | Equation |
| C2.3 | Freshwater abstracted | million m3/year | = C 2.3 (see indicator C2) |
| C3.1 | Desalinated water | million m3/year | |
| C3.2 | Reused water | million m3/year | |
| C3.3 | Imports of water | million m3/year | |
| C3.4 | Exports of water | million m3/year | |
| C3.5 | Total freshwater available | million m3/year | = C 2.3 + C 3.1 + C 3.2 + C 3.3 + C 3.4 |
| C3.6 | Losses of water during transport | million m3/year | |
| C3.6a | Other losses and water not for use | million m3/year | |
| C3.7 | Total freshwater use | million m3/year | = C 3.5 - C 3.6 - C 3.6a;
= C3.8 + C3.9 + C3.11 + C3.12 + C3.13 |
| C3.8 | Households | million m3/year | |
| C3.9 | Agriculture, forestry and fishing (ISIC 01-03) | million m3/year | |
| C3.10 | of which used for irrigation in agriculture | million m3/year | |
| C3.11 | Manufacturing (ISIC 10-33) | million m3/year | |
| C3.12 | Electricity industry (ISIC 351) | million m3/year | |
| C3.13 | Other economic activities | million m3/year | |
| C3.14 | GDP at PPP at constant prices (2017) | billion international dollars/year | |
| C3.15 | Total freshwater use per unit of GDP | m3/1 000 international dollars | = C3.7/C3.14 |
Methodology for gap filling
Interpolation was mainly used for filling the gaps in the parameters required for the calculation of this indicator. Irrigated area and mean factor of water abstraction for irrigation is widely used in calculating freshwater use for irrigation.
When calculating the irrigation water use index, the data of irrigated areas and average irrigation rates are used.
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 – C3: Total water use.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of C3: Total water use.
UNECE, 2018. Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – C3: Total water use.
UNSD and UNEP, 2013. Questionnaire 2013 on Environment Statistics. United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Environment Programme, Questionnaire 2013 on Environment Statistics, Section Water.
Methodology uncertainty
No methodology uncertainty has been specified.
Data sets uncertainty
The time series of the underlying data between 1990 and 2011 has been compiled based on the definition of parameters introduced in the underlying data and has been applied in accordance with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) questionnaire on environmental statistics, whereas the data covering 2011 onwards has been collected according to the parameters’ definition of the UNECE environmental indicators. This creates a large break in time series, particularly for the water supply industry and agriculture.
Rationale uncertainty
No uncertainty has been specified.
Environment and Natural Resources in the Republic of Armenia for 2021,
Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (Armstat)
Gross Domestic Products provided by World Bank
Environmental economic accounts, Water Accounts ,provided by ArmStatBank
Metadata
Topics: Water
Indicator code: C3
Tags: Water use, water exploitation index, Armenia
Temporal coverage: 2011-2022
DPSIR: pressure
Typology: descriptive indicator (type A – what is happening to the environment and to humans?)
Dates:
Publication date/ Last modified: 24/06/2024
Frequency of updates: every year
Contact and ownership
Contact: Naira Mandalyan, Gohar Harutyunyan, Ruzanna Safaryan
Ownership:
Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia (ArmStatBank)
Short-term work
Further development of the system of environmental economic accounting for water of the Republic of Armenia.
Long-term work
Development of the water portal.