C1 – Renewable Freshwater Resources
Key messages
During the period 2000-2024, the volume of renewable freshwater resources in Armenia fluctuated: the minimum volume was observed in 2000, amounting to 2873 million m3, the maximum in 2007, amounting to 9367 million m3. In 2024, renewable freshwater resources amounted to 8793.7 million m3.
Figure 1 - Renewable water resources in Armenia by year Data sources: (C1) Renewable fresh water resources by indicators and year, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank The volume of renewable water resources is of great importance for each country. Figure 2 - Renewable water resources, water abstraction and WEI in Armenia by year Data sources: The total volume of freshwater renewable water resources is formed at the expense of the internal flow occurring within the territory of the country and the surface and underground inflow entering from neighboring countries. Figure 3 - Renewable water resources in Armenia by year Data sources: (C1) Renewable fresh water resources by indicators and year, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank This indicator allows us to assess the main renewable freshwater resources and their availability in a given country. The indicator also includes data on surface and groundwater discharges to neighboring countries and seas. Unit of measurement million m3 per year Justification The indicator selected for the assessment of freshwater renewable water resources allows us to assess the extent to which the replenishment and use of water resources are in a balanced relationship. Therefore, it is considered an effective tool for sustainable water resources management and planning. Methodology links 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. Defines the general content requirements for the preparation of water basin management plans, describes what kind of document a water basin management plan should be in order for it to serve as an effective management tool in the water resources sector. Methodological uncertainties No methodological uncertainty was identified. Data uncertainties Actual evaporation is based on estimates. There is insufficient data for groundwater inflows from neighboring countries and groundwater outflows to neighboring countries. Methodological uncertainty No methodological uncertainty was identified. Aggregate data uncertainty No uncertainty was found. Data source
Fluctuations in the volume of renewable water resources are determined by a number of natural and climatic factors, including the amount of precipitation, melting of snow cover and glaciers, air temperature, evaporation intensity, the presence of droughts, relative humidity, changes in river flow, as well as the impact of climate change. As a result of the combined effect of these factors, the volume of renewable water resources in different years can both increase and decrease.
Evaporation is one of the important factors in the formation of renewable water resources. Due to the influence of high temperature, intense solar radiation and climatic features, the volume of evaporation in the territory of Armenia is significant, as a result of which the recharge of surface and groundwater, and consequently the volume of renewable water resources, decreases.
The volume of renewable water resources characterizes how much water is replenished naturally, without depleting water reserves. Water abstraction shows how much water is taken from natural sources (rivers, lakes, groundwater sources) and reservoirs for various purposes (drinking, domestic, agricultural, industrial, energy, etc.).
The relationship between renewable water resources and water abstraction expresses the efficiency of water resources management. It is expressed by the water utilization index (WUI). WUI is calculated as the ratio of the total annual water abstraction to the volume of renewable water resources, expressed as a percentage. WUI shows how intensively available water resources are used. A WUI indicator below 20% indicates that there is almost no problem with water resources. If the WSI indicator is between 20-40%, there is an average load on water resources, and a value of the indicator above 40% indicates that the country is experiencing water stress. This means that the country is facing the following problems:
1. Scarce water resources during drought and dry years,
2. Overexploitation of rivers, lakes and aquifers,
3. Destruction of ecosystems.
(C1) Renewable fresh water resources by indicators and year, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank
(C2) Freshwater abstraction (surface and groundwater) by indicators and years, Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, ArmStatBank
In 2000, 2008, 2019, 2021, the WSR was more than 65%, and in 2022 it reached 77%. The ratio of water abstraction to renewable water resources in some years was 1.5–2, which is considered a low indicator for assessing the efficiency of water abstraction.
The components of the internal flow are atmospheric precipitation (including snow accumulation, snowmelt) and evaporation. Atmospheric precipitation, as well as evaporation, are distributed unevenly in terms of territory, which is due to the relief structure and climatic features. Internal flow occurs within the borders of a given country as a result of natural processes.
Surface and underground inflow characterizes the volume of water resources entering the territory of a given country from the territories of neighboring countries.
Indicator definition
Justification for the choice of indicator
From 1990 to 2011, the UNSD Environmental Statistics Questionnaire methodology was used to calculate the indicators, and from 2011 onwards, the UNECE Environmental Indicators Methodology was used. This causes a large break in the time series, particularly in the water supply and agriculture sectors. agriculture sectors.
Number of occurrences, hydrological data of rivers are published by the "Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center" SNCO of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.