Development of Draft River Basin Management Plan for Alazani-Iori River Basin in Georgia

European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+): Results 2 and 3

ENI/2016/372-403

DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFT RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ALAZANI-IORI RIVER BASIN IN GEORGIA

Version 1.1; November 2020

Responsible EU member state consortium project leader

Alexander Zinke, Umweltbundesamt GmbH (AT) EUWI+ country representative in Georgia

Zurab Jincharadze Responsible international thematic lead expert

Yannick Pochon, IOWater (FR) Responsible Georgian thematic lead expert

Mariam Makharova, MEPA

Authors

Sophie Akhobadze, REC Caucasus Ana Rukhadze, REC Caucasus Eliso Barnovi, REC Caucasus Keti Jibladze, REC Caucasus

Maia Zumbulidze, REC Caucasus

Disclaimer: Over the past few years, Georgia and the five other Eastern Partnership countries have demonstrated their will- ingness to align their water sector policies and practices with the European Union (EU) and other international Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Moreover, as part of its commitments under the Association Agreement (AA) signed with the EU, Georgia is aligning its national water policies and strategies with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).

This document, the “draft Alazani-IoriRiver Basin Management Plan2020” has been developed in the framework of the EuropeanUnion-funded programme “European Union Water Initiative Plus” (2016-2021). This is the first draft River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) forthis river basin. Georgian experts, with the support of experts from the Environment Agency Austria and French International Office for Water,worked together with stakeholders of the water sector at national and basin levels to draft this RBMP. This draft RBMP contributes to the implementation of basin principles and integrated water resources management approaches in the country. However, it does not claim to meet all requirements of the EU WFD. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of, or sovereignty over, any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries, and to the name of any territory, city or area.

Imprint

Owner and Editor: EU Member State Consortium Umweltbundesamt GmbH Office International de’l Eau (IOW) Spittelauer Lände 5 21/23 rue de Madrid 1090 Vienna, Austria 75008 Paris, FRANCE

Responsible IOW Communication officer: Chloé Dechlette [email protected] October 2020

CONTENTS

Executive Summary ...... 12 Introduction and background ...... 12 Main water management issues ...... 13 Delineation of SWBs and GWBs ...... 15 Significant pressures and impacts ...... 16 SWBs at risk and possibly at risk ...... 17 GWBs and risk assessment ...... 17 Environmental objectives and priorities ...... 18 Economic analysis ...... 20 Programme of measures (PoMs) - Summary of key measures ...... 20 Implementation strategy and expected outcomes ...... 21 1 General characteristics of the river basin ...... 22 1.1 Surface water bodies (SWBs)...... 30 1.1.1 Methodology for delineation of SWBs ...... 30 1.1.2 Identification and delineation of SWBs ...... 31 1.2 Groundwater bodies (GWBs) ...... 34 1.2.1 Methodology for delineation of GWBs ...... 34 1.2.2 Identification and delineation of GWBs ...... 35 2 Pressures and impacts of human activities ...... 38 2.1 Significant water management issues for point source pollution ...... 39 2.1.1 Water quality ...... 41 2.1.2 SWBs under significant pressures and impacts from point source pollution ...... 42 2.2 Estimation of diffuse source pollution ...... 45 2.3 Estimation of quantitative pressures on SWBs and GWBs ...... 52 2.4 Analysis of hydromorphological pressure ...... 55 3 Protected Zones ...... 58 3.1 Water protection zones ...... 59 3.2 Protected areas ...... 61 3.3 Drinking water abstraction ...... 64 4 Water bodies status and risk analysis ...... 67 5 Surface water Monitoring ...... 70 5.1 Current surface water monitoring situation ...... 70

5.2 Monitoring improvement ...... 71 5.2.1 Chemical Monitoring ...... 72 5.2.2 Hydrobiological Monitoring ...... 73 5.2.3 Hydromorphological Monitoring ...... 74 5.3 Monitoring Costs ...... 75 5.4 Monitoring results ...... 75 5.4.1 Chemical Status ...... 75 5.4.2 Ecological status ...... 76 6 Groundwater monitoring ...... 77 7 Environmental objectives ...... 79 7.1 Environmental objectives for SWBs ...... 79 7.2 Environmental objectives for Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs)...... 80 7.3 Environmental objectives for protected areas ...... 81 7.4 Environmental objectives for GWBs ...... 82 8 Economic analysis ...... 83 8.1 Economic weights by relevant water users ...... 83 8.2 Economic analysis of Programme of Measures (PoMs) ...... 88 8.2.1 Environmental benefits ...... 90 8.2.2 Present value of PoMs ...... 90 8.2.3 Affordability analysis ...... 91 8.2.4 Assessing the final implication of PoMs ...... 91 8.2.5 Financing the PoMs ...... 92 9 Programme of measures ...... 93 9.1 Basic measures ...... 95 9.2 Supplementary measures ...... 97 9.3 Selected measures (Basic, Supplementary) ...... 99 9.4 Programme of measures for surface water monitoring ...... 105 9.5 Programme of measures for HMWBs ...... 105 9.6 Programme of measures for the Dali reservoir...... 106 9.7 Programme of measures for GWBs ...... 106 10 Summary of strategies, programmes, plans and projects ...... 108 11 Public consultation...... 109 11.1 The first consultation ...... 109 11.2 The second consultation ...... 110 12 List of competent authorities ...... 113 12.1 Procedure of elaboration, review and approval of river basin management plans ...... 113 12.2 Responsibilities of competent authorities ...... 114 12.3 Contact points and procedures ...... 114

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

13 Glossary ...... 115 14 References ...... 117 15 Annex 1 General characteristics of the river basin ...... 122 15.1 Annex 1. Tables ...... 122 15.2 Annex 1. Figures ...... 124 16 Annex 2 Significunt pressures and impacts ...... 135 16.1 Annex 2. Tables ...... 135 16.2 Annex 2. Figures ...... 147 17 Annex 3 Protected zones ...... 148 18 Annex 4 Risk assessment ...... 149 19 Annex 5 Surface water monitoring ...... 151 19.1 Annex 5. Tables ...... 151 19.2 Annex 5. Figures ...... 157 19.3 Annex 5. Procedure for the selection of operational monitoring sites ...... 158 19.3.1 Surveillance monitoring ...... 158 19.3.2 Operational monitoring ...... 159 19.3.3 Investigative monitoring ...... 161 20 Annex 6 Groundwater monitoring ...... 162 20.1 Annex 6. Tables ...... 162 20.2 Annex 6. Figures ...... 168 21 Annex 7 Environmental objectives ...... 170 22 Annex 8 Economic analysis ...... 174 23 Annex 9 Programme of Measures ...... 177

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List of Tables Table 1 HPPs operating in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 26 Table 2 System A. Rivers and Lakes ...... 30 Table 3 River types in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 32 Table 4 Lake types in the Alazani-Iori river basin...... 32 Table 5 List of groundwater bodies of Alazani-Iori valley aquifer ...... 35 Table 6 Main drivers and pressure for water bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 38 Table 7 Main characteristics of municipal sewerage systems and treatment plants ...... 40 Table 8 Diffuse pressure sources and the main drivers ...... 45 Table 9 Polluted area against agriculture (crop production) non-point source pollution pressures ...... 46 Table 10 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBMP – 1x per RBMP cycle ...... 72 Table 11 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle ...... 73 Table 12 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBDMP – 1x per RBMP cycle ...... 74 Table 13 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle ...... 74 Table 14 Fresh Water use for Drinking Water Supply Purposes in Alazani-Iori River Basin ...... 84 Table 15 Fresh Water Use for Industrial Purposes in Alazani-Iori River Basin ...... 85 Table 16 Water Abstraction for Agricultural Purposes (including fisheries) ...... 86 Table 17 Wastewater Discharge in Alazani-Iori River Basin ...... 87 Table 18 Water use in Alazani-Iori River Basin by sectors ...... 88 Table 19 Indirect and Environmental Costs of Basic Measures ...... 89 Table 20 Share of Water Related Operation Costs in GVA (2018) ...... 91 Table 21 List of comments received during the public consultation meeting and responses ...... 109 Table 22 Disposition of comments and responses...... 111

Annex1.Table1 Distribution of population by self-governed units and by urban and rural areas (at the beginning of the year, thousands). Source: Demographic Situation in Georgia, Statistical Abstract, National Statistics Office of Georgia, 2017 ...... 122 Annex1.Table 2 Average agricultural land area operated by agricultural holdings according to land use type (ha) ...... 123 Annex1.Table3 Percentage distribution of forest areas managed by LEPL National Forestry Agency of Georgia by slope gradient, Tianeti Municipality and Kakheti Region, source: National Forestry Agency ...... 123

Annex2.Table1 Wastewater discharges into surface water bodies of the Alazani-Iori rivers basin ...... 135 Annex2.Table 2 The results of water quality monitoring in the Alazani-Iori river basin (2013-2017) ..... 137 Annex2.Table 3 Results of SWFS for the river Iori...... 137 Annex2.Table 4 Results of SWFS for the river Alazani ...... 138 Annex2.Table 5 Categorisation of SWBs against point source pollution (urban wastewater) ...... 139 Annex2.Table 6 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure .. 142 Annex2.Table 7 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure ...... 143 Annex2.Table 8 SWBs under significant diffuse urban run-off (illegal landfills) pressure ...... 143 Annex2.Table 9 Water abstraction pressure sources in the Alazani-Iori river basin...... 144 Annex2.Table 10 SWBs under significant abstraction/ flow diversion pressure ...... 144 Annex2.Table 11 SWBs under significant hydromorphological pressure ...... 145

Annex3.Table 1 Locations of drinking (surface) water abstraction ...... 148

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex4.Table 1 SWBs- Risk assessment result ...... 149

Annex5.Table 1 Hydro-morphological sampling sites including hydro-morphological status ...... 151 Annex5.Table 2Current water quality monitoring sites in rivers of the Alazani-Iori RBD ...... 151 Annex5.Table 3 Complete list of SWB “at risk” in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 153 Annex5.Table 4Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in rivers of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 154 Annex5.Table 5 Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in lakes (reservoirs) of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 154 Annex5.Table 6 Proposal for operational monitoring sites in rivers of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 154 Annex5.Table 7 Overview of parameters in the chemical monitoring in the Alazani-Iori river basin ..... 154 Annex5.Table 8 Actual capacities of the Laboratories for measuring the priority substances that are listed by the EU WFD and associated directives for surface water monitoring ...... 155

Annex6.Table 1 List of monitoring stations ...... 162 Annex6.Table 2 Boreholes sampled during field expedition ...... 163 Annex6.Table 3 Boreholes selected by literature for future monitoring ...... 164 Annex6.Table 4 List of Hydrogeological complex of Alazani-Iori valley aquifer ...... 164

Annex7.Table 1 Environmental objectives for SWBs at risk ...... 170

Annex8.Table 1 Costs of Supplementary Measures ...... 174 Annex8.Table 2 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-year Period (in GEL) ...... 174 Annex8.Table 3 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-year Period (in EUR) ...... 175 Annex8.Table 4 Present Value of the Investment Costs of Basic Measures Fort the First Period ...... 175 Annex8.Table 5 Present Value of Operation Costs of Basic Measures (for the first period) ...... 175 Annex8.Table 6 Present Value of Supplementary Measures (for the first period) ...... 176 Annex8.Table 7 Expenditures by Municipalities in 2018 ...... 176 Annex8.Table 8 Compare Operation Costs and Revenues of Water Supply Companies After Implementing PoM ...... 176

Annex9.Table 1 Measures for water bodies at risk in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 177 Annex9.Table 2 Programme of measures (PoMs) to be implemented in the Alazani-Iori river basin ... 182

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List of Figures

Figure 1 Physical maps of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 23 Figure 2 Land cover maps of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 25 Figure 3 Hydrographic network of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 29 Figure 4 Delineation of SWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 33 Figure 5 Delineation of GWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 37 Figure 6 Preliminary risk assessment against point source pollution (urban wastewater)...... 44 Figure 7 Polluted areas against agriculture (crop production) pressures -Diffuse source pollution ...... 47 Figure 8 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure ...... 48 Figure 9 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure ...... 50 Figure 10 Illegal landfills (by waste volume) in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 51 Figure 11 Surface water abstraction location in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 53 Figure 12 Annual groundwater abstraction in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 54 Figure 13 SWBs affected by hydromorphological pressure in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 56 Figure 14 River water protection zones in Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 60 Figure 15 Special conservation areas in Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 62 Figure 16 Special protection areas(SPAs) for birds in Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 63 Figure 17 Areas for the abstraction of drinking water in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 65 Figure 18 Risk assessment of SWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 69 Figure 19 Recommended monitoring sites for water quality monitoring in rivers and lakes (reservoirs) of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 71 Figure 20 Preliminary ecological classification of SWB in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 76 Figure 21 Share of Drinking Water Abstraction in Total Water Abstraction by Municipalities (2017) ...... 84 Figure 22 Number of Water Abstractors Belonging to the Construction Sector in Alazani-Iori River Basin and Share of Water Abstraction (among the registered durface water abstractors) ...... 85 Figure 23 Area of irrigated Land in Alazani-Iori River Basin by GA (thousands hectare) ...... 86 Figure 24 Investment Costs of basic measures by sector ...... 89 Figure 25 Allocation of Investment Costs of Basic Measures ...... 92 Figure 26 Programme of Measures (graphical abstract) (Giakoumis & Voulvoulis, 2019) ...... 93 Figure 27 The measures selected during the 1st implementation cycle for the Alazani-Iori river basin 100 Figure 28 Programme of measures (PoMs) in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 102 Figure 29 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sector in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 103 Figure 30 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sub-basin in the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 104

Annex1.Figure 1 Annual mean temperature distribution map of the Alazani-Iori basin ...... 124 Annex1.Figure 2 Precipitation map of the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 125 Annex1.Figure 3 Geological map of the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 126 Annex1.Figure 4 Soil map of the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 128 Annex1.Figure 5 Vegetation map of the Alazani-Iori basin ...... 130 Annex1.Figure 6 Distribution of population in the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 131 Annex1.Figure 7 Forest cover of the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 132 Annex1.Figure 8 Fish farming map of the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 133 Annex1.Figure 9 Protected areas in the Alazani - Iori river basin ...... 134

Annex2.Figure 1 Locations of municipal wastewater discharges and SWFS monitoring points ...... 147

Annex5.Figure 1 Current surface water quality monitoring sites of NEA in rivers of the Alazani-Iori river basin ...... 157

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex5.Figure 2 Left: Relative proportion of ecological status classes of SWB in the Alazani-Iori river basin, Right: Relative proportion of different classes of classification confidence. Lakes (1 natural, 4ponds) not included ...... 158

Annex6.Figure 1 Hydrological map of Alazani-Iori valley aquifer ...... 168 Annex6.Figure 2 Preliminary delineation of groundwater body of Alazani-Iori valley ...... 169 Annex6.Figure 3 Overview map of monitoring station ...... 169

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Abbreviations

AWB ...... Artificial Water Body BOD ...... Biological Oxygen Demand BQE ...... Biological Quality Elements COD ...... Chemical Oxygen Demand EPIRB ...... Environmental Protection of International River Basins ESCS ...... Ecological Status Classification System DO ...... Dissolved Oxygen EU ...... European Union EUWI+ ...... European Union Water Initiative Plus EQS ...... Environmental Quality Standards GEP ...... Good Ecological Potential GIS ...... Geographic Information System GWB ...... Groundwater body HMWB ...... Heavily Modified Water Body HPP ...... Hydroelectric Power Plant IOWater/OIEau .... International Office for Water, France MAC ...... Maximum Allowable Concentration MEPA ...... Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture O&M ...... Operation and Maintenance PE ...... Population Equivalent PoM ...... Programme of Measure RBD ...... River Basin District RBMP ...... River Basin Management Plan SPA ...... Special Protected Area SWB ...... Surface Water Body SWMCG ...... Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia TPH ...... Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons UBA ...... Umweltbundesamt GmbH, Environment Agency Austria UWSCG ...... United Water Supply Company of Georgia WFD ...... Water Framework Directive

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Good water quality is vital to the well-being of the society, economy and environment. The rivers and lakes are the sources of the drinking water. By protecting the water quality, public health will be protected. By improving and preserving the aquatic environment, the natural heritage will be preserved. The Alazani-Iori river basin management plan (RBMP) was prepared by Rec Caucasus Georgia in the frame of European Union Water Initiative+ (EUWI+) within EU-funded project. It outlines the approach to protect the rivers and lakes in the Alazani-Iori river basin. It addresses the water quality challenges. Sim- ultaneously it benefits from a strong and integrated approach to public consultation and engagement. It seeks to implement the basic and supplementary measures on a prioritized basis, where necessary during its implementation phase from 2021 to 2026. With effective implementation of the Alazani-Iori RBMP the water quality will be improved in this basin. Changes in agricultural approaches and improvement of urban waste water treatment will lead to reduce pollution pressures. It will ensure that all stakeholders are working together with a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes. This executive summary outlines the key aspects of the Alazani-Iori RBMP. It provides: - A brief introduction and background to the Alazani-Iori river basin - An outline of the main issues in the Alazani-Iori river basin - Summary information on delineation of SWBs and GWBs - Summary information on the significant pressures and impacts - A list of environmental objectives - An outline of the key basic and supplementary measures - A summary of the expected outcomes, based on the proposed measures and implementation plans

Introduction and background

The Alazani-Iori river basin district (RBD) covers the territory of Kakheti region, as well as territory of Tianeti municipality of the Mtskheta-Mianeti region. The catchment area of the river Aalazani basin is 11,800km2, while the catchment area of the river Iori is 4,700km2. Both rivers originate from the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range at an altitude of 2,600-2,800m above sea level. The average annual precipitation in the Alazani river basin varies from 400 mm (Dedoplistskaro) to 1800 mm (Lagodekhi). The average annual air temperature is between +11°C and +14°C. The minimum temperature is -16°C, maximum is 43°C. The Alazani river basin is located on the two tectonic zones: the east zone of South slope of the Caucasian folded system and the east part of Georgian plate. The Iori river basin is stretched on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus (Central Caucasus) and flowing between the Kakheti and Kartli ridges. Alazani and Iori River basins cover a wide range of landscapes as it stretches from the Greater Caucasus Mountains of Tusheti in the north down to the Alazani valley to the steppes and semi-arid lowlands of Vashlovani in the southeast. Floodplain forests are spread on Alazani river banks, while on Iori river banks light woodlands are presented. 31% of Alazani-Iori river basin is covered with forest, 22% consists of arable land and only 15.6% is meadows and steppes, which are used as hay-pastures. Figure 2 below shows land cover map of the Alazani-Iori river basin.The Alazani-Iori river basin is the most vulnerable territory of Georgia in terms of

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin the mudflow occurrence, frequency of recurrence, economic damage and potential risk of danger. All the geomorphological units are damaged by mudslide processes or are in danger area except territories of flat relief. There are 9 urban settlements and 333 villages in Kakheti. As the 1st of January, 2018, the population of Kakheti numbered 314,700, of whom 22.6% lived in urban settlements and almost 80% lived in rural areas. Over the past years, the natural decrease in population was observed both in urban and rural areas. The same happened in Tianeti Municipality in the same period. 31.5% of the gross domestic product created in Kakheti region is accumulated by agriculture. The total size of agricultural lands used by farmers in Kakheti is 315,499 ha, including 133,099 ha of arable land, 33,117 ha of perennial crops and 149,230 ha of hay meadows and pastures. Kakheti also has 70% of all Georgia’s vineyards. Kakheti is also the leading region in terms of the total area and level of wheat production. Livestock farming is traditionally the leading agricultural field in Kakheti. There are 9 small and medium-sized hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) operating in the Alazani-Iori river basins. Based on the hydrological resources, it is planned to build 20 hydropower plants, out of which construction of six is already going on. The concentration of historical sites, famous wine cellars, natural resources, cultural and historical heritage sites, and the geographical location of the region provide a great potential for the development of tourism in the region. The development of tourism is largely dependent on the improvement of service sector in the region. With regard to protected areas (PAs) this basin encompasses a big share of the PAs of Georgia to protect biodiversity and natural as well as cultural landscapes and monuments for conservation, recreation, science and traditional land use. There are 6 strict nature reserves, two national parks, three Nature monuments, 5 Managed reserves and 1 protected landscape in Kakheti region. Water Intake - The irrigation sector is the second biggest water user after the hydropower sector. Ac- cording to 2016 data, the water abstraction was 1,177.83 mil m3, including 25.13 mil m3 extracted from groundwater aquifers. The volume of new water used is 777.17 mil m3, of which 92% was used for hydropower generation. In the Alazani and Iori basins there are 6 irrigation reservoirs including Zemo Ala- zani, Naurdali, Kvemo Alazani.Part of the irrigation systems is out of order and needs rehabilitation, so the Georgian Amelioration has planned for several rehabilitation projects. 33 objects are under significant pressure because of the water intake.

Main water management issues

A number of challenges were identified during the development of the Alazani-Iori RBMP which leads to deterioration of water quality and water scarcity problem. The main issues identified are presented below:

Deterioration of water quality and significant pressure on water resources from point and diffuse sources - There is very few urban sewerage systems in the region (sewerage is available only in the municipalities of Akhmeta, Gurjaani, Lagodekhi, Dedophlistskaro and Tianeti). 90 per cent of the population have no access to the sewer system; - Rural areas are not covered by centralized sewerage systems at all. In 2017 7,089,475 m3 untreated sewage water was directly discharged into the River Alazani. - For impact assessment of diffuse source pollution, there is no available data on nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides, which are the issue in this regard. - The area affected by diffuse agricultural (crop production) pollution is 895.25 km2, while the area possibly affected is 1252.56 km2. Seven water bodies such as Alz108 (Alazani),

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Pid201 (Pidinat-Khevi), Alz110 (Alazani), Ior124 (Iori), Bab205 (Babaneuris-Psha), Tva202 (Tvalt-Khevi), Tri303 (no river name is available) are under significant pressure by diffuse source pollution from animal livestock. The results of water monitoring in Ala- zani and Iori River Basin conducted in 2013-2017, revealed the trend to exceed the norm of maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of the following components: ammonia nitrogen, iron, copper and manganese - Disposal of municipal/solid waste directly into the streams due to weak waste collection and disposal management system (14319.761 t of waste is illegally disposed on the landfills located on the river banks). - At present, there is no sanitary regional landfill within the basin, which meets the standard of EU Landfill directive with the system of leachate water collection and treatment in place.

Disturbance of environmental flow and geo-morphological modifications - Poor condition of the irrigation systems resulting in huge water losses from the system (50%); - Internal irrigation systems are of poor quality and inefficient. The main irrigation method is surface irrigation via canals and ditches. Lack of water-efficient technologies (dripping irrigation, windbreaks) in the irrigation systems; - Poor condition of the drinking water supply system; - The hydropower sector is considered as the largest water user in this basin. Increasing water demanded by hydropower generation sector (92% of water abstraction in 2016). There are 9 small and medium sized operational HPPs, with a combined capacity of 61.31 NW in the basin. The construction of additional 20 HPP is planned by 2050; - Sand and gravel mining are major economic activities in all the municipalities of Kakheti, except Dedoplistskaro. Particularly, in Akhmeta Municipality, sand and gravel are extracted from the rivers Ilto, Alazani, Khevgrdzeli, Khodasheniskhevi; in Gurjaani Munici- pality – Chermiskhevi, Papriskhevi, Alazani, Kabali; Lagodekhi Municipality – Kabali, Lagodekhis Khevi, Alazani; Sagarejo Municipality – Iori, Khashmi, Tvaltskhevi, Tulari, Chailuri; Telavi Municipality - Turdoskhevi, Kisiskhevi, Lopota, Stori, Gatiadiskhevi, Vandiskhevi; Kvareli Municipality - Duruji, Lazaani, Avaniskhevi, Shoriskhevi, Bursa.

Flashflood , Flooding and other disasters

- At this point, about 250 mudflow river basins are registered in Kakheti, which impose risk to its population, infrastructure and endangered sites. However, real number of water- ways transforming mudflows is five times more. 2700 ha arable land is eroded, which consists of 5 % of total agricultural landscapes; - Based on expected climate change trend for 2020 – 2050, precipitation index shows that daily maximum amount of precipitation will increase in the next 30 years, as well as total amount of daily precipitation exceeding 90 mm. Number of the days when total daily amount of precipitation is more than 10, 20 and 25 mm will also be increased. Conse- quently, total annual amount of precipitation will also increase, even by more than 200 mm, which will contribute to landslide processes and increase the risk of mudflows trans- formation respectively. Thus, we should consider the growing risk of landslides due to rising mudflow and erosion processes in the Kakheti region.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Water governance - There is no legal basis to support implementation of Water Framework Directive (WFD) ; - There are no river basin councils in place; - Absence of monitoring network of the surface and ground waters of Alazani basin,; - Not sufficient number of automatic hydrographic and water quality monitoring stations in Alazani basin; - Water scarcity (increasing trend of water demand from energy, irrigation and water supply systems); - Weak water quality monitoring system, including biological monitoring, ground water monitoring, and data processing; - Lack of information on use of pesticides and fertilizers; - Lack of water use data management system; - Disturbance of environmental flow due to absence of respective norms and standards.

Delineation of SWBs and GWBs

Identification, delineation and typology of water objects within the Alazani-Iori have been implemented according to the analysis of the selected rivers as well as of surface water objects‟ identification, delineation and classification methodology elaborated for EU Water Framework Directive. Surface “water bodies" are discrete sections or parts of water bodies, which differ from each other in specific natural characteristics, the nature of the impact of human activity, or any other significant and distinguishable parameters (Sall et al, 2012). The process of delineation and definition of surface water bodies consists of the division of water bodies into sections and parts according to the (agreed) parameters and criteria. 471 SWBs have been identified in the Alazani-Iori river basin and the appropriate code has been given. As well each surface water object has been differentiated according to the types. The types have been defined in accordance to the System-A typological classification Delineation of basin areas has been implemented by means of the geo-informational technologies, where only two variables have been applied - digital elevation model (STRM 30) and digital hydrological network with 1:25,000 resolution original scale data-sheets, based on Soviet topographical maps. In addition, these images (raster data) and vector data-sets have been geo-rectified and corrected on the basis of most recent satellite imagery of a high intelligibility. As a result of the abovementioned application, 323 units of different types of rivers have been identified in the Alazani-Iori basin. Except for rivers, within Alazani-Iori basin, there have been identified 1 lake (Jikurebi Lake – type 1), 2 reservoirs (Sioni Reservoir – type IV and Dali reservoir – type II), and 4 ponds (2 ponds – type II, 2 ponds – type I), i.e. lake water bodies. It was significant to carry out the delineation of GWBs and to use the appropriate methodology for this process. The selection process of groundwater bodies was carried out under guidance of “CIS guideline document #2”. In addition, number of workshops, trainings and skype conferences were organized during the timeframe of the project. It is important to point out that the reports on the previous geological and hydrogeological studies have been processed, furthermore the existing maps have been digitized. Based on all the data obtained, 23 aquifers were identified, which are in direct contact with surface eco-system. Consequently, from these aquifers groundwater bodies were delineated. The delineation process has been done according to the river basins.

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Significant pressures and impacts

Regarding the policy document on Key Issues under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and considering the Alazani-Iori river basin background analysis, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the water experts, the main drivers and various types of pressures for SWBs and GWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin district have been specified. Significant water management issues for point source pollution of SWBs are the following: - Urban waste water discharges - Industrial waste water discharges - Other discharges into the surface water recipient as for example (such as mining; landfill contaminated land nearby surface water bodies; agriculture point (slurry, silage and other feeds, sheep dip use and disposal, manure depots, etc.)

It is important to present in detail diffuse pollution pressures and relevant main drivers in the framework of the Alazani-Iori river basin district. Lack of data to represent different types of pressures and impacts of diffuse pollution is an issue in Georgia including the Alazani-Iori river basin district. It is important to point out that the main driver for causing pressure from diffuse pollution in this basin is agriculture. Fur- thermore, the illegal landfills that are located in this river basin basin are also considered to be a source for diffuse pollution pressure.

Significant water management issues for diffuse pollution of SWBs are the following: - Agriculture - crop production - Agriculture - animal livestocking - Illegal landfills

Regarding GWB, it is significant to point out that diffuse pollution particularly affects those aquifers that are directly linked to the earth’s surface. By analyzing existing water use patterns in the Alazani-Iori river basin, it would be concluded that the energy sector, irrigation sector and domestic water supply sector are the leaders among consumptive water users. The main drivers of water abstraction pressure in this basin are irrigation systems, hydropower plants, drinking water supply, fish farming, sand/gravel extraction. Excessive water abstraction pressure in the Alazani-Iori river basin associates with the major drivers such as agriculture, urban development, industry, etc. The pressures and impacts of human activity analysis subdivided the hydromorphological pressure types into hydrological regime changes, river continuity and river morphology and for those types, pressure and risk criteria were defined. In order to analyse hydromorphological alterations and impacts of human activity, it is necessary to identify the pressures and assess the impacts. Pressures on river hydrology and morphology are human activities which have adverse consequences on water bodies. Hydrological flow changes - Water abstraction – river stretches impacted by insufficient environmental flow - Impoundments/reservoir effects/back water - Hydropeaking

Longitudinal river and habitat continuity interruption - Interruption of river continuity and fish migration routes

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Morphological alterations - Changes in the overall nature-like morphological condition of rivers

Since the techniques for describing and assessing surface water morphology are not well developed in Georgia, the determination of pressures on morphology is mainly based on expert judgment.

SWBs at risk and possibly at risk

As a result of a desk review of preliminary studies, following the thematic and geographic scoping of key drivers / water management issues, as well as regarding expert judgment the risk assessment was made concerning hydromorphological pressure indicators. 31 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk”, while 31 surface water bodies were assigned “possibly at risk” category. Considering all pressure types and their impact on SWBs, the risk assessment was performed and as a result, 30 SWBs “at risk” and 118 SWBs “possibly at risk” were identified. Afterwards based on the expert judgment the status of 24 water bodies was changing from “not at risk” to “possibly at risk”.

GWBs and risk assessment

Regarding the risk assessment of groundwater bodies, it is important to outline that nitrate concentrations at the 32 water points of NEA’s monitoring network (out of total 33) usually do not exceed the maximum permissible concentration for drinking water of 50 mg/l, established by the technical regulations for drinking water. According to the laboratory data, at 19 water points of the monitoring network nitrate-ion value tends to be about 0-5 mg/l, at 3 water points - 5-10 mg/l, in 1 water point - 10-20 mg/l, in 4 water points - 20-25 mg/l, at another 4 water points - 30-50 mg/l. Concentration of nitrate-ion above 50 mg/l is observed at one water point. In order to improve the monitoring network, in addition to the NEA monitoring network water points, 30 samples were taken in the framework of the EUWI + project in 2018 and 2019. Concentration of nitrate higher than 50 mg/l was observed at 5 water point (4 springs and 1 borehole). At the present stage, number of tested water points regarding the status of groundwater bodies, is not enough (according to EU Water Framework Directive) to draw conclusions. The concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides were below the limits of detection at all sites sampled during the EUWI+ field surveys. The quantitative characteristics such as discharge of artesian aquifers at the monitoring sites of NEA’s network are mostly stable. However, there is a large number of privately and irregularly drilled wells that cut through several water-bearing layers in an attempt to maximize abstracted water. This can have negative impact on qualitative and quantitative characterizations of groundwater bodies. Groundwater monitoring in Georgia was resumed in 2013 by the Geology Department of national Envi- ronmental Agency. Since then, the state monitoring network has been expanding every year. However, number of monitoring water points is not enough so far to characterize all groundwater bodies and assess existing risks according to EU Water Framework Directive. Therefore, the groundwater monitoring network is being improved further.

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Environmental objectives and priorities

Setting environmental objectives aim to achieve good ecological and good chemical status for all surface water bodies and good quantitative and chemical status for all groundwater bodies; prevent deterioration of water status and ensure sustainable water management. In order to set environmental objectives, there is a need to consider the outcomes of the pressure-impact analysis, the risk assessment and monitoring results in case if it is available. Environmental objectives for SWBs - In order to define environmental objectives, it is necessary to have reference conditions and ecological and chemical status classification systems for SWBs. Previously there was no ecological and chemical status classification of SWBs in Georgia, it was not possible to set out reference conditions. During EUWI+ and Ecological Status Classification System (ESCS) for macro- invertebrates was established and reference conditions and class boundaries for this quality element were defined. Where biological data was insufficiently available, environmental objectives which stand for improvement of the ecological status of SWBs were defined considering the water body’s risk status and types of risk factors such as point source pollution, diffuse source pollution, hydromorphological pressure. Considering all the above mentioned factors, the following environmental objectives have been elaborated: - Surface water bodies at risk – urban waste water (sewerage) discharges: To improve water quality against organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility - Surface water bodies at risk – Industrial (sand-gravel extraction) waste water discharges: To improve water quality by reducing concentration of weighted portions and untreated waste water discharges from industry sector - Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (crop production) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies - Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (animal livestock) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; improving manure management - Surface water bodies at risk – Illegal landfills waste water discharges: To improve water quality by regulating the illegal landfills - Surface water bodies at risk – Excessive water abstraction for irrigation; HPPs; Public water supply To improve the hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems - Surface water bodies at risk – Hydromorphological alteration To improve hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing plan form/channel pattern changes, altered riparian habitats, bed and bank fixation, protecting the environmental flow (e.g. low flow, variable flow, etc.), assuring river continuity After defining environmental objectives for all pressure types, appropriate environmental objectives were assigned to all surface water bodies at risk.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Environmental objectives for Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs) - 12 HMWBs have been identified and designated in the Alazani-Iori river basin. In this process, it is necessary to set out the appropriate objectives for HMWBs. According to paragraph 3.1.1 of Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) guidance No.41, in order to be a heavily modified water body, a water body must be: - Physically altered by human activity - Substantially changed in character - Designated under Article 4(3)2

Generally speaking, the changes to the hydromorphology need to be long-term and alter the morphological and hydrological characteristics in order to represent a substantial change in the character of a water body. As mentioned above HMWBs are required to achieve “good ecological potential” (GEP). GEP ensures slight changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements at “Maximum Ecological Potential“ (MEP) which represents the maximum ecological quality that could be achieved for an HMWB3. Since the good ecological potential (GEP) is the environmental quality objective for HMWB, risk of failure of the ecological objective for HMWB is assessed against GEP. According to WFD CIS Guidance Document No.4 the following steps are needed to be taken in order to establish GEP: - The establishment of the good ecological potential for HMWB is based on the biological quality elements which are derived from MEP - Identification of the hydromorphological conditions in order to support the achievement of the GEP values for the biological quality elements, in particular the achievement of the values should be for those biological quality elements which are sensitive to hydromorphological alterations. - The values for the general physico-chemical quality elements at GEP are to support the achievement of the GEP biological values, as well as they ensure the functioning of the ecosystem - GEP requires compliance with environmental quality standards established for the specific synthetic and non-synthetic pollutant quality elements

In order to achieve GEP for the HMWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin district it is crucial to improve hydromorphological quality elements such as hydrological aspects, continuity, and morphology. Thus, an environmental objective for HMWBs in this basin would be set up in such a way: To improve hydromorphological state (hydrological regime changes, river continuity, morphological alterations) of a water body by maintaining adequate environmental flow.

Environmental objectives for GWBs - The environmental objectives for groundwater bodies have been defined which are the following: - WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(1): prevent or limit input of pollutants into GW; prevent deterioration of GWB status - WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): achieve good status (chemical and quantitative) - WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): reverse significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations due to human activity

1 Sources: https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/f9b057f4-4a91-46a3-b69a-e23b4cada8ef/Guidance%20No%204%20- %20heavily%20modified%20water%20bodies%20-%20HMWB%20(WG%202.2).pdf 2 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html 3 WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 4 Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies WFDCIS Guidance No 37, 2020: Steps for defining and assessing ecological potential for improving comparability of Heavily Modified Water Bodies

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Additional data is needed for making clear statements about chemical and quantitative status of groundwater bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin. This implies expansion of groundwater monitoring network, identification of new water points within different groundwater bodies and continuous planned monitoring. It is also necessary to develop structured methods to aggregate chemical and quantitative groundwater monitoring data over time and across an entire groundwater body into reliable assessments of groundwater status and of risk not to achieve good status.

Economic analysis

According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements, economic aspects of water resource management should be integrated into the water policy of member states. The requirements for economic analysis include: - An economic analysis of the water use – describing main water users and contamination of water bodies. - Tendencies the development of the further human activities within the particular river basin. - Assessment of the cost recovery principle –considering all the costs of the water services, including environmental and resource-related expenses.

Economic analysis of water use gives decision makers the possibility to understand the socio-economic value of water. On one hand, provides information about the water abstractors (e.g. which sectors are the main water abstractors), and which sectors contribute mostly in the deterioration of water quality (e.g. which sectors are responsible for water pollution). On the other hand, by analyzing the value added generated by each sector in the economy it makes it possible to understand how effectively the water is used and who should be contribute – and how much – to water management costs.

Programme of measures (PoMs) - Summary of key measures

In order to design measures to mitigate the impacts from above mentioned water management issues, a wide range of the measures (basic, supplementary) was proposed which consider all issues and pressure types in the Alazani-Iori river basin. Even though funding is limited and appropriate consents is sometimes missing, 28 measures (19 basic and 9 supplementary) could be selected during the 1st implementation cycle. The measures such as renovation /construction of a sewerage system and construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were found to target the point source pressures coming from urban wastewater discharges. Diffuse source pollution (crop production, live stocking) has been targeted by the measures such as agricultural drainage system renovation, creating buffer strips and plant- ing hedges, build vermikompost (producing bio humus). With regard to excessive water abstraction by irrigation systems, the measures have been selected which target the rehabilitation of Zemo Alazani, Kvemo Alazani, Kvemo Samgori (right and left main channels) and Zemo Samgori (upper main channel) irrigation systems, also rehabilitation of Lagodekhi channel, Kvareli-Shua Kudigori, Shroma-Kavshiri and Baisubani irrigation systems. The supplementary measures have been selected to target waste water discharges, pollution coming from agriculture, water abstraction issues via the provision of information and through educational campaigns, training, publicity campaigns. Further- more, in order to improve water quality in this river basin the following supplementary measures have been selected: To perform an investigative monitoring- investigation of sand-gravel enterprises (investigation of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions); Monitoring of illegal landfills (to be executed by the municipalities), imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin management; Setting up the sanitary protection zones (to be carried out by the municipalities). More- over, with regard to climate change the supplementary measure has been selected which is related to conducting research to assess current and possible climate change impacts on water bodies.

Implementation strategy and expected outcomes

The implementation strategy focuses on ensuring full implementation of the existing measures through the relevant national authorities and, where these measures are not sufficient to meet the objectives of the WFD, on implementing targeted supporting measures. The implementation structures will ensure effective and coordinated delivery of measures. Based on the information set out in the Plan, it is expected to achieve the following over the period to 2026: - Renovation /construction of a sewerage system in Kvareli municipality; Construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Kvareli with capacity considering number of population - Rehabilitation of the sewerage system, which includes replacement of the pipes and collectors - Renovation of drainage system in Gurjaani and Sagarejo municipalities - Setting buffer strips and hedges (Establishment of 3m buffer strip) in Sighnaghi, Gurjaani, Kvareli municipalities - Build vermikompost (producing bio humus) in Telavi and Akhmeta municipalities - Rehabilitation of the main canal and engineering works of Zemo Alazani irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Kvareli- Shua Kudigori irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Lagodekhi channel - Rehabilitation of Shroma-Kavshiri irrigation system - Rehabilitation of the left main channel of Kvemo Samgori irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Baisubani irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Kvemo Alazani irrigation system - Rehabilitation of the right main channel of Kvemo Samgori irrigation system; - Rehabilitation of II and III level distributors of the right main channel of Kvemo Samgori irrigation system - Rehabilitation of the upper main channel of Zemo Samgori irrigation system

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1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIVER BASIN

The Alazani-Iori river basin fully covers the territory of Kakheti region, as well as territory of Tianeti Mu- 2 nicipality of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. The catchment area of the river Alazani basin is 11,800 km , while the catchment area of the river Iori is 4,700 km2. Both rivers originate from the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range at an altitude of 2,600-2,800m above sea level and joins the Mingachevir Reservoir (see Figure 1). The River Alazani originates through the confluence of two mountain rivers, Tsiplovaniskhevi and Samkuristskali, flowing from the southern slopes (Mount Didi Borbalo) of the Main Caucasus Range at an altitude of 2,600-2,800m above sea level. The river crosses an Alazani valey, flows along Georgian-Azer- baijan border and joins the Mingachevir Reservoir, in Azerbaijan. The total length of the river is 390 km, average elevation is 850 m, average fall – 745 m and average inclination – 2.12%. The Iori River originates on the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range at an altitude of 2,600 above sea level and, like the Alazani River, flows into the Mingachevir reservoir at the southern edge of the Gare-Kakhetian Plateau. Total length of the river is 320 km, total fall – 2,520 m, average slope – 78.7%. Climate - The average annual precipitation in the Alazani river basin varies from 400 mm (Dedoplistskaro) to 1800 mm (Lagodekhi). The average annual air temperature is between +11°C and +14°C. The minimum temperature is -16°C, maximum is 43°C. In upstream areas of the Iori river basin, where river takes its origin, average annual atmospheric precipitation is 1300-1400 mm, while at lower parts it is 400-500 mm. Average annual air temperature in lower parts is +10 – +11°C and at highlands is within the range of 0 – +8°C. Annex 1. Figure 1 and Annex1. Figure 2 (see Annex 1) present annual mean temperature distribution and precipitation distribution in the Alazani-Iori river basin respectively. Topographicaly the Alazani river basin is asymmetric: 65.3% of its territory is located on the left side of the river. From the upper course to the city of Akhmeta, the watershed is located between the high and middle mountain zones of the Grea ter Caucasus ridge. The remainder of the watershed, which runs about 330 km from Akhmeta to the river mouth, is located in the intermountain depression. Whereas the Iori River basin is stretched on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus (Central Caucasus) and between the Kakheti and Kartli ridges. More specifically, extreme upper reach of the river basin is located on the southern slopes of the Central Part of the Greater Caucasus, upper and middle reaches – in the Saguramo-Gombori middle-mountain area, bordered with Kartli and Gombori Ridges and, middle to lower reaches – on the Iiori Plateau and very small part – on the Lower Kartli Plain.

Geology - The Alazani river basin is located on the two tectonic zones: the east zone of South slope of the Caucasian folded system and the east part of Georgian plate. The Iori river basin is stretched on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus (Central Caucasus) and flowing between the Kakheti and Kartli ridges. Mountainous areas of the Iori Basin belong to the Mestia-Tianeti tectonic zone of Late Jurassic and Cretaceous Carbonate Flysch of the Fold-and-Thrust Structure of the Southern Slopes of the Greater Caucasus, more specifically, to the Djinvali-Gombori tectonic sub-zone (see Annex 1. Figure 3).

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 1 Physical maps of the Alazani-Iori river basin

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Soil - Due to the complex orographic, climatic and biological conditions of the Alazani-Iori river basin, soils in the targeted areas are diverse and are represented by the following types of various soil bio- ecologic groups, in accordance with FAO soil classification system: Primitive soils – Leptosols (1); Moun- tain-meadow soils – Leptosols, Cambisols and Cryosols (2); Mountain-forest-meadow soils – Humic cambisols (3); Brown-forest weakly unsaturated soils – Eutric cambisols (4); Chernozems - Chernozems (5); Raw Humus Calcareous soils - Rendzic Leptosols (6); Cinnamonic soils - Eutric cambisols and calcic cambisols (7); Meadow Cinnamonic soils - Calcaric Cambisols and calcic kastanozems (8); Grey Cinnamonic soils - Calcic kastanozems (9); Meadow Grey Cinnamonic soils – Calcic vertisols (10); Allu- vial soils – Fluvisols (11); Black soils - Vertic Chernozems or Vertisols (12) Black soils - Vertic Cherno- zems or Vertisols (13); Peat Bog - Histosols (14); Saline soils – Solonchaks and solonetz (15) (see Annex 1. Figure 4).

Vegetation - Alazani and Iori River basins cover a wide range of landscapes as it stretches from the Greater Caucasus Mountains of Tusheti in the north down to the Alazani valley to the steppes and semi- arid lowlands of Vashlovani in the southeast. Floodplain forests are spread on Alazani river banks, while on Iori river banks light woodlands are presented (see Annex 1. Figure 5). Ichthyofauna - 26 fish species are distributed in Alazani – Iori river basin, such as: Lizard Barbel (Barbus lacerta), The Bulatmai Barbell (Barbus capito), Mursa (Luciobarbus mursa), Caucasian Scraper (Capoeta capoeta), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Gudgeon (Gobio gobio), Common Bleak (Alburnus alburnus), Caspian Shemaya (Alburnus chalcoides), Caucasian Bream (Acanthobrama microlepis), Caspian Roach (Rutilus caspicus), Common Chub (Squalius cephalus). Here are also found species listed and protected by the Red-List of Georgia, such as: Golden Spined Loach (Sabanejewia aurata) and Brown Trout (Salmo fario). Land Cover - 31% of Alazani-Iori river basin is covered with forest, 22% consists of arable land and only 15.6% is meadows and steppes, which are used as hay-pastures. Figure 2 below shows land cover map of the Alazani-Iori river basin. Disaster Risks - The Alazani-Iori river basin is the most vulnerable territory of Georgia in terms of the mudflow occurrence, frequency of recurrence, economic damage and potential risk of danger. All the geomorphological units are damaged by mudslide processes or are in danger area except territories of flat relief. Sagarejo, Telavi, Kvareli, Sighnaghi, Lagodekhi and Gurjaani are included in the high risk areas of mudflows. The extreme processes of mudflows are always followed by flooding large areas of agricultural lands, washing river banks, and damaging / destroying houses in the surrounding. The catastrophic– disastrous processes occur to the rivers Duruji, Papriskhevi, Chermiskhevi, Intsoba, Orvili.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 2 Land cover maps of the Alazani-Iori river basin

Population - There are 9 urban settlements and 333 villages in Kakheti. As the 1st of January, 2018, the population of Kakheti numbered 314,700, of whom 22.6% lived in urban settlements and almost 80% lived

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in rural areas. The villages in Kakheti are densely populated with an average population per village being 1,200, which is two times as much as the average village population nationwide. In 2016-2017, the natural decrease in population was observed both in urban and rural areas. The same happened in Tianeti Mu- nicipality in the same period. The migration of young people has increased (see Annex 1.Figure 6 and Annex1. Table1).

Agriculture - 31.5% of the gross domestic product created in Kakheti region is accumulated by agriculture. The total size of agricultural lands used by farmers in Kakheti is 315,499 ha, including 133,099 ha of arable land, 33,117 ha of perennial crops and 149,230 ha of hay meadows and pastures. Kakheti also has 70% of all Georgia’s vineyards. Kakheti is also the leading region in terms of the total area and level of wheat production. Livestock farming is traditionally the leading agricultural field in Kakheti. As of late 2017, there were 95.9 thousand heads of cattle in Kakheti, making 10.5% of cattle recorded countrywide. Although Kakheti accounts for a small share of the total livestock population in the country, this sector has a great potential for development (see Annex1. Table 2). Forest - forests occupy slopes and foothills of the Greater Caucasus (Tianeti, Akhmeta, Telavi, Kvareli and Lagodekhi municipalities), Tsivgombori range (Sagarejo, Telavi, etc) and the banks of the Alazani and Iori basins (Telavi, Gurjaani, Dedoplistskaro, Sagarejo, etc.). The area of the State Forest Fund in Kakheti is 288,379 ha of which 269,393 ha are covered with forest. Kakheti is the second region in Georgia by area of forested land, its forests making 11% of total forests of Georgia. The forests of Kakheti are 98% mountain forests of extremely high environmental and economic importance. A large part of the mountain forests has erosion prevention, soil protection, climate regulation, water and biodiversity (including genetic biodiversity) conservation functions. It is also noteworthy that 80% of the forests grow at high (more than 25º) and rocky slopes, which increases their environmental value even more. Around 2% of forests in Kakheti are floodplain forests. The fact that 15% of forests are protected areas ensures their conservation and regeneration. Beech, oak and hornbeam are the prevalent tree species (see Annex 1. Figure 7 and Annex1. Table3).

Fish Farms - According to the data provided by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Pro- tection of Georgia, as of 2017, there were 252 fish farms in Kakheti with the total surface area of pools being 2514.7 ha. In the given year, 208 of the mentioned fish farms operated, producing 4,308 tons of fish (carp – 1030.2 tons, silver carp – 2693.8 tons, grass carp - 575 tons; and catfish – 8 tons) (see Annex 1. Figure 8).

Hydropower Generation - There are 9 small and medium-sized HPPs operating in the Alazani-Iori river basins. Based on the hydrological resources, it is planned to build 20 hydropower plants, out of which construction of six is already going on (see Table 1).

Table 1 HPPs operating in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Existing Installed Ongoing and Planned In- Projects in the Planned In- HPPs Capacity Planned HPPs stalled list stalled (MW) Capacity Capacity (MW) (MW) Shilda HPP 5.0 Avani HPP 3.50 Bukhrebi HPP 4.11

Khadori 5.4 Stori Power HPP 1 20.03 Duruki HPP 1.70 HPP Akhmeta 9.1 Samkuristskali 4.80 Kisiskhevi HPP 4.50 HPP HPP 1

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Pshavela 1.95 Samkuristskali 26.28 Naduknari HPP 8.90 HPP HPP 2 Alazani 6.0 Khadori HPP 5.40 Stori HPP 8.00 HPP 2 3

Alazani 6.06 Lopota HPP2 5.90 Stori HPP 2 11.40 HPP

Mining - Kakheti is rich in mineral resources. Almost all municipalities produce different building and lining materials, while Dedoplistskaro is known for particularly developed limestone production. There are oil and gas deposits in Sagarejo, Gurjaani, Dedoplistskaro and Sighnaghi and most of them are functioning. Development of Bonjatkhevi and Artana ore deposits is in progress in Telavi Municipality. In all the municipalities of Kakheti, except Dedoplistskaro, they extract sand and gravel from rivers.

Tourism - The concentration of historical sites, the famous wine cellars, natural resources, cultural and historical heritage sites, and the geographical location of the region provide great potential for the development of tourism in the region. The development of tourism is largely dependent on the improvement of the service sector in the region. Protected Areas – Alazani-Iori river basin also encompasses a big share of the PAs of Georgia to protect biodiversity and natural as well as cultural landscapes and monuments for conservation, recreation, science and traditional land use. There are 6 strict nature reserves, two national parks, three nature monuments, 5 managed reserves and 1 protected landscape in Kakheti region (see Annex 1. Figure 9).

Hydrographic Network - The total length of the rivers in the Alazani-Iori river basin, including Tusheti‟s Alazani, is 4,137.8 km, with the density of the river network in the basins is 0.45 km/km2. Figure 3 presents the hydrographic network of the Alazani-Iori river basin.

The total length of Alazani is 390 km, theaverage elevation is 850 m, average fall – 745 m and average gradient – 2.12%. There are more than 500 rivers in the basin, with total length of 1770 km. The important tributary rivers are: Ilto (43 km), Khodasheniskhevi (31 km), Stori (38 km), Turdo (28 km), Lopota (33 km), Chelti (28 km), Kisiskhevi (37 km), Duruji (26 km), Tchermiskhevi (35 km), etc. Total length of Iori is 320 km, total fall – 2,520m, average slope – 78.7%. The main tributaries of the Iori are the rivers of Khashrula (12 km), Sagome (18 km) Adedi (16 km), Gombori (13 km), Lapinakhevi (10 km), Ragolantskali (12 km), Lakbe (32 km) and Ole (29 km).

Lakes, Artificial Reservoirs and Canals - There are small saline lakes scattered around the Iori river basin in Gare Kakheti Upland, including the lakes Kochebi and Patara. The first one is located at 775 m asl and has the basin area of 1.3 km2. The second one is located to the northeast of Lake Kochebi. The most noteworthy among the artificial reservoirs are Sioni and Dalis Mta.

The Sioni Reservoir located in the upper reaches of the Iori, was put into operation in 1964. Its dam height is 85 m, water surface area is 14.4 km2, total capacity - 325 mln m3, effective capacity - 315 mln m3, spillway capacity - 30 m3/sec. The reservoir, intended for irrigation purposes, serves 4 hydroelectric power plants, annually producing 33 mln kWh.

The multiple-purpose reservoir Dalis Mta, located in Dedoplistskaro municipality, has the total capacity of 180 mln m3 and effective capacity of 140 mln m3.

The River Iori supplies water to the Samgori irrigation system, consisting of two subsystems: Upper Samgori (starting at the Sioni Reservoir and ending at the Samgori Reservoir) and Lower Samgori (starting at the Samgori Reservoir and ending at the Samgori-Jandari Reservoir). The length of the water mains

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of the Samgori irrigation system (Sioni-Samgori-Jandari reservoirs) is 105 km. The system receives 485 m3 of water from the Iori and irrigates 57,000 ha of land.

There are 23 irrigation canals on the River Alazani and its tributaries, including 3 main canals and one big pumping station. Other canals have local importance. Apart from the main and local canals, there are 5 reservoirs on the Alazani used for irrigation purposes.

Groundwater resources - Georgia has significant fresh groundwater resources, which are naturally of drinking water quality. Detailed hydrogeological surveys show that Georgia’s natural fresh groundwater resources amount to 573 m³/s. The resources have rather uneven geographical and administrative distribution. In the Alazani-Iori basin, 23 aquifers are in contact with surface ecosystems and need to be protected and managed.

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is a comprehensive piece of legislation that sets out clear quality objectives for all waters in Europe. In order to make the implementation of the Directive, and the compliance checking of its quality objectives, the concept of “water bodies” has been introduced as the key units to which a number of the Directive’s requirements are related. The Water Framework Directive ‘water environment’ includes rivers, lakes, transitional waters, groundwater and coastal waters out to 1 nautical mile.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 3 Hydrographic network of the Alazani-Iori river basin

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1.1 Surface water bodies (SWBs)

1.1.1 Methodology for delineation of SWBs

As mentioned above, for the implementation of the EU WFD and the compliance checking of its quality objectives, the concept of “water bodies” has been introduced. Therefor for assessing the ecological status of surface waters and planning and implementing program of measures, rivers and lakes were divided into discrete volumes, or surface water bodies (SWBs). SWBs are discrete sections or parts of water bodies, which differ from each other in specific natural characteristics, the nature of the impact of human activity, or any other significant and distinguishable parameters (Sall et al, 2012). The process of delineation and definition surface water bodies consists of the division of water bodies into sections and parts according to the (agreed) parameters and criteria. Each surface water body is subject to regular assessment of status and measures for improving and maintaining the status of water bodies. Delineation and identification of surface water bodies consisted of division of water bodies into sections and parts according to agreed parameters and criteria. More specifically, the process involved identification of the location and boundaries of surface water bodies and initial characterization in accordance with the methodology described below:

 The SWBs within the river basin/sub-basin were identified as falling within either one of the following surface water categories -rivers, lakes, or as heavily modified surface water bodies  For each surface water category, the relevant SWB within the river basin/sub-basin was differentiated according to a type. These types are defined using the system A of the WFD (seeTable2)  SWBs within the river basin/sub-basin were differentiated by the relevant ecoregions in accordance with the geographical areas. The River Basin District under this review belongs to the 24-th ecoregion (the Caucasus)  SWBs were differentiated by surface water body types according to the descriptors set out in the Table 2 below

Table 2 System A. Rivers and Lakes

Fixed typology RIVERS LAKES Descriptors Descriptors Ecoregion 24 (Caucasus) 24 (Caucasus) Type Altitude typology Altitude typology  high: >800 m  high: >800 m  mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m  mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m  lowland: <200 m  lowland: <200 m Size typology based on catchment area Size typology based on surface area  small: 10 to 100 km2  0.5 to 1 km2  medium: >100 to 1 000 km2  1 to 10 km2  large: >1 000 to 10 000 km2  10 to 100 km2  very large: >10 000 km2  >100 km2 Depth typology based on mean depth

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

 <3 m  3 to 15 m  >15 m Geology Geology  calcareous  calcareous  siliceous  siliceous  organic  organic

Each water body (of the river basins/sub-basins) was differentiated according to the appropriate geographical ecoregions. The Alazani-Iori river basin belongs to Ecoregion 24 (Caucasus). All rivers with a catchment basin over 10 km² were considered for the purpose of establishing and identifying surface water bodies. However, as an exception, rivers with catchment areas smaller than 10 km² were also categorized into individual water bodies with respect to their significance. It should be mentioned, that most of the small rivers have been included into larger catchment basins.

Establishment of SWBs was based on types of water bodies in natural (reference) conditions. The type of the water body in natural conditions, depending on the set of natural properties of the SWBs or their parts, was identified for each surface water body. Identification of the types of rivers is based mainly on geographical and morphological character. For the coding of the delineated water bodies the international hydrological coding system has been used, known as the Hack's main streams or Gravelius order (Zavoianuet al, 2009), the river streams ranking based on a concrete hierarchy of tributaries. Each delineated water body in the Alazani-Iori river basin obtained a unique identifier using the following format: XxxYZZ, where Xxx is a first 3 letters of the river name;Y is the order of the river:  0 - Denotes order of the main river flowing to the sea  1 - Order of tributary of the main river  2 - Order of tributary following the 1st order river  3 - Order of tributary following the 2nd order river

ZZ - Is the sequential amount of water objects by the given order. Therefore, as an example, the Waterbody “Alz101” corresponds tot he river Alazani, a 1st order river, 01st water body.

In order to avoid an endless division of surface water bodies, all small rivers/tributaries were united and joined under the most important river code. However, some exceptions still exist were made by expert judgment and taking into account the importance of the rivers.

1.1.2 Identification and delineation of SWBs

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The type of a water body depends on the set of the natural properties of the water body or their parts. Identification of the types of rivers are mainly based on geographical and morphological properties. Based on the parameters altitude, geology and catchment area, 12 river types were identified in the Alazani-Iori river basin (see Table 3). In addition, with the parameter mean depth and surface area, 3 lake types were identified see Table 4). For an optimal typological differentiation of a water body, the length of a river ≤10 km was used as the lower threshold (as required by the WFD). Similar to the coding of surface water bodies, a few exceptions were made by expert judgment. Table 3 River types in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Table 4 Lake types in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Delineation of basin areas has been implemented by means of the geo-informational technologies, where only two variables have been applied - digital elevation model (STRM 30) and digital hydrographic network with the 1: 25,000 resolution original scale data-sheets, based on the Soviet topographical maps. In addition, these images (raster data) and vector data-sets have been geo-rectified and corrected on the basis of most recent satellite imagery of a high intelligibility. As a result of the abovementioned application, 323 units of different types of rivers have been identified in the Alazani-Iori river basin. Except for rivers, within Alazani-Iori river basin, there have been identified 1 lake (Jikurebi Lake – type 1), 2 reservoirs (Sioni Reservoir – type IV and Dali reservoir – type II), and 4 ponds (2 ponds – type II, 2 ponds – type I), i.e. lake water bodies (see Figure 4).

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 4 Delineation of SWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin

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1.2 Groundwater bodies (GWBs)

1.2.1 Methodology for delineation of GWBs

Georgia has significant fresh groundwater resources. Detailed hydrogeological surveys, conducted in the beginning of 90s, show that Georgia’s natural fresh groundwater resources amount to 573 m³/s. The resources have rather uneven geographical and administrative distribution.

It was significant to carry out the delineation of groundwater bodies and to use the appropriate methodology for this process.

The selection process of groundwater bodies was carried out under guidance of “CIS guideline document #2”. In addition, number of workshops, trainings and skype conferences were organized during the timeframe of the project. It is important to point out that the reports on the previous geological and hydrogeological studies have been processed, furthermore the existing maps have been digitized. Based on all the data obtained, 23 aquifers were identified, which are in direct contact with surface eco-system. Consequently, from these aquifers groundwater bodies were delineated. The delineation process has been done according to the river basins.

All hydrogeological horizons have been analyzed in its geological boundaries as an independent body with a particular chemical and quantitative status. Also, their possible hydraulic connection with other horizons and similar anthropogenic interactions have been explored. Furthermore, the existence of different types of (agricultural, industrial, and other) anthropogenic pressure on groundwater bodies and their nature, which could have become the cause of their unification or separation of groundwater bodies have been considered. For example, even though the groundwater bodies of Alazani and Iori basins belong to the same type of porous waters, they were separated as types of independent bodies. This is primarily conditioned by their different recharge and formation areas, with different climatic and hydrochemical properties. In particular, Porous-type Groundwater aquifer type of Alazani Basin unites the large resources of low mineralized, suitable for drinking water, groundwater bodies. And, a type of aquifers of Iori Basin unites the high mineralized and low saturated groundwater bodies, which are developed under conditions of dry climate.

Almost for all the groundwater bodies have been observed the vertical zonality, which implies the existence of two and more sub-aquifers. As a rule, the upper layer is zone of intensive circulation, with relatively low mineralization and high-water saturation, and lower layers are characterized by gradual in-crease of mineralization and reduction of water saturation. In addition, upper layers are more active in contact with surface ecosystem and therefore under ecological pressure. Thus, the upper layers of these groundwater bodies should be considered as independent sub-bodies. This applies only to a type of porous type of groundwater bodies of the Alazani and Iori basins, as the types of fractured and karst-type bodies of Great Caucuses’ and Alazani basin are not usually under pressure.

For Alazani and Iori basins, as being under ecological pressure bodies can be considered the first ten meters (from the surface) of porous waters where the pollution can be caused by uncontrolled drilling wells and numerous kinds of diffuse pollutions. It is significant to mention that the above mentioned assumption should be taken into consideration in the process of organizing the network of monitoring stations.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

1.2.2 Identification and delineation of GWBs

As mentioned above 23 groundwater bodies were identified in the Alazani-Iori river basin, which are in contact with surface ecosystems. In these groundwater bodies, which need to be protected and managed under the Water Framework Directive, 23 bodies of 4 typed were delineated (see Table 5). Coding of groundwater bodies has been implemented. The first letter stands for groundwater body - G. The second – for groundwater types. In particular, were assigned four types: porous -P; Karst-k; Fractured-F; Mix of porous-Fractured-M. The third, Alazani and Iori basins. They were given the following codes: Alazani-A and Iori-I. Also, each body was given four-digit digital code. Table 5 List of groundwater bodies of Alazani-Iori valley aquifer

Hydrogeological Geographical sub- ## type of GWB type of GWB GWB name GWB Code

1 Porous - Alazani AlaAllu; GPA0001 AlaKva; GPA0003 (GP) (GPA) AlaTel; GPA0005 AlaGur GPA0006

Iori IorAluv; GPI0002 IoDePro; GPI0004 (GPI) IoAgAph GPI0011

2 Mix of Porous- Iori IoCoAph GMI0007 Fractured IoMaAph GMI0008 (GMI) IomaAgh GMI0009 (GM) IocoAgh GMI0010 IoShir GMI0012 IoDush GMI0013 IoSar GMI0014 IoMai GMI0015

3 Karstic Alazani AlUpCre GKA0018 ALowCr GKA0019 (GK) (GKA) AlIuCre GKA0020

Iori AlUpIu GKI0021 (GKI)

4 Fractured Alazani AlMIu GFA0022 AlLey GFA0023 (GF) (GFA)

Iori AlaPal GFI0016 (GFI) IoEoc GFI0017

In the first type are presented porous groundwater bodies of Mio-Pliocene and old and modern Quaternary age of the Alazani Valley, such as the Telavi (groundwater body code GPA0005), Gurjaani (GPA0006),

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old Quaternary age Kvareli (GPA0003), and modern alluvial sediments (GPA0001) groundwater bodies. and in Iori basin are presented groundwater bodies of almost similar hydrochemical and hydrodynamic properties: modern alluvial sediments (GPI0002) Quaternary age deluvial-proluvial sediments (GPI0004), and Agchagir-Afsheron struta (GPI0011).

The second type are mixed porous-fractured groundwater bodies of the Iori Valley: the groundwater body of Afsharon continental deposits GMI0007, the Afsheron marine deposits (GMI0008), Agchagiri marine deposits (GMI0009), Agchagiri continental deposits (GMI0010), the Shiraki strata (GMI0012), Dusheti strata (GMI0013) Upper Samart (GMI0014) and Mycop strata (GMI0015). These are weakly saturated or unsaturated deposits.

The third type are karst groundwater bodies, represented by the carbonate deposits of upper Cretaceous (GKA0018), lower Cretaceous terrigenian flish (GKA0019) and upper Jurassic-lower Cretaceous carbonate-karst rocks (GKA0020) in the Alazani Valley. The groundwater body of carbonate deposits of Up- per Jurassic age of Iori basin near Dedoplistskaro (GKA0021) also belongs to this group. This group is characterized by high saturation and low-mineralized drinking groundwater with practically no ecological pressure.

The fourth type unites fractured groundwater bodies, located on the Southern Slope of the Great Cauca- sus: groundwater bodies of the middle and lower Jurassic age (GFA0022) and Upper and Lower Lyas complex (GFA0023). They are also primarily in the upper active circulation zone, contain water of low mineralization groundwaters. The deployment of these bodies in the high mountain zone generally ex- cludes ecological pressure.

To the same fractured type belong sporadically saturated groundwater bodies of Paleogene age (code GFI0016) and water bodies of Upper Eocene deposits (code GFI0017) located in the Iori basin. They are different from the Alazani fractured type groundwater group, by low water permeability. Figure 5 shows delineation of GWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 5 Delineation of GWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin

It is important to highlight that groundwater delineation gives possibility to plan, utilize and protect- groundwater resources, ensure their sustainable development by organizing automated monitoring system, which enables to perform quantify and qualititatively control on the groundwater resources.

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2 PRESSURES AND IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

Article 5 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the identification of the significant pressures and drivers present in the River Basin District (RBD). These compliance indicators are used to record the most likely impacts leading to the failure of water bodies to reach good status/potential as a result of the sum of those pressures. According to EU Reporting guidance, v 4.9,2015 there are the following pressure types: point pressure; diffuse pressure; abstraction pressure; physical alteration; other pressure. These pressures refer to the corresponding main drivers such as urban development, industry, agriculture, etc.4 Regarding the policy document on Key Issues under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and considering the Alazani-Iori river basin background analysis, also in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the water experts, the main drivers and various types of pressure for SWB in the Alazani-Iori river basin district has been specified (see Table 6). As for the groundwater, the table shows index of potential pressure on groundwater.

Table 6 Main drivers and pressure for water bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin # Pressure Main Driver (s) Surface Waters Groundwaters Rivers Lakes

1.1 Point-Urban waste water Urban development + +

1.2 Point-Industry waste wa- Industry + + ter 2.1 Diffuse-Agricultural (crop Agriculture + + + production; animal live stocking) 2.2 Diffuse-Other (Illegal land- Urban development, + + + fill) Agriculture, Industry 3.1 Abstraction/Flow Diver- Agriculture + + + sion -Agriculture (for irrigation) 3.2 Abstraction/Flow Diver- Urban development + + + sion - Public Water Sup- ply

3.3 Abstraction/Flow Diver- Industry + + sion -Industry

3.4 Abstraction/Flow Diver- + + sion -HPP 3.5 Abstraction/Flow Diver- Aquaculture + + sion - Fish farms

4 See: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/facts_figures/guidance_docs_en.htm

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

4.1 Physical alteration- Al- Aquaculture, Urban + tered riparian habitats; development, Industry, Flood protection 4.2 Physical alteration- Al- Aquaculture, Urban + tered sediment continuity development, Industry, and/or dynamics Flood protection 4.3 Physical alteration- Aquaculture, Urban + Bed/Bank fixation development, Industry, Flood protection 4.4 Physical alteration- Aquaculture, Urban + Changed planform/chan- development, Industry, nel pattern Flood protection 4.5 Physical alteration- Im- Aquaculture, Urban + + poundment / reduced flow development, Industry, velocity, storage Flood protection 5.1 Hydrological alteration- Aquaculture, Urban + + Low flow development, Industry, Flood protection 5.2 Hydrological alteration- Aquaculture, Urban + Reduced flow velocity development, Industry, Flood protection

5.3 Hydrological alteration- Aquaculture, Urban + + Variable flow development, Industry, Flood protection

As mentioned above there are the pressure types such as point source pollution, diffuse source pollution, water abstraction, hydromorphological alteration in the Alazani-Iori river basin.

2.1 Significant water management issues for point source pollution

In order to identify water management issues and their relevance to the Alazani-Iori river basin, the IM- PRESS methodology as well as findings of the study “the Characteristics of the Alazani and Ioris River Basins, available Annual database of Actual Water Use of MEPA (2017), the result of State Monitoring and SWFS have been used. According to IMPRESS methodology, in particular guidance document on Pressure-Impact Analysis and Risk Assessment, pressures related to point source of pollution of surface water are the following:  Urban waste water discharges  Industrial waste water discharges  Other discharges into the surface water recipient (e.g. legal landfills, contaminated sites, etc.)

Wastewater discharges into surface water bodies- According to annual database on Actual Water Use (2017 year) developed under MEPA, from consumptive water users 556,4257 m3 wastewater was discharged directly into surface waters of the Alazani-Iori river basin. Out of total volume of wastewater

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discharged, 5,142,995 m3 (about 90% of total volume of discharged in surface waters) was untreated wastewater, 421,262 m3 (~8% of total volume of discharged in surface waters) – treated water. For more details, please refer to Annex 2, Table1.

Municipal wastewater discharge - Untreated wastewater discharges mostly were accounted to the sewage networks of small towns of the Alazani-Iori basin. Within the pilot basin centralized sewerage systems are developed in the municipal centres of Akhmeta, Sagarejo, Gurjaani, Lagodekhi, Dedoplistskaro (Kakheti Municipality) and Tianeti (Mtskheta-Mtianeti Municipality). None of the village settlements are served by centralized sanitation systems. Within this river basin, in 2017 the volume of discharged wastewater from the sanitation sector is amounted to 7,089,475 m3 in total, among which 2,005,600 m3 of wastewater was accounted to the Telavi sewerage network, from which untreated wastewater is discharged to the main irrigation canal of the Upper Alazani Irrigation Network, which is managed by LTD Georgian Amelioration. The remaining 5,083,875 m3 municipal wastewater was discharged to surface water bodies. It is important to point out that there is no wastewater treatment plant (WTP) in the river basin. However, a new and modern WTP is under construction that will be linked to Telavi city and surrounding villages. The new treatment plant will be ready for operation around 2020-2021. The number of enterprises discharging wastewater into centralized sewerage systems is very low. Ac- cordingly, wastewater mainly consists the following pollutants: BOD, COD, nitrates, phosphates. Calcu- lated amounts of pollutants generated in the municipal wastewater are presented in the Table 7 below.

Table 7 Main characteristics of municipal sewerage systems and treatment plants State of the P.E. con- Name of settlement municipal nected to Pollution load (calcu- with Sewerage Sys- wastewater sewerage lated by p.e), g/d tem treatment system plant Under con- BOD-108,000; COD- UWSCG Telavi Ser- struction (to be 18,000 216,000; Ntot-19,800; Ptot- vice Center launched in 3600 2020-2021) BOD-615,000; COD- UWSCG Gurjaani Ser- Does not exisit 10,250 1,230,000; Ntot-112,750; vice Center Ptot-20,500 BOD-1,212,060; COD- UWSCG Lagodekhi Does not exisit 2,021 242,520; Ntot-22,231; Ptot- Service Center 4,042 BOD-10,620; COD- UWSCG Kvareli Ser- Does not exisit 177 21,240; Ntot-1,947; Ptot- vice Center 354 BOD-111,600; COD- UWSCG Signagi Ser- Does not exisit 1,860 22,320; Ntot-20,460; Ptot- vice Center 3,720 UWSCG Dedop- BOD-141,120; COD- listskaro Service Cen- Does not exisit 2,352 282,240; Ntot-25,872; Ptot- ter 4,704

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

BOD-173,60; COD- UWSCG Akhmeta Ser- Not operating 2,886 346,320; Ntot-31,746; Ptot- vice Center 5,772 BOD-14,6580; COD- UWSCG Sagarejo Ser- Not operating 2,443 293,160; Ntot-26873; Ptot- vice Center 4886 BOD-148,740; COD- UWSCG Tianeti Ser- Does not exisit 2,479 297,480; Ntot-27,269; Ptot- vice Center 4,958

Industrial wastewater discharge - According to the database on annual water use (MEPA, 2017), the main economic activities in the river basin that leads to discharging water into surface water objects, are wine production, sand and gravel processing. From these activates wastewater discharge mainly is carried out into the Iori river, Alazani river and its tributaries, such as Kisiskhevi, Ilto, Paptriskhevi, Vanti- skhevi, etc. Pollution from municipal Landfills - In the Alazani-Iori river basin, the landfills are managed by the LTD Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia (SWMCG). The landfills are operating in Dedoplistskaro, Signagi, Sagarejo, Lagodekhi, Telavi Municipalities (Kakheti Region), Tianeti (Mtskheta-Tianeti Region). Municipality of Akhemta is served by the Telavi landfill. There is a municipal waste transfer station. The landfill of Gurjaani is officially closed by the company. Despite the closing and upgrading measures, which have been carried out by the SWMCG, when it took over the existing landfills in the region, have contrib- uted to overall improvements, leakage and landfill gas emissions are still serious problems. The high organic content of the household and household-like waste, its moisture content leads to the formation of leakage and landfill gas (which consists of methane that contributes in a much larger extend to climate change than CO2). It would point out that none of above mentioned landfills are located near surface water body, accordingly it would not be considered as point source pollution.

2.1.1 Water quality

Up-to-date data on water quality in the Alazani-Iori river basin is incomplete because of the lack of an effective water quality monitoring network. This makes it difficult to discuss impacts caused by the discharge of wastewater into water bodies. Taking into consideration the pressure on natural water sources we can suggest that the rivers Alazani, Iori and their tributaries are mainly polluted with organic substances, biogenic substances from untreated wastewater, as well as by legal and illegal landfills and agricultural lands, drainage and storm water. There are only three water quality monitoring stations in the Alazani basin (Chiauri, Alaverdi and Omalo) and 2 stations in the Iori basin (Sasadilo and Sartichala) under the authority of the National Environmental Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. The stations do not conduct systematic monitoring, making it difficult to assess the situation with water quality. The above stations measure the following physical and chemical parameters: pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), the content of nitrite, nitrate, ammonia nitrogen, phosphates, sulphates, iron, zinc, copper, lead, and manganese, electric conductivity, and mineralization. Monitoring of concrete organic substances, such as PAH, PCB, pesticides and others, is not conducted within the framework of the National Water Quality Monitoring Program. However, within the framework of water quality monitoring in the Alazani-Iori river basin conducted by NEA in 2013-2017, the following ten components have been selected to demonstrate the trends of BOD5, NH4, NO3, NO2, PO4, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and mineralization. The Annex2.Table 2 (see in Annex 2) shows minimum and maximum concentration of these substances

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in the given period.The systematic monitoring of water quality in the river Alazani and the river Iori showed no significant change in water quality during the last 5 years, however, ammonia often exceeds MPC, which must be caused by uncontrolled discharge of untreated wastewater in the rivers. For the assessment of water quality in the basin the results of the Surface Water Field Survey (SWFS) (conducted under EUWI+ in September 2018) have been reviewed as well. However, it should be mentioned that the aim of the monitoring of the physical-chemical parameters under the SWFS was to collect supplementary information on biological data rather than to judge the general conditions of water quality. During the SWFS samples have been taken from 12 points, from which four samples were taken from the river Iori basin and eighth from the river Alazani basin. For more details, please see Annex2.Table3 and Annex2.Table4. The results of SWFS show that all measured parameters are in compliance with MPC, except sulphates at the monitoring point Iori-Chaura and Iori-Dali downstream. But considering the spatial distribution of the sampling points of SWFS (see Annex2. Figure1) the result of SWFS cannot be used as evidence for assessment of impacts caused by pollution from untreated municipal wastewater, since the sampling points are located on the upstream of the discharge points of the untreated municipal wastewater. . 2.1.2 SWBs under significant pressures and impacts from point source pollution

Following the identification of key driving forces and water management issues, possible point source pollution pressures and impacts were assigned and tentative geographical locations of driving forces/pressures identified, by using the IMRESS driving force-pressure-impact screening matrix. During this analysis, data from the SWFS (2018) that were conducted under the EUWI+ project along with da- tasets from the National Environmental Agency (surface water monitoring programme) have been used. As a result of the screening exercise, it was detected that typical water management issues related to the point sources of pollution mainly come from urban wastewater discharges. According to the annual database on Actual Water Use, 2017 (MEPA), main industrial activities in the basin are processing of construction materials and wine production, but due to incomplete database and weak information about locations of the discharge points, it is difficult to cover a full picture of pressures from the industrial sector by delineated SWBs. As it is described above, due to the current conditions of the legal landfills (managed by the SWMCG) located in the basin, pressures from them cannot be identified as point source of pollution. Calculation of pressure indicator for untreated wastewater from settlements For assessment of pressure indicator and preliminary risks for untreated wastewater was used Analysis of Pressures and Impacts, and Assessment of Risks. In the document threshold values and criteria to grade water bodies into risk categories “not at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “at risk” were established. This Guidance Document is based on the requirements and principles of Water Framework Directive and IM- PRESS (Impact/Pressure) Working Group Guidance Document. According to this methodology the pressure indicator describes the untreated urban wastewater load (from the settlements (villages, cities) where canalisation is built without waste water treatment plant) in relation to the annual minimum flow. Dww expresses the dilution of wastewater in a river water body. The pressure indicator helps to categorise the (raw) wastewater loads and rank them according to the magnitude of the expected impact on water status. Priority ranking and the classification of hot spots may be based on this indicator combined with information on the size of the impacted river stretch and magnitude of the pressure. The indicator can be calculated to analyse pressures according to the following equation:

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Dww = L/Qmin,r 5 The load equivalent (L) is discharged at a distinct location (point source) to the river. The total load equivalent shall be expressed as calculated dimensionless number L, using either the number of connected inhabitants or – in case of loads are given - population equivalents The criteria to assess the risk regarding an identified pressure untreated wastewater is the following:  Dww> 1.5- At risk  1 < Dww< 1.5- Possibly at risk  Dww <1- Not at risk

Based on the experts’ judgement and spatial analysis of key drivers and related pressures, 12 SWBs were identified as undergoing to significant pollution pressures from untreated municipal wastewater: Akh303 (Akhtaliskhevi) Kom401 (Balakhevi); Ved302 (Vezrulaskhevi); Nin305 (Ninoskhevi); Shr303 (Shromiskhevi) Bur 203 (Bursa); Mdn201(Anagiskhevi, Sakoboskhevi, Mashnaaris khevi); Ilt204 (ilto); Alz110 (Alazani); Alz141 (The Atsiviskhevi river); Ior 120; Ior 106 (Iori). For categorization pressure indicators and calculation of preliminary risks for these 12 SWB was used above-mentioned Guidance Document on Analysis of Pressures and Impacts, and Assessment of Risks. Figure 6 shows the result of the preliminary risk assessment against point source pollution (urban wastewater). While the result of the calculation based on the above mentioned methodology can be seen in Annex2. Table5.

5 Dww: Specific wastewater discharge into the respective river water body (dimensionless) ; L:Total (dimensionless) load equivalent originating from waste water discharge into the river in terms of organic matter as BOD5 or COD; or nutrient load, in terms of Ntot or Ptot; or number of inhabitants connected to the sewer system ; Qmin,r: Minimum annual flow of the river [l/s]

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Figure 6 Preliminary risk assessment against point source pollution (urban wastewater)

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

2.2 Estimation of diffuse source pollution

Diffuse pollution would be considered as a major pressure on the water environment in general and specifically in the Alazani-Iori river basin. Since Kakheti is an agricultural region, agriculture has been identified as a significant pressure in river and lake water bodies that are located in the Alazani-Iori river basin district. Diffuse pollution from agriculture also presents potential pollution source for groundwater bodies. The diffuse pollution from agriculture and other rural activities is crucial in this basin. Impacts are evident in all catchments but are most prevalent in the areas where there are poorly drained soils and subsoils. Regarding agriculture activity, the main pathway causing pressures are: Nutrient loss from agriculture (by surface runoff, soil erosion, etc.); Pesticide loss; Sediment loss (by soil, bank and riverbed erosion) and possible impacts are: Modified ecosystem; Toxicity and Smothering of bed respectively. It is important to present in detail diffuse pressures and relevant main drivers in the framework of the Alazani-Iori river basin district. Lack of data to represent different types of pressures and impacts of the diffuse source of pollution is an issue in Georgia including the Alazani-Iori river basin district. It is important to point out that the main driver with the potential for causing pressure from diffuse pollution in this basin is agriculture (i.e. crop production, animal live stocking and grazing). Furthermore, the illegal landfills that are located in this river basin basin would be considered as a diffuse source pollution pressure. In terms of GWB diffuse pollution especially vulnerable are the first aquifer complex on earth’s surface. Table 8 shows diffuse pressure sources and the main drivers which are linked to SWBs in the Alazani- Iori river basin. Table 8 Diffuse pressure sources and the main drivers

Water body cate- Clarification on pressures gory Pressure Main Driver(s) River Lake Agricultural Agriculture + +

Other-(i.e. Illegal land- Any driver/Other + Other diffuse sources not in- fill) cluded in the categories above

In order to analyze pressure agriculture crop (plant) production, the indicator- likelihood for diffuse pollution (EU EPIRB, 2013)6 has been used, which describes the likelihood of diffuse pollution including typical agricultural contaminants, such as nutrients from fertilizers, pesticides and other plant protection products, It uses a general variable for nutrients from fertilizers, pesticides and other protection products, This indicator can be calculated by the following equation7: Sagri = Aagri/AWB, where Sagri : Share of the agricultural area in a given water body catchment [-]; AWB: Catchment area of the respective water body [km2]; Aagri: Area used for intensive/industrial agriculture in the respective catchment. For common agriculture pressure indicator total area of permanent crop and arable lands were used as the numerator of the equation.

6 Environmental protection of international river basins (EPIRB): Improves water quality in the trans-boundary river basins of the wider Black Sea region and Belarus. Countries covered: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine 7 Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia- USAID Governing for Growth (G4G) in Georgia

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Afterwards, the threshold criteria have been set for defining water bodies “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk”:  Sagri > 0.65- At risk  0,35 < Sagri < 0.65- Possibly at risk  Sagri <0.35- Not at risk

Table 9 and Figure 7 below show the area (km2) against agriculture diffuse pollution pressure respectively . Table 9 Polluted area against agriculture (crop production) non-point source pollution pressures

Polluted area Possibly pol- Not polluted area luted area

Arable land / Perma- 895.25 km2 1252.56 km2 579.37 km2 nent crop

Based on pressure and impact analysis the preliminary risk assessment has been elaborated. In the assessment stage water bodies “at risk”, “possibly at risk” or “not at risk” with help of available impact data have been identified. 25 water bodies have been graded into risk category “at risk”, while 57 water bodies are classified as “possibly at risk”. Figure 8 below and Annex2. Table 6 (see Annex 2) present the result of the preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 7 Polluted areas against agriculture (crop production) pressures -Diffuse source pollution

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Figure 8 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Furthermore, animal livestock diffused source pollution pressure indicator (EU EPIRB, 2013) has been calculated. It describes the likelihood of diffuse pollution with typical pollutants stemming from animal live stocking, such as nutrients (with potentially toxic (e.g. NH4) or chronic effects (e.g. PO4) that can impact on biological quality elements and organic matter with potentially negative effects on riverine oxygen regime)8. The following formula has been used to calculate this indicator: Ihus = Ue/AWB9 In order to assess the risk regarding an identified pressure Likelihood Diffuse Pollution (Animal livestocking - Ihus = Ue/AWB) (EU EPIRB, 2013) the following risk (threshold) criteria have been set up:  Ihus >1 - At risk  0,3 < Ihus < 1 - Possible at risk  0 < Ihus < 0.3 - Not at risk

Based on this the preliminary risk assessment for animal livestock diffused source pollution has been elaborated. 7 water bodies have been rated as “at risk”, whereas 23 water bodies have been specified as “possibly at risk”. Figure 9 below and Annex2.Table 7 (see Annex 2) show the result of the preliminary risk assessment against animal livestock diffused source pollution pressure.

8 Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia- USAID Governing for Growth (G4G) in Georgia; This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Deloitte Consulting LLP 9 Ihus: Indicator for animal livestock [LU/ha]; Ue: Animal livestock unit for grazing livestock and others (e.g. pigs, different poultry species), that is calculated as livestock unit (LU) multiplied by animals number averaged over the whole year for the water body; AWB: Catchment area of the respective water body [ha].

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Figure 9 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure

Analyzing available data, also after discussion with the experts and key stakeholders, the project team decided to consider the illegal landfills in the Alazani-Iori river basin district as diffuse source pollution pressure. The indicator was calculated by ratio of landfill area [m2] to the catchment area of the respective

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin water body [m2]. Due to lack of data availability and having a gap in the methodology with respect to this issue the further investigation will be needed to categorize water body “at risk” due to such pressure. For the final risk assessment, it was important to identify SWBs under significant pollution pressure (see An- nex2.Table 8). Regarding the illegal landfills’ location and information on their waste volume (m3) in the Alazani-Iori river basin district, a map of illegal landfills has been created (see Figure10). More than 200 illegal landfills are located in this basin. Quite a big amount of the landfills has more than 1000 m3 waste volume, that would cause adverse consequence for water bodies. Figure 10 Illegal landfills (by waste volume) in the Alazani-Iori river basin

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2.3 Estimation of quantitative pressures on SWBs and GWBs

By analyzing existing water use patterns in the Alazani-Iori river basin, it would be concluded that the energy sector, irrigation sector and domestic water supply sector are the leaders among consumptive water users. The main drivers of water abstraction pressure in this basin are irrigation systems, hydropower plants, drinking water supply, fish farming, sand/gravel extraction. Excessive water abstraction pressure in the Alazani-Iori river basin associates with the major drivers such as agriculture, urban development, industry, etc. (see Annex 1.Table9). According to the water consumption database (MEPA, 2017), 915.77 million m3 water was used by HPPT, while irrigation sector was consumed 66.35 million m3, 16.55 million m3 and 4.24 milliom m3 water was used by public water supply sector and fish farms respectively. As mentioned above water abstraction for irrigation is significant in the Alazani-Iori river basin district. There are six irrigation systems in the Kakheti region. Kvarei, Lagodekhi and Dedoplistskaro are irrigation- drainage systems, while the others are only irrigation systems. The largest systems are Naurdali canal, Upper Alazani canal and Lower Alazani canal. Furthermore, water abstraction -public water supply can be considered as an important pressure in this basin. Most of the municipal centers of the river basin have central water supply systems, including towns of Telavi, Dedoplistskaro, Sagarejo, Kvareli, Akhmeta, and Lagodekhi. These systems are rehabilitated or are under the process of rehabilitation. Figure 11 shows surface water abstraction locations and their usage. After analyzing available data on surface water abstraction in the Alazani-Iori river basin, pressure analysis and impact assessment have been performed and the water bodies (Alz107, Bur203, Che202, Chi202, Chi203, Chu201, Ior118, Ior125, Kis204, Mdn201, Oli201, Shr303, Lag302, Shr302, Tva201, Bur202, Dur202) under significant abstraction pressure have been defined (see Annex2 Table10). It is important to highlight the locations and volume of water abstraction from ground sources in the Ala- zani-Iori river basin district. Groundwater abstraction includes the pumping of groundwater from the wells, drainage, damming. Figure 12 presents a map showing groundwater abstraction locations and annual abstraction volume (m3) per municipalities in this river basin. Location and volume of water abstraction from groundwater bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin is worth mentioning. Water abstraction from groundwater bodies includes regulated as well as unregulated water abstraction - pumping groundwater from bore-holes, springs capping, etc. It would be mentioned that there are a lot of irregular/unlicensed groundwater abstractions in the Alazani-Iori river basin.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 11 Surface water abstraction location in the Alazani-Iori river basin

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Figure 12 Annual groundwater abstraction in the Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

2.4 Analysis of hydromorphological pressure

Under the pressures and impacts of human activity analysis the hydromorphological pressure types were subdivided into hydrological regime changes, river continuity and river morphology and for those types, pressure and risk criteria were defined. In order to analyse hydromorphological alteration and impacts of human activity, it is necessary to identify the pressures and to assess the impacts. Pressures on river hydrology and morphology are human activities which have adverse consequences on water bodies. Hydrological flow changes  Water abstraction – River stretches impacted by in-sufficient environmental flow  Impoundments/Reservoir Effects/Back water  Hydropeaking

Longitudinal river and habitat continuity interruption  Interruption of river continuity and fish migration routes

Morphological alterations  Changes in the overall nature-like morphological condition of rivers

For identification of hydrological pressure, the following descriptors are considered: Natural flows (relate to water bodies); Impoundments (nature of the structure such as dam/weir, etc.); Abstraction (maximum daily and the maximum annual rate of abstraction); Discharge data (a measure of total annual quantity). Since the techniques for describing and assessing surface water morphology are not well developed in Georgia, the determination of the pressure on morphology mainly based on expert judgment. It is important to point out that pressures on river morphology include impounding and bank reinforcement. Aa a result of a desk review of preliminary studies, following the thematic and geographic scoping of key drivers/water management issues, pressures and impact related to hydromorphological elements of the river, further pressure-impact assessment has been conducted at the water body level and the following water bodies under significant hydromorphological pressure have been identified: Gur302, Shm202, Lop204, Ior111, Ior112, Ior114, Ior131, Ior113, Ior115, Ter302, Ter301, Kha203, Sag203, Cha302, Chi203, Chi202, Sac202 (see Annex2. Table11). Regarding specific pressures on morphology and hydrology of the rivers, a map of SWBs affected by hydromorphological pressures has been created (see Figure 13).

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Figure 13 SWBs affected by hydromorphological pressure in the Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

In order to summarize pressure and impact analysis that has been made for water bodies in the Alazani- Iori river basin, it is necessary to outline the significant drivers and pressures which affect water bodies in this basin. It would be concluded that pollution from agriculture can be considered as an issue of concern in the Alazani-Iori river basin since agriculture is the cause of severe problems (e.g. the reduction of flows of the rivers and groundwater, water pollution). The second priority is morphology. It is affected by works related to flood defence, hydropower, building of reservoirs and agriculture in rivers. Pollution from urban development is another issue of concern. An extensively reported issue category is pollution from municipal wastewater. The main reasons for problems with this issues are following: the sewer and treatment facilities are not sufficiently developed; the presence of substances in the sewage that are hardly retained in the treatment facilities causes difficulties (e.g. heavy metals). The locations where untreated sewerage from sewerage system and waste from landfills are discharged into the water bodies of the Alazani-Iori river basin can be considered as significant pressure. Furthermore, excessive water abstraction can be considered as an issue of concern, it is linked to irrigation systems, hydropower sector and public water supply.

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3 PROTECTED ZONES

The EU WFD Reporting Guidance recalls that "according to the WFD, the level of protection should be maintained through the inclusion of the designated areas as Protected Areas under WFD". According to Article 6 and Annex IV of the EU WFD, Member States shall ensure the establishment of a register or registers of all areas lying within each RBD which have been designated as requiring special protection under specific Community legislation for the protection of their surface water and groundwater, or for the conservation of habitats and species directly depending on water, including the protection of Natura 2000 sites and economically significant aquatic species. The EU WFD and other related legal documents consider separately protected areas because they need extra protection for conservation of habitats and/or species, or they are distinguished as important to be protected based on other reasons covered by the Community legislation (e.g. abstraction of drinking water, bathing waters, economically significant species(fish, shell), vulnerable zones (nitrates from agriculture), sensitive areas (nutrients from waste water treatment plants), etc. – the WFD Article 6)10. The EU WFD considers protected areas as areas that need extra protection. This directive would be considered as a fundamental tool for implementation of all water-related EU Directives, also it is a platform for coordination of activities on the realization of other Community legal instruments and global initiatives. It is important to outline that the EU WFD requires protected areas registration, which includes the details on related water bodies. The register should cover the areas identified by WFD and/or other related EU Directives. The following types of protected areas would be distinguished:  Water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water;  Areas designated to protect economically significant species (areas protected under Freshwater Fish Directive 2006/44/EC; Shellfish Directive 79/923/EEC);  Areas important for the protection of habitats and /or species where the maintenance or improvement of the status of water is an important factor in their protection (NATURA 20001, sites under Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC);  Bathing waters (areas protected under Bathing Water Directives 76/160/EEC and 2006/7/EC);  Nutrient sensitive areas (areas protected under Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC; Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC)

Within the Alazani-Iori river basin, the related national legislation in Georgia (as a non-EU country) is not (fully) harmonized with the EU standards. Some of the above mentioned EU Directives are not applicable in the case of the Alazani-Iori river basin. Thus, in the case of the Alazani-Iori river basin management plan (RBMP), the modified approach in dealing with protected areas should be used, having different national standards for the delineation of protected areas. According to the Law of Georgia on Water, the protection zones such as water protection zones (territory, which borders to aquatic area water body and a special regime is established for the utilization of this territory for domestic purposes, as well as for use of natural resources and other economic activities. Also, coastlines of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the Black Sea, as well as alienation lines of main and other channels belong to water protection zones), sanitary protection zones (the area, which is located around the source of underground or surface drinking water and a special regime is established for the utilization of this territory for domestic purposes, as well as for use of natural resources and other economic activities) are defined. In order to protect water resources from pollution, there is some limitation regarding the certain activities within these zones. Furthermore, some activities within water protection zones shall be implemented as determined by the legislation of Georgia.

10 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

3.1 Water protection zones

According to Article 19 (Water protection zone)11 of Law of Georgia on Water, river, lake, reservoir riparian, isolation zones of main and other canals, as well as other zones provided under legislation shall fall under water protection zones. The activities (such as the construction works, works for deepening beds and blasting works, the extraction of useful minerals, the forest cutting, drilling, etc.) on water bodies and within water protection zones shall be implemented as determined by the legislation of Georgia. Based on Article 20 (River water protection zone)12 of Law of Georgia on Water, the river water protection zones would be defined. The water protection zone of a river shall be its adjacent territory, where a special regime is established to protect water resources from pollution, littering, fouling and depletion. This zone may include its dry bed, adjacent terraces, natural elevated and steep riversides, as well as gullies directly adjacent to riversides. The width of a river water protection is defined based on the length of a river, it shall be measured in metres from the edge of a riverbed to both sides under the following procedure:

 10 metres - in the case of a river up to 25 kilometres long  20 metres - in the case of a river up to 50 kilometres long  30 metres - in the case of a river up to 75 kilometres long  50 metres - in the case of a river over 75 kilometres long

Figure 14 shows the river water protection zones in the Alazani-Iori river basin. The protection zones are defined considering the above mentioned conditions. The refinement of those delimitation of protection zones is still an on-going process in Georgia.

11 Law of Georgia No 494 of 25 March 2013 - website, 05.04.2013 12 Law of Georgia No 3007 of 26 December 2014 - website, 12.01.2015

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Figure 14 River water protection zones in Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

3.2 Protected areas

According to Article 6 of the EU WFD, the areas which are distinguished as needing special protection must be identified. Areas designated for the protection of habitats or species where the measures aimed to preserve or to improve the status of water bodies are an important factor for their protection (Natura 2000 sites under Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC). The association agreement between Georgia and the European Union, signed on 27 June 2014, includes obligations regarding the implementation of the following two EU directives relevant for the conservation of biological diversity13:

 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora  Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds

Based on the association agreement Georgia is obliged to establish a network of Emerald and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and to initiate priority management measures within four years after signing of the association agreement. There are 15 special areas of conservation (habitats) in the Alazani-Iori river basin. Ten of them such as Lagodekhi, Vashlovani, Batsara, Ilto, Tusheti, Mariamjvari, Chachuna, Arkhoti, Artvisi valley, Sagu- ramo protected areas already belong to the Emerald network14. It is planned to putting forward other special areas (i.e. Alazani, Gombori, Kistauri, Kotsakhura, Kvareli-Shilda) to integrate them into the Em- erald network as future Emerald sites. The map below shows special conservation areas in the Alazani- Iori river basin (see Figure 15). Furthermore, there are five Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds in the Alazani-Iori river basin district. In order to support the biodiversity protection service of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Ilia State University has implemented a project for identifying candidate Spe- cial Protected Areas for Birds (as future Emerald sites), performing baseline study for each individual candidate SPA15. Regarding this project, the selection process is divided into two stages. Firstly, all potential sites are selected by applying the respective stage1 criteria. Afterwards these areas are considered further using one or more of the judgments in stage2 for selection the most suitable areas in number and size for SPA classification. Thus, stage2 supports a consolidation process where the suite of sites selected at stage1 is refined, delineations are adapted and the best combination of sites would be chosen. Considering above mentioned the selection criteria, SPAs for birds have been selected. Special protection areas for birds which are located in the Alazani-Iori river basin are shown in Figure 16.

13 Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds in Georgia- http://aves.biodiversity-georgia.net/

14 The Emerald network is a network of nature protection areas to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats of Europe, which was launched in 1989 by the Council of Europe as part of its work under the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats or Bern Convention that came into force on 1 June 1982. 15 Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds in Georgia- http://aves.biodiversity-georgia.net/

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Figure 15 Special conservation areas in Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 16 Special protection areas(SPAs) for birds in Alazani-Iori river basin

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3.3 Drinking water abstraction

Drinking water abstraction - According to the EU WFD, water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water belong to one of the types of protected areas (zones) that should be registered. Water used for abstraction of drinking water is one of the major targets of protection. When such waters are identified, Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for each pollutant must be established (Simić et al. 2015). The Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) defines water for human consumption as all water either in its original state or after treatment which is16:

 Intended for drinking, cooking and food preparation or other domestic purposes;  Used in any food production business for the manufacture, processing, preservation or marketing of products or substances intended for human consumption unless the competent national authorities in relation to drinking water quality are satisfied that the quality of water has no influence, directly or indirectly, on the health of consumers concerned  Updated safety standards (WHO), empowering of authorities and consumers, managing drinking water in a more sustainable way (water loss, increased confidence in drinking water, circular economy)

As it was previously discussed, the national legislation related to protected areas in Georgia (non-EU country) is not fully harmonized with the EU standards. Thus, the modified approach in dealing with protected areas would be applied. It is important to identify the areas used for the abstraction of drinking water (groundwater, surface water)., at the same time having in mind data availability (i.e. lack of data, data are not systematized, etc.). Regarding Law of Georgian on Water, sanitary protection zones should be existing at all drinking water sources. In order to conserve water that is supplied for drinking and domestic purposes, for medical and health resort needs, sanitary protection zones shall be formed under the legislation of Georgia. It is important to mention that a utility-type water supply system, existing or under construction, or an industrial- use water supply system (used or may be used to supply water to the population) must have a water- supply sanitary protection zone of the surface and ground water bodies from which a water supply system is fed. A water-supply sanitary protection zone would be divided into 3 zones such as The first zone (a strict regime zone); The second zone; The third zone, each of them having a special regime. Mostly all municipality centers of the Alazani-Iori river basin have central water supply systems (i.e. Telavi, Sagarejo, Kvareli, Akhmeta, etc.) Some of them have been already rehabilitated, some are still under the process of rehabilitation. It is important to point out that there is a decentralaised drinking water supply in the rural areas of the river basin. Protecting groundwater from diffuse pollution and from over-abstraction is particularly important for this decentralised supply, also because in these situations the water often is not treated before consumption. The table showing the locations of drinking (surface) water abstraction can be found in Annex3. Table1, while Figure 17 presents the areas designated for drinking water abstraction. The definition of protection zones of drinking water abstraction is still an ongoing issue. Thus, at this moment it is not possible to collect data necessary to define drinking water abstraction zones. Regarding this issue, further efforts will still be necessary.

16 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-drink/legislation_en.html

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 17 Areas for the abstraction of drinking water in the Alazani-Iori river basin

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It would be concluded that according to the Law of Georgia on Water, the protected zones such as water protection zones, river water protection zones, sanitary protection zones are defined. In order to protect water resources from pollution, there is some limitation regarding the certain activities within these zones. Furthermore, some activities within water protection zones shall be implemented as determined by the legislation of Georgia. Water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water have been identified in the Alazani-Iori river basin, that plays a significant role in water resources protection. As well as the areas important for the protection of habitats and species have been defined, the improvement of the status water in these areas is crucial for their protection (sites under Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC). It is important to outline that the following directives are not applicable in the case of the Alazani-Iori river basin:

 Areas designated to protect economically significant aquatic species (areas protected under Freshwater Fish Directive 2006/44/EC; Shellfish Directive 79/923/EEC)  Nutrient sensitive areas (areas protected under Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC)  Bathing waters (areas protected under Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC)

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

4 WATER BODIES STATUS AND RISK ANALYSIS

After identifying the main drivers and pressure types in the Alazani-Iori river basin and impact assessment of surface water bodies (SWBs) and groundwater bodies (GWBs) the preliminary risk assessment has been done. The next step is the final risk assessment considering the result of all pressure-impact issues. In order to identify SWBs “at risk” under point source pollution pressure (urban wastewater discharges) the following pressure indicator was used: the ratio of untreated wastewater to annual minimum flow, showing river dilution capacity17. As well as impact indicators, including physico-chemical, (common physic-chemical parameters, including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, DO saturation, BOD, nutrients, salinization, specific, etc. and priority substances – heavy metals,) and hydrobiological quality parameters have been considered. Based on the result of pressure indicator calculation and regarding specific numerical thresholds water bodies have been assigned the risk categories such as “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk”. 6 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk”, while 4 surface water bodies were defined as “possibly at risk” from point source pollution pressure. For risk assessment for diffuse agricultural (pressure: crop(plant) production; animal livestock) pollution source two pressure indicators such as the ratio of the area used for intensive/industrial agriculture in the respective catchment to the catchment area of the respective surface water body18 and the ratio of animal livestock unit for grazing livestock to the catchment area of the respective surface water body19 were used respectively. The results of pressure indicators (for diffuse agricultural pollution sources) calculations were used to grade the surface water bodies into risk categories “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk”. Since the agricultural sector plays a significant role in the Alazani-Iori river basin, it is logical that 34 surface water bodies were assigned “at risk” category and 66 surface water bodies “possibly at risk” category. For identification of SWBs under significant quantitative pressure (water abstraction) the main drivers such as agriculture, industry and urban development were specified since the energy sector, irrigation sector and domestic water supply sector are the leaders among consumptive water users in this basin. Regarding the data which was obtained from various data sources were integrated and analyzed, also considering the local stakeholder’s consultation surface water bodies were assigned “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk” categories. 17 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk”, while only one surface water body as “possibly at risk”.

17 Pressure indicator: Dww = L / Qmin,r , where Qmin is river minimum flow; Dww – specific wasterwater discharge into the specific river and L - Total (dimensionless) load equivalent originating from wastewater discharge into the river 18 Pressure indicator: Sagri = Aagri/AWB, where Sagri : Share of agricultural area in a given water body catchment [-]; Catchment area of the respective water body [km2]; Aagri: Area used for intensive/industrial agriculture in the respective catchment 19 Pressure indicator: Ihus = Ue/AWB, where Ihus: Indicator for animal livestock [LU/ha]; Ue: Animal livestock unit for grazing livestock and others (e.g. pigs, different poultry species), that is calculated as livestock unit (LU) multiplied by animals number averaged over the whole year for the water body; AWB: Catchment area of the respective water body [ha]

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The hydromorphological pressure types of the pressures and impacts of human activity analysis were subdivided into hydrological regime changes, river continuity and river morphology and for those types, pressure and risk criteria were defined20. As a result of a desk review of preliminary studies, following the thematic and geographic scoping of key drivers / water management issues, as well as regarding expert judgment the risk assessment has been made against hydromorphological pressure indicators. 31 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk”, while 31 surface water bodies were assigned “possibly at risk” category. Considering all pressure types and their impact on SWBs, the risk assessment were performed and as a result, 30 SWBs “at risk” and 118 SWBs “possibly at risk” were identified. Afterwards based on the expert judgment the status of 24 water bodies changed from “not at risk” to “possibly at risk”. Considering pressure-impact analysis and risk assessment of SWBs, a map of risk assessment in the Alazani-Iori river basin was created which presents SWBs ranked as “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk” categories (see Figure 18). Regarding the risk assessment of groundwater bodies, it is important to outline that nitrate concentrations at the 32 water points of NEA’s monitoring network (out of total 33) usually do not exceed the maximum permissible concentration for drinking water of 50 mg/l, established by the technical regulations for drinking water. According to the laboratory data, at 19 water points of the monitoring network nitrate-ion value tends to be about 0-5 mg/l, at 3 water points - 5-10 mg l, in 1 water point - 10-20 mg/l, in 4 water points - 20-25 mg/l, at another 4 water points - 30-50 mg/l. Concentration of nitrate-ion above 50 mg/l is observed at one water point. However, at 5 wells and springs that are not part of NEA’s monitoring network, but which were used to fill gaps in the coverage of that network during EUWI+ field surveys, were higher than 50 mg/l. In order to improve the monitoring network, in addition to the NEA monitoring network water points, 30 samples were taken in the framework of the EUWI + project in 2018 and 2019. Concentration of nitrate higher than 50 mg/l was observed at 5 water point (4 springs and 1 borehole). At the present stage, number of tested water points regarding the status of groundwater bodies, is not enough (according to EU Water Framework Directive) to draw conclusions. The concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides were below the limits of detection at all sites sampled during the EUWI+ field surveys. The quantitative characteristics such as discharge of artesian aquifers at the monitoring sites of NEA’s network are mostly stable. However, there is a large number of privately and irregularly drilled wells that cut through several water-bearing layers in an attempt to maximize abstracted water. This can have negative impact on qualitative and quantitative characterizations of groundwater bodies. Groundwater monitoring in Georgia was resumed in 2013 by the Geology Department of national Envi- ronmental Agency. Since then, the state monitoring network has been expanding every year. However, number of monitoring water points is not enough so far to characterize all groundwater bodies and assess existing risks according to EU Water Framework Directive. Thus, it is better to specify GWBs as ‘possibly at risk’ and ‘unknown status’ in order to protect them in the future. Therefore, the groundwater monitoring network is being improved further.

20 Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia /USAID governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 18 Risk assessment of SWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin

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5 SURFACE WATER MONITORING

Development of the state policy in the sphere of water protection and use, as well as the adoption of legislative acts concerning water use and protection and control is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. Implementation of water monitoring and assessment of the water quality of inland and coastal waters, as well as provision meteorological and geo-morphological observations, and maintenance of respective records is responsibility of National Environment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture (MEPA). The Hydro-Meteorological De- partment of NEA is responsible for the hydro-morphological monitoring. Monitoring results, the measurements of the surveillance and/or operational monitoring are used to define the status of water bodies while results are compared to the respective environmental objectives set. The monitoring of surface water bodies in Georgia will include measurements of chemical, hydrobiological, physico-chemical and hydro-morphological parameters.

5.1 Current surface water monitoring situation

The surface water monitoring in the Alazani-Iori RBD used to focus on water quality. The existing water quality network is not divided into surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring as foreseen in the WFD. Up-to-date data on water quality in the RBD is scarce and incomplete because of an ineffective water quality monitoring network. The National Environment Agency (NEA) maintains 5 water quality monitoring stations in the RBD – 3 water quality monitoring stations in the Alazani basin (Chiauri, Alaverdi and Omalo) and 2 stations in the Iori basin (Sasadilo and Sartichala). Since there is no regular monitoring, there is currently no information about the general situation of water quality. The monitoring is carried out either monthly or quarterly (Mikeladze & Geladze, 2019). In addition, water samples are taken once in a quarter, in order to observe water quality on additional 11 sampling sites since 2014 (sites see Mikeladze & Geladze, 2019), and several new sites were investigated at specific surveys during EPIRB and EUWI+ project. Within the framework of the National Water Quality Monitoring programme mainly physico-chemical and microbiological parameters are analysed. Monitoring of concrete organic substances, such as for e.g.TPH, detergents and others, is conducted in some rivers within the framework of the National Water Quality Monitoring Program. Georgia established maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) to assess SWB (Resolution of the Government of Georgia №425 December 31, 2013, Tbilisi, on the Approval of the Technical Regulation on the Protection of Surface Waters from Pollution of Georgia) for the assessment of surface water bodies (SWB). MAC’s include chemical and microbiological parameters such as heavy metals and organic contaminants (TPH, detergents, etc.). Currently there is no regular hydrobiological monitoring. However, hydrobiological surveys have been carried out during EU-funded projects in the recent years. The surveys focused on the biological quality element (BQE) macro-invertebrates. A WFD compliant Ecological Status Classification System(ESCS) 21 for macro-invertebrates was developed during the EUWI+ project. Due to a number of historical observation points, hydrological monitoring long-term data are available for rivers. Currently however, the water discharge is measured only at one cross-section at the Alazani River (Shakriani).

21 https://www.euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/1115-georgia-definition-of-reference-conditions-and-class- boundaries-in-rivers-of-georgia-for-the-bqe-benthic-invertebrates-eng?fromsearch=1

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

5.2 Monitoring improvement

Distinct surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring will be designed and carried out based on the pressure analysis and risk assessment. A proposal for monitoring sites was discussed at a regional workshop on 18th and 19th November 2019 and thereafter. The network comprises of 8 river and 3 lake surveillance sites, and 5 operational monitoring sites (see Figure 19). Surveillance and operational monitoring sites were selected based on the procedure outlined in the EUWI+( Schaufler, K., et al.) monitoring development plan. The number of sites in this network is not exhaustive and the addition of further sites is recommended if the need arises. Additionally, investigative sites will be implemented if the need arises as outlined in the EUWI+ guidance on investigative monitoring (Hohenblum, P., et. al.). In particular, an investigative monitoring is being carried out at ten sites in the RB.

Figure 19 Recommended monitoring sites for water quality monitoring in rivers and lakes (reservoirs) of the Alazani-Iori river basin

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5.2.1 Chemical Monitoring

To further converge towards the EU Water Framework Directive, monitoring of parameters required regarding both specific pollutants and priorities substances, especially considering the pressure and risk analysis of the river basin is necessary. Bearing in mind the importance of the agricultural sector in the country, it is recommended to also monitor pesticides in surface waters. Surveillance monitoring will also be conducted at Sioni reservoir. Regarding monitoring frequency of surveillance sites, it is recommended to sample all chemical parameters 12 times over the course of one year in rivers, once within the 6-year RBMP cycle. In lakes, general physico-chemical parameters, River Basin-Specific Pollutants (RBSP) and priority substances should be sampled 6 times over the course of one year, once within the 6-year RBMP cycle (see Table 10). In case of the operational sites, it is suggested to sample general physico-chemical parameters 12 times in rivers and 6 times in lakes over the course of one year, twice within the 6-year RBMP cycle (see Table 11). In case of point source or diffuse pollution, suspected priority substances and RBSP should also be sampled (Rivers 12x and Lakes 6x, twice per RBMP cycle).

In lakes, the chemical sampling of general physico-chemical parameters shall be carried out along a vertical depth profile of six depths from surface to bottom. For priority pollutants in surveillance monitoring and specific pollutants in operational monitoring, 2 sampling depths (epilimnion and hypo-limnion) are considered sufficient.

Table 10 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBMP – 1x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

General Physico- Chemical Parameters 12x within the selected Rivers River Basin-Specific year of the RBMP cycle Pollutants To be executed Chemical Priority Substances within any of the Surveillance 6 years of the Monitoring General Physico- RMBP cycle Chemical Parameters 6x within the selected Lakes River Basin-Specific year of the RBMP cycle Pollutants

Priority Substances

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Table 11 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

General Physico- 12x within the selected Chemical Parameters year of the RBMP cycle

Rivers River Basin-Specific -* pollutants To be executed Chemical Priority Substances -*- within any 2 Operational years of the 6 Monitoring General Physico- 6x within the selected years RMBP Chemical Parameters year of the RBMP cycle cycle

Lakes River Basin-Specific -* Pollutants

Priority Substances -*

* If the risk assessment finds the SWB to be affected by point source or diffuse pollution, chemical analysis of the suspected substances should also be conducted. – Rivers: 12x; Lakes: 6x.

5.2.2 Hydrobiological Monitoring

Surveillance and operational monitoring sites shall be the same as for the chemical monitoring. Like in the projects of previous years, monitoring will concentrate on the Biological Quality Element (BQE) macroinvertebrates. This BQE shall be investigated at all of the surveillance and operational monitoring sites. In addition, phytobenthos will also be included at operational monitoring sites, in order to enhance the dataset for developing a WFD compliant classification method. Standing waters will be investigated by monitoring phytoplankton. Chemical and biological data should be jointly interpreted and therefore preferably sampled on the same occasion. The monitoring of the other biological quality elements for both rivers and lakes will be postponed until the next RBMP. Based on data from the EUWI+ project a new WFD compliant ESCS22 was developed recently, which shall become the basis for the ecological classification in the future monitoring. Regarding monitoring frequency of surveillance sites, it is suggested that BQE, benthic invertebrates and phytobenthos should be sampled once per RBMP cycle in rivers. In lakes, phytoplankton is recommended to be sampled 6 times over the course of one year, but once within the RBMP cycle (see Table 12). While for the operational sites it is recommended that BQE, benthic invertebrates and phytobenthos to be sampled twice per RBMP cycle in rivers. In lakes, phytoplankton is recommended to be sampled 6 times over the course of year, twice within the RBMP cycle (see Table 13).

22 https://www.euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/1115-georgia-definition-of-reference-conditions-and-class- boundaries-in-rivers-of-georgia-for-the-bqe-benthic-invertebrates-eng?fromsearch=1

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Table 12 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBDMP – 1x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

Benthic Invertebrates 1x within the selected Rivers To be executed Hydrobiological year of the RBMP cycle Phytobenthos (diatoms) within any of the Surveillance 6 years of the Monitoring 6x within the selected RMBP cycle Lakes Phytoplankton year of the RBMP cycle

Table 13 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Alazani-Iori RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

Benthic Invertebrates 1x within the selected To be executed Rivers Hydrobiological year of the RBMP cycle within any 2 Phytobenthos (diatoms) Operational years of the 6 Monitoring years RMBP 6x within the selected Lakes Phytoplankton cycle year of the RBMP cycle

5.2.3 Hydromorphological Monitoring

Hydromorphology is a supporting element according to the WFD, which comes into effect when differen- tiating between good or high ecological status. While previous hydro-morphological description was carried out at single sites, the new monitoring shall cover the whole river network. A sampling campaign in 2019 was the starting point of hydro-morphological mapping in the whole Alazani-Iori river basin. During the next RBMP cycle, the dataset needs to be increased through additional surveys. The quantitative hydrographic network currently measures water discharge only on the Alazani river. However, as most large rivers in Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions are transboundary (Alazani, Iori, Ktsia- Khrami, Debeda), it is necessary to open at least five additional hydrological stations in the regions (water level and discharge). In this context it is worth noting that there are 9 operational hydropower plants (HPP) in the RBD. The construction of additional 20 HPP by 2050 is planned for the region. Another issue is the poor condition of the irrigation system, with water losses of up to 50%. Both these pressures should be taken into account when deciding the location of hydrological monitoring sites. Concerning standing waters, it is proposed to monitor water level at Lake Jikurebi, Dali and Sioni reservoir.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

5.3 Monitoring Costs

Following estimations represent the costs of the whole six years of an RBMP cycle. As mentioned above, the 9 surveillance sites will be investigated once per cycle (chemical monitoring 12x / year; hydrobiological monitoring in rivers 1x / year, and lakes 6x / year), and the 5 operational monitoring sites will be sampled twice over the six year period (same annual frequency). Taking into account the survey costs of 2018 and 2019 in the EUWI+ project an approximate cost estimation of the surface water monitoring in the Alazani-Iori RBD can be calculated. Considering sampling and analyses of general physico-chemical parameters and all BQE (benthic invertebrates, phytobenthos, phytoplankton) for the proposed surveillance and operational monitoring sites will cost around 24,000 € in this RBMP cycle. The estimation for the monitoring of priority pollutants has lower confidence, as the costs were calculated based on a fraction of costs per parameter in Austrian surface water monitoring. Another assumption was that the number of analyzed parameters is 15. Nevertheless, the rough cost estimate is for priority pollutants is around 32,000 € to 50,000 €. The true costs will vary, depending on the number and kind of analyzed parameters.

5.4 Monitoring results

5.4.1 Chemical Status

Based on pressure data, the rivers Alazani, Iori and their tributaries are mainly polluted with organic substances, biogenic substances from untreated wastewater, as well as by legal and illegal dumping sites and agricultural lands, drainage and storm water. According to annual database on Actual Water Use (2017) developed under MEPA, about 90 % of the total volume of wastewater discharged in the Alazari- Iori river basin, was untreated wastewater. These discharges mostly are accounted to the sewage networks of small towns of the Alazani-Iori river basin (Akhmeta, Sagarejo, Gurjaani, Lagodekhi, Dedoplistskaro and Tianeti). None of the village settlements have centralized sanitation systems, accordingly, collected wastewater is discharged into rivers or intermittent rivers/ravines, which in most cases dry out completely during the summer period. The number of enterprises discharging wastewater into centralized sewage systems is very low. Accordingly, wastewater mainly consists the following pollutants: BOD, COD, nitrates, phosphates. Previous water quality investigations in the Alazani and Iori showed no significant change in water quality during the last 5 years, however, ammonium nitrogen often exceeds MAC, which must be caused by uncontrolled discharge of untreated wastewater in the rivers. According to the results of water quality monitoring in the Alazani and Iori conducted in 2013-2017, ammonium nitrogen, iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) exceeded the norm in some years.

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5.4.2 Ecological status

According to the WFD, the assessment of the ecological status is based on hydrobiological data and Ecological Status Classification Systems (ESCS). Supporting elements are physico-chemical, hydromorphological parameters and specific pollutants. A WFD compliant ESCS23 for macro-invertebrates in rivers was introduced by EUWI+ in 2020. An assessment of the SWB of the Alazani-Iori RBD was fascilitated. The assessment is either based on biological information when enough data was available, or on pressure data, and risk assessment (see Figure 20). With increasing data from surveys in the future, more and more SWB will be assessed with higher confidence supported by biological data. More detailed information can be found in the monitoring report. Intercalibration exercises and evaluation of the ESCS should be conducted. Additional classification systems for the remaining BQE need to be developed. For the HMWB reservoirs, no classification of the ecological potential is available yet.

Figure 20 Preliminary ecological classification of SWB in the Alazani-Iori river basin

23 https://www.euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/1115-georgia-definition-of-reference-conditions-and-class- boundaries-in-rivers-of-georgia-for-the-bqe-benthic-invertebrates-eng?fromsearch=1

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

6 GROUNDWATER MONITORING

The National Environmental Agency is responsible for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of fresh groundwater in Georgia. By 1965, 573 searching and exploration wells had been drilled in the Alazani basin alone and studies and hydrogeological tests were carrying out on the groundwater regime. From 1990 to 2013, centralized hydrogeological exploration and monitoring works hadn’t been carried out. In 2013, the Department of Ge- ology of the National Environmental Agency resumed monitoring of fresh groundwater in Georgia with the support of the Czech Development Agency. Gradually, new stations have been added to the monitoring network, including springs (on the territory of Autonomous Republic of Adjara), with support of EU-financed EPIRB project. NEA currently monitors 56 water points (mainly wells) in the entire territory of the country. Out of the 56 water points, 33 are located in the Alazani-Iori river basin. All 33 water points are equipped with automatic data logging equipment. This equipment continuously records and transmits several key quantitative and qualitative parameters:  Water flow;  Water temperature;  pH;  Electric conductivity;  Total dissolved solids (TDS) In addition to this continuous data collection, NEA conducts chemical and bacteriological analysis of water samples from each monitoring site twice per year. NEA manages and analyses the data from all monitoring sites and prepares information bulletin twice a year based on the hydrogeological monitoring results. The monitoring frequency could be adapted to the risks of anthropogenic contamination and over-abstraction at each site, and the set of analysed parameters should be expanded flexibly, in line with the risk- based approach of the Water Framework Directive (also see below). The bulletins are public and acces- sible to all interested parties. NEA’s database for groundwater could be improved and automatically linked to the new portal of the Environmental Information and Education Center under the Ministry of Environ- mental Protection and Agriculture. The 33 monitoring sites are concentrated in the areas of highest anthropogenic activity and groundwater use in the central parts of the Alazani-Iori river basin, where monitoring is most urgently needed. However, on the long run it is necessary to monitor all groundwater bodies to understand the impacts of anthropogenic pressures on groundwater, as stipulated by the Water Framework Directive. The number of monitoring water points is not enough yet to characterize all the groundwater bodies and assess existing risks. According to requirements of EU Water Framework Directive, each groundwater body should have at least one monitoring site. Common Implementation Strategy for Water Framework Directive, recommends to have at least three points, but more points might be necessary to reflect the results of anthropogenic impact on its natural conditions. In order to improve groundwater monitoring network, EUWI+ supported NEA to conduct two rounds of additional field works (the 2018 and 2019 EUWI+ surveys) to new water points which could be added to the monitoring network to improve its coverage, NEA assessed 75 water points in Alazani-Iori River basin – 27 springs and 48 wells. A third round of field work followed in fall 2020. There is a certain limit to the potential usefulness of the existing monitoring data which is used for decision-making on the protection and use of the groundwater resources. However, as mentioned above, the existing data is not enough for making clear statements about chemical and quantitative status of groundwater bodies in the Alazani-Iori RBD.

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Despite the fact that there are a lot of wells in the Alazani-Iori river basin and already existing wells are monitored, precise technical characteristics (construction, lithology, water content per horizon, etc.) of the existing wells are often not known, which are also required by WFD. To shed light on the characteristics of the existing wells, in the framework of EUWI+ project, contractor in collaboration with NEA, carried out geophysical, hydrodynamic, chemical and isotope analyses of 14 wells. This detailed study showed that majority boreholes cut through several water-bearing aquifer horizons, which makes it impossible to delineate different aquifer layers. Quite often wells are vandalised by being filled up with stones or other items. This means that drawing clear conclusions on pollution pathways and the efficacy of protection measures is difficult without specialized, large scale surveys. On the long run, wells with such limiting factors will need to be cleaned or replaced with new boreholes. The works are needed to select new wells in order to improve monitoring network and clean NEA’s monitoring wells. These analyses cost around 1,700 EUR per site. An average construction cost per additional well is estimated at 7000 EUR, but greatly depends on its depth. Cost of washing and rehabilitating existing wells also depends on its depth and technical conditions. The installed logging equipment is estimated at 6,000 EUR per piece, for a total of 13,000 EUR per additional monitoring site. At 19 required additional monitoring sites to meet the minimum requirement of the Water Framework Directive of one monitoring site per groundwater body, this would sum up to a necessary investment of 247,000 EUR (in case of constructing new boreholes). A part of this cost will be covered by EUWI+, and the UNDP-GEF Kura II project will support the expansion of the groundwater monitoring network in the Alazani-Iori river basin. As it has been mentioned before, the delineation of groundwater bodies has been conducted based of the existing fund data. It is necessary to adjust these boundaries considering field works and existing situation, in order to identify specifically which GWB are subject management and protection according to WFD. Considering the abovementioned, some groundwater bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin could be merged when the RBMP of the next cycle is under preparation. This is possible where the newly merged groundwater bodies would still allow a meaningful assessment of its risk of not achieving good status and its actual status in case of such risk, as where they would also still allow the design, implementation and assessment of effective protection measures. The sampling and chemical analysis per sample, including all main ions, heavy metals and a set of standard pesticides costs around 170 EUR. Sampling and analysis of a reduced set of parameters costs around 80 EUR. The overall costs of these analyses can be reduced by following the risk-based approach of the Water Framework Directive. In this approach, a large set of parameters is analyzed at a large number of monitoring sites at least once every six years (i.e. once per RBMP cycle) in what is called surveillance monitoring. Based on the results, a reduced number of parameters is analyzed at a reduced number of sites, focusing efforts where needed the most. When adding 19 additional monitoring sites for those groundwater bodies that are not yet covered by the network, and maintaining the denser existing network at certain groundwater bodies, the sampling and analysis of the full parameter set would cost approximately 9,000 EUR per monitoring cycle. If the full set of parameters is only analyzed one in six times, while the reduced set is analyzed the remaining five times, then the average cost per monitoring cycle drops to around 5,500 EUR. To turn the monitoring data into usable information for decision-making, structured methods that aggregate chemical and quantitative monitoring data into reliable assessments of chemical and quantitative status and of risk of not to achieve good status, still need to be developed. Several groundwater bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin are transboundary with Azerbaijan. It is very important to establish monitoring sites for these transboundary groundwater bodies. There should be mutual agreement for a monitoring program with common standards for information exchange and joint assessment of groundwater body status. The cooperation in this direction has already started within the UNEP GEF funded project – “Kura II” and construction of 3 automatic sites is planned near the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan in the Alazani-Iori river basin.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

7 ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a range of different environmental objectives for the water environment. An objective setting process is required to enable decisions to be made about which of these environmental objectives are applicable to particular bodies of water. The environmental objectives of the WFD are set out in Article 424. Setting environmental objectives aim to achieve good status for all water bodies; prevent deterioration of water status and ensure sustainable water management. In order to set environmental objectives, there is a need to consider the outcomes of the pressure-impact analysis, the risk assessment and monitoring results in case if it is available. According to Article 4 of the EU WFD environmental objectives are specified for SWBs, HMWBs, AWBs, GWBs and the protected areas. The following goals are to be achieved:  Good ecological/chemical status of surface water bodies  Good ecological potential and good chemical status of HMWBs and AWBs  God chemical/quantitative status of groundwater bodies  Achievement of standards and objectives set for protected areas in Community legislation

7.1 Environmental objectives for SWBs

Regarding the EU WFD ecological status is defined as the high, good, moderate, poor and bad classes considering all ecological elements for each of the surface water categories. For the overall ecological assessment, the quality elements such as hydrobiological, hydromorphological, physico-chemical elements have to be considered. It is important to point out that biological quality elements play a crucial role in defining of SWBs’ ecological status. Accordingly, physico-chemical and hydromorphological parameters are significant since they are used to define biological quality elements. In order to define environmental objectives, it is necessary to have reference conditions and ecological and chemical status classification system for SWBs. Since there is no ecological and chemical status classification of SWBs in Georgia, it is not possible to set out reference conditions. However, refernce conditions and an ESCS for benthic invertebrates was developed, but the same needs to be done for the other BQE. Therefore, environmental objectives which stand for improvement of the ecological status of SWBs were defined considering the water body’s risk status and types of risk factors such as point source pollution, diffuse source pollution, hydromorphological pressure. As mentioned above environmental objectives aim to improve water bodies’ ecological and chemical status by eliminating (where it is possible) or reducing risk factors. According to these risk factors, the following environmental objectives have been elaborated:  Surface water bodies at risk – urban waste water (sewerage) discharges: To improve water quality against organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility  Surface water bodies at risk – Industrial (sand-gravel extraction) waste water discharges:

24 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy

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To improve water quality by reducing concentration of weighted portions and untreated waste water discharges from industry sector  Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (crop production) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies  Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (animal livestock) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; improving manure management  Surface water bodies at risk – Illegal landfills waste water discharges: To improve water quality by regulating the illegal landfills  Surface water bodies at risk – Excessive water abstraction for irrigation; HPPs; Public water supply To improve the hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems  Surface water bodies at risk – Hydromorphological alteration To improve hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing plan form/channel pattern changes, altered riparian habitats, bed and bank fixation, protecting the environmental flow (e.g. low flow, variable flow, etc.), assuring river continuity After defining environmental objectives for all pressure types, appropriate environmental objectives were assigned to all surface water bodies at risk (see Annex7.Table1).

7.2 Environmental objectives for Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs)

12 HMWBs have been identified and designated in the Alazani-Iori river basin. In this process, it is necessary to set out the appropriate objectives for HMWBs. According to paragraph 3.1.1 of Common Imple- mentation Strategy (CIS) guidance No.425, in order to be a heavily modified water body, a water body must be:  Physically altered by human activity  Substantially changed in character  Designated under Article 4(3)26

25 Sources: https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/f9b057f4-4a91-46a3-b69a-e23b4cada8ef/Guidance%20No%204%20- %20heavily%20modified%20water%20bodies%20-%20HMWB%20(WG%202.2).pdf 26 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html 27 WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 4 Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

According to WFD CIS Guidance Document No.4 the following steps are needed to be taken in order to establish GEP:  The establishment of the good ecological potential for HMWB is based on the biological quality elements which are derived from MEP  Identification of the hydromorphological conditions in order to support the achievement of the GEP values for the biological quality elements, in particular the achievement of the values should be for those biological quality elements which are sensitive to hydromorphological alterations.  The values for the general physico-chemical quality elements at GEP are to support the achievement of the GEP biological values, as well as they ensure the functioning of the ecosystem  GEP requires compliance with environmental quality standards established for the specific synthetic and non-synthetic pollutant quality elements

In order to achieve GEP for the HMWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin district it is crucial to improve hydromorphological quality elements such as hydrological situation, continuity and morphology. Thus, an environmental objective for HMWBs in this basin would be set up in such a way: To improve hydromorphological state (hydrological regime changes, river continuity, morphological alterations) of a water body by maintaining hydrological environmental flow.

7.3 Environmental objectives for protected areas

According to Article 4 WFD, along with the environmental objectives for SWBs, groundwater, there is the environmental objective in the WFD that set out for protected areas: Achievement of standards and objectives set for protected areas in Community legislation. It is important to point out that in case of protected areas, where more than one of the objectives relates to a given water body, all objectives must be achieved. Therefore, some areas may require special protection under more than one Directive or may have additional (surface water and /or groundwater) objectives and all the objectives and standards must be met. It is significant to achieve compliance with the standards and objectives set for each protected area. Since drinking water protected areas (zones), special areas of conservation and special protection areas (for birds) have been specified in the Alazni-Iori river basin district, consequently the objectives for these protected areas were identified. According to the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) the general objective of this directive is to protect the health of the consumers and to make sure the water is wholesome and clean. The specific objectives for drinking water protected areas (zones) are:

 To set quality standards for drinking water quality from the tap (microbiological, chemical parameters) and drinking water must be healthy and clean  To ensure that under the water treatment regime applied, the drinking water produced meets the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive  To ensure necessary protection in the area with the aim of prevention of deterioration in water quality  Regular monitoring of drinking water quality and providing consumers with up-to-date information on their drinking water quality

The objectives for special areas of conservation (habitats) is to protect and where necessary improve the status of the water bodies in order to achieve the conservation objectives that have been established

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for the protection or improvement of the particular natural habitat type or species 28. Thus the site should contribute to the maintenance or improvement of the favorable conservation status. The objectives for special protection areas for birds is to protect and improve the water status to the level necessary to achieve the conservation objectives which are defined for the protection/improvement of the site for ensuring that it contributes to the survival and reproduction of birds29. It is important to highlight that where a protected area forms part of a water body or where a water body lies within a protected area, the WFD general status related objectives apply in addition to the conservation objectives. The objectives for sensitive areas is to protect the environment from the adverse effects of urban waste water discharges and also waste water discharges from industrial sectors. It is crucial to ensure that discharges from urban waste water treatment plants meet the appropriate emission standards set out in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)30. Since areas designated to protect economically significant aquatic species (freshwater fish waters, shellfish waters), as well as nutrient sensitive areas and bathing water are not applicable in the case of the Alazani-Iori river basin, thus, the objectives for these protected areas have not been set out.

7.4 Environmental objectives for GWBs

The environmental objectives for groundwater bodies have been defined which are the following:  WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(1): prevent or limit input of pollutants into GW; prevent deterioration of GWB status  WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): achieve good status  WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): reverse significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations due to human activity

Additional data are required, which implies expansion of groundwater monitoring network, identification of new water points within different groundwater bodies and continuous planned monitoring.

28 Habitats Directive- Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 29 Birds Directive- Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds 30 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

8 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements, economic aspects of water resource management should be integrated into the water policy of member states. The requirements for economic analysis include:  An economic analysis of the water use – describing main water users and contamination of water bodies.  Tendencies the development of the further human activities within the particular river basin.  Assessment of the cost recovery principle –considering all the costs of the water services, including environmental and resource-related expenses.

8.1 Economic weights by relevant water users31

Drinking water supply - Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture does not report the municipal abstraction of water disaggregated by the purpose of its abstraction (i.e. drinking water, irrigation, hydropower, etc.). However, the data is available for the water use on municipal level disaggregated by different sectors. According to the data from MEPA use of water for drinking water supply purposes accounts for a limited share of the total fresh water use in Alazani-Iori River basin. In the period 2015-2017 the share of total fresh water use attributable to drinking water supply purposes is estimated to range between 4% and 15% of total water abstraction in the basin. Although, the use for drinking water supply purposes has remained relatively stable during 2015-2017, its share in total water abstraction in the basin in 2016 was significantly higher – 15%. The reason of such dramatic volatility was decreased water use for irrigation purposes, which considerably reduced total water abstraction in the basin. In years characterized by greater irrigation needs (more details below), 2015 and 2017, the volume of total water abstraction (excluding hydropower production) was more than four times larger with respect to 2016 when this was not the case. The share of Alazani-Iori river basin in the drinking water use in the whole country was increasing over the years, reaching 5% in 2017 (see Table 14).

31 Based on the purposes of this sub-chapter analysis for the abstraction of water for the hydropower production purposes will be provided separately. Thus, water abstraction for hydropower is removed from all of the other calculations.

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Table 14 Fresh Water use for Drinking Water Supply Purposes in Alazani-Iori River Basin32

2015 2016 2017 Fresh water uses for drinking water supply purposes (mln. m3) 17.57 19.60 19.03

Share in total abstraction (excluding hydropower) in the basin 3.90% 15.15% 5.32%

Share in total drinking water use in Georgia 4.60% 5.75% 6.10% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data At the municipal level, Gurjaani municipality had the highest share of fresh water use for drinking water – 76%33, while Sagarejo has the lowest share – 1%. In Sagarejo municipality the majority of the fresh water is used for irrigation (Figure 21). Figure 21 Share of Drinking Water Abstraction in Total Water Abstraction by Municipalities (2017)

80% 76% 73% 70% 58% 60% 50% 50% 40% 31% 30% 23% 20% 10% 1% 3% 1% 4%

Telavi

Kvareli

Tianeti

Gurjaani

Sagarejo

Akhmeta

Sighnaghi

Lagodekhi Telavi (City) Telavi

Dedoplistskaro Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA, 2017 data The United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG) is responsible to deliver drinking water to the households living in the municipalities of the Alazani-Iori river basin, mostly in urban areas but in some rural areas as well (rural areas in Sighnaghi and Akhmeta municipalities). In other rural areas drinking water supply is responsibility of local municipalities. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) data, the share of population connected to the drinking water supply system has been increasing over the years. In 2011 only 18% of the population in Kakheti Region was connected to the water supply system, while in 2017 the same indicator was almost tripled, reaching 48%. Increasing the access to the drinking water supply systems requires additional investments, as well as increased operation and maintenance costs. On the other hand, it means increased revenues from water tariffs for the water supply company as well. Industry - According to the data from MEPA, in 2017, 6 mln. m3 of water were used for industrial purposes within the Alazani-Iori river basin. This represents 4% of the total water used in Georgia for industrial purposes. At the regional level, in 2017, only 1.7% of total water abstraction was used for industrial purposes (see Table 15). Both its absolute amount and the share decreased in 2017 in comparison to 2016. In absolute terms, however, the 2017 reduction was relatively limited, and the 2017 water use for industrial purposes remained substantially larger with respect to that of 2015. One of the main reasons of increased water use for industrial purposes was the increased production by the industrial sector. Over this period gross value added produced by industrial activities increased, together with number of companies abstracting water from their own bore holes. The majority of these companies where classified as “industrial”

32 Water use excluding water losses 33 According to the UWSG data, Gurjaani municipality has one of the highest number of population connected to the drinking water supply system.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

(such as construction, car services, etc.). Similar to the water use for drinking water purposes, the reduction in the share of water use for industrial purposes was caused by an increase in total water use driven by increase in water use for irrigation purposes.

Table 15 Fresh Water Use for Industrial Purposes in Alazani-Iori River Basin

2015 2016 2017 Fresh water use for industrial purposes (mln. m3) 1.92 7.84 6.09 Share in total abstraction in the basin 0.43% 6.06% 1.70% Share in total fresh water use for industrial purposes in Georgia 0.54% 2.99% 4.14% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

Unfortunately, data about water consumption by sector is not available. However, there are companies operating on the market who are registered34 as individual surface water abstractors at MEPA. According to the data in our possession, the main surface water abstractors in the region are construction companies, fisheries, agriculture and auto-service providers (such as car washing). However, abstraction does not seem to be concentrated in any specific industrial sector. Even construction companies, the major industrial entities who are registered as individual water abstractors, never abstracted more than 2% of the total of registered abstractors over the last 7 years. The number of registered water abstractors, as well as the volume of water abstracted by them, has been increasing over the years (Figure 22).35

Figure 22 Number of Water Abstractors Belonging to the Construction Sector in Alazani-Iori River Basin and Share of Water Abstraction (among the registered durface water abstractors)

25 5%

20 4%

15 3%

10 2%

5 1%

0 0% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of Water abstractors (construction Sector) Share in total water abstraction

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

34 In order to be registered as individual surface water abstractor a company should submit a notice to MEPA on technical condition of its surface water abstraction. The notice should include the description on planned industrial activities. After confirmation of notice the company will be registered as individual surface water abstractor. Although, MEPA does not have the right to suspend the abstractor from surface water use as there are no licensing procedures in place. 35 These calculations is only based on the data about independent surface water abstractors (not the total water abstraction in the region).

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According to the available data, over the last three years (2015-2017), water use for industrial purposes increased together with the increase in GVA from the industry. However, while the share of GVA produced by the industrial sector (encompassing mining, manufacturing and construction) during the last 10 years has always been above 50%, the share of water abstraction associated to the industrial sector is less than 10% (according to MEPA data). These results imply that within the Alazani-Iori river basin, the main water abstractors are not the ones who generate the highest portion of the basin’s GVA. Irrigation and other agriculture purposes - According to the data form the MEPA, in 2017 more than 100 mln. m3 of water were used for irrigation purposes and approximately 5 mln. m3 for fisheries. This represents 21% of total water abstraction in Georgia. On the river basin level, water use for agricultural purposes represents 29% of total water abstraction in the region, which is the second highest indicator (after drinking water supply) (see Table 16). Table 16 Water Abstraction for Agricultural Purposes (including fisheries)

2015 2016 2017 Fresh water use for agricultural purposes (mln. m3) in the basin 117.85 69.19 104.93 Share water use for agricultural purposes (excluding hydropower) in the basin 26.12% 53.48% 29.37% Share of water use for agricultural purposes in Georgia 25.64% 15.44% 21.38% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

In the Alazani-Iori river basin, Georgian Amelioration (GA) is the main provider of the water for irrigation. According to the data provided by Georgian Amelioration, water abstraction for irrigation purposes by the company is significantly lower than water use for irrigation purposes reported by MEPA. One of the reasons of such a big difference between the two sources of information is the fact that beside GA there are also individual farmers, as well as limited liability companies, registered at MEPA who are abstracting surface water for irrigation purposes independently. However, according to the data provided from MEPA the volume of abstracted water by independent abstractors is not higher than water abstracted by GA. This reveals the problem of accounting the volume abstracted water either from the side of ministry of GA. According to the GA data, area of the land the company irrigates is increasing over the years (see Figure 23). Figure 23 Area of irrigated Land in Alazani-Iori River Basin by GA (thousands hectare)

12 10,33 9,82 10 8,58 7,7 8 7,2

6 ThdHa

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA data

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Agricultural land is used for annual as well as for perennial products. Among the annual crops, wheat, barley and maize are the most widely harvested within the municipalities, while among the perennial crops grapes, peaches and nuts have the highest shares. The agricultural sector is one of the largest water abstractors in the region, the sector does not produce a high share of GVA (neither within the basin nor at the country level). According to the 2017 Geostat data, agricultural production in the Kakheti region (and Tianeti municipality) generate 5% of the GVA within the river basin. In the corresponding municipalities, the agricultural sector (including fishery and hunting) is the fourth largest employer (7% of the employed population is employed in this sector) following wholesale trade, manufacturing and construction sectors. Hydropower production - there are two reasons for excluding it from the earlier discussion regarding water abstraction for hydropower production purposes:

 Hydropower water use is non-consumptive, as the water that is used in the process of generating electricity is in most cases discharged back into the water body and can be used for other abstraction purposes. Therefore, considering all water abstraction activities jointly would amount to treating two very different “types” of water abstraction (for consumptive and non-consumptive use) as if they were identical;  Hydropower plants have substantially higher share in total water abstraction (usually 95-97%), then any other activity. Considering its non-consumptive nature to avoid complications in analysis and have clearer picture it is advisable to analyse water use from hydropower separately.

In terms of water abstraction, HPPs are the largest water abstractors. According to the data from MEPA, during 2017, more than 29 mln. m3 of water were used for the hydropower production purposes in the whole country. The same indicator within the Alazani-Iori river basin amounted to 885 mln. m3 of water (about 3% of the national use of water for hydropower generation purposes). The result is consistent with the share of electricity generation produced in the basin. At the basin level, hydropower generation activities are associated with 75% of total water abstraction. Wastewater discharges - Water users are not only water abstractors, but wastewater dischargers as well. According to the data from MEPA, 905 mln. m3 of water was discharged into surface water bodies in 2017 within the Alazani-Iori river basin. This represents approximately 3% of total wastewater discharge in the whole country. Over the last three years wastewater discharge has been fluctuating, reaching its peak in 2015, to drop to about half in 2016 and grow back (without reaching the 2015 peak) in 2017 ( see Table 17). Table 17 Wastewater Discharge in Alazani-Iori River Basin

2015 2016 2017

Wastewater discharge into surface water bodies in Ala- 1,115.83 564.23 904.59 zani-Iori river basin (mln m3) Share of wastewater discharge into Surface water Bbdies in Alazani-Iori river basin in total discharge in the 3.82% 1.63% 3.10% country Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data According to MEPA, almost 99% of discharged water is normatively clean 36and does not require additional treatment. In 2017, only 1% of water discharged into the Alazani-Iori river basin was considered polluted37. However, considering the fact that there are no wastewater treatment facilities functioning in

36 Normatively clean water – the water that is discharged into the surface water body is already cleaned by the wastewater treatment facility. It is clean from the harmful substances that can deteriorate the quality of the surface water. 37 Polluted Water –presence of toxic chemicals and biological agents that exceed what is naturally found in the water and may pose a threat to human health and/or the environment.

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the river basin the share of polluted effluent water might be considerably higher than reported by MEPA. Inconsistences in the provided data could be due to the improper measurements/accounting discharge and volume of polluted water. The Table 18 below summarizes all water users and their relative share in water use in the Alazani-Iori river basin. Table 18 Water use in Alazani-Iori River Basin by sectors

2015 2016 2017

Total water abstraction 1,317.00 1,468.44 1,273.32

Water abstraction (excluding hydropower production) 451 129.37 357.55

Fresh water uses for drinking water supply purposes (mln. m3) 17.57 19.6 19.03

Share of drinking water use in total abstraction (excluding hydropower) 3.90% 15.15% 5.32% in the basin (%)

Fresh water use for industrial purposes (mln. m3) 1.92 7.84 6.09

Share of industrial water use in total abstraction in the basin (%) 0.43% 6.06% 1.70%

Fresh water use for agricultural purposes (mln. m3) in the basin 117.85 69.19 104.93

Share of agricultural water use in total abstraction (excluding hydro- 26.12% 53.48% 29.37% power) in the basin (%)

Waste water discharges (mln. m3) 1,115.83 564.23 904.59

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

8.2 Economic analysis of Programme of Measures (PoMs)

In order to achieve the goals defined under the Water Framework Directive, it is important to implement several basic and supplementary Programme of Measures (PoM). Selected basic PoMs are mostly ori- ented to reduce water pollution from wastewater flows from the households, industries and the agricultural sector. Supplementary measures are designed to promote a more efficient water use within the Alazani- Iori river basin.

The selected basic measures from PoMs are supposed to improve the conditions into three main direc- tions: collection and treatment of urban wastewater, agriculture (crop production, life stock) and irrigation. Figure 24 presents the distribution of investment costs by sector (the share of investment costs benefiting agriculture is negligible).

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 24 Investment Costs of basic measures by sector

0,03%

33,48%

66,49%

Collection and treatment of urban wastewater Irrigation

Operation and Maintenance costs (O&M) of the basic measures are estimated based on the assumptions made in the literature. Basic measures are also associated with significant indirect and environmental costs. However, due to inherent difficulties, resources constraints and data limitations these costs are estimated only qualitatively. For example, the rehabilitation of the sewerage system can cause difficulties to the access to retail shops which leads to decreased revenues for these businesses. The installation of new pipes is likely to cause the damage of roads and, consequently road rehabilitation costs. Other environmental costs associated with the implementation of the projects have been identified: noise and dust due to the construction activities, increased traffic pollution in urban areas, acceleration of erosion due to the removal of vegetation on sites, damage of the street trees due to the construction process (Schuls N., 2004). The development of agricultural drainage systems can also cause side-effects to the surrounding environment. According to the literature, vermicompost38 can cause pollution. Vermicompost systems emit methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia. However, as the literature shows pollution caused by vermicompost is much lower than that from other fertilizers (Komakech A., 2016). The indirect economic cost of developing buffer strips and hedges is that they might cause decrease in the amount the available lands for farming. Thus, Table 19 summarizes indirect and environmental costs of basic measures. Table 19 Indirect and Environmental Costs of Basic Measures39 Impact Indirect Economic Environmental Cost Cost Decreased revenue for sellers ++ Traffic problems ++ Decrease agricultural productivity ++ Damage of roads +++ Limited access to the water ++ Land out of Production + Noise and dust + Traffic pollution ++ Acceleration of erosion ++

38 Is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. Vermicompost is used as an organic fertilizer 39 In the table ‘+++’ indicates high impact, ‘++’ medium impact and ‘+’ low impact

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Damage of street trees + Emissions from biowaste +

It is important to point out the costs associated with supplementary measures. The costs are calculated on a yearly basis. If a measure is implemented in more than one municipality the cost is calculated at the aggregated level for the whole basin (Annex 8. Table 1).

8.2.1 Environmental benefits

Beside the direct impact of the programs that will lead to an improvement in the quality of water into the water body, the implementation of the above-mentioned programs is expected to cause significant additional environmental benefits. One of the most important benefits is associated with the construction of WWTP and the renovation of sewerage systems. Removal of pollutants from wastewater produces cleaner water and has several indirect positive effects (Institute for Environmental Policy, 2018; Francesc Hernández-Sancho, 2015). For example, clean water creates a safer and more stable living environment for the surrounding ecosystem, including plants and fishes; The reduction of pollutants decreases the incidence of water-borne diseases, decreasing the costs associated with their treatment; Cleaner rivers and lakes can positively affect tourism sector as well. The renovation of the drainage system can have significant positive impacts on the hydrological situation of the area and on the quality of surface and ground waters. The development of vermicompost in agricultural production leads to a lower use of chemical fertilisers. Vermicompost is a natural fertilizer which returns valuable nutrients back into the soil and reduces the amount of wastewater released into the environment without any treatment. When the development of buffer strips and edges are essential to achieve a good qualitative status of the water body, it is recommended to use a combination of trees and shrubs. This creates a more balanced ecosystem and leads to a greater biodiversity, the creation of new habitats, greater filtration capacity and reduced erosion of riverbanks

8.2.2 Present value of PoMs

The investment costs are not supposed to happen instantly in the beginning of the cycle. Within this study the proposed cots distribution of the investment costs over the 6-year period in GEL and EUR have been summarized, which are presenting in Annex 8. Table 2 and Annex 8. Table 3 respectively. In order to calculate the present value of the investment costs for the first period discount rate is taken as 9.04% (Average interest rate on 8-10-year government bonds in 2019) (see Annex 8. Table 4). In addition to investment costs, operation costs of the basic measures have to be taken into consideration as well. Annex 8. Table 5 (see Annex8 ) shows Present Value (PV) of the operation costs of basic measures for the best- and worst-case scenarios. Supplementary measures are also designed in a way that the costs associated with them are happening during the whole 6-year cycle. The cumulated PV of all the costs for supplementary measures over the 6- year cycle is presented in Annex 8. Table 6 (see Annex8 )

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

8.2.3 Affordability analysis

According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) within the Alazani-Iori river basin 4 % of the total municipal budgets for 2018 was spent on the improvement of drinking water supply, irrigation and wastewater networks. 54% of these expenditures were devoted to investment costs, such as rehabilitation of the system and increase of non-financial assets (such as equipment, machinery, etc.), while 46% of these expenditures covered operation costs for the municipalities such as salaries and depreciation. Annex 8. Table 7 (see Annex 8) summarizes water policy related costs for the municipalities. However, costs covered by the municipalities are not the only water sector related expenditures in the river basin. In 2018, a significant amount of money was spent in the basin by GA, UWSCG and the central government. The Gross Value Added produced in the Kakheti region in 2018 totalled 346 mln GEL. The total expenditures in water sector last year amounted to 3% of the GVA in Kakheti region (see Table 20). Table 20 Share of Water Related Operation Costs in GVA (2018)

GEL EUR Georgian Amelioration 2,556,673 780,354 United Water Supply Company of Georgia 5,885,452 1,796,372 National Environmental Agency 119,092 36,350 Municipalities own expenses 2,183,956 666,592 Total cost 10,745,173 3,279,667 Share in GVA 2.46% 2.46% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA, UWSCG, NEA and Gesotat data

The implementation of the programs of basic measures will cause a significant increase of operation costs in the region. According to our estimations40, operation costs in the basin will more than double and increase by 161% in the best-case scenario, while in the worst-case scenario operation costs will increase by 193% (will become almost three times what they were in 2018). Moreover, Implementation of the programs of measures is expected to generate significant benefits for water users including households, farmers and businesses. However, it might also lead to an increase in tariffs.

8.2.4 Assessing the final implication of PoMs

The implementation of basic measures is associated with increased expenditures for the responsible agencies, which will negatively affect the cost recovery rates in the sector. If the revenues of the companies will remain at the same level (as it was in 2018) cost recovery rate is expected to deteriorate significantly (see Annex8. Table 8). Notably, the assumption is that UWSCG will face the cost related to the rehabilitation of the sewerage and wastewater systems and construction of WWTP, while GA’s costs will increase due to the renovation of drainage and irrigation systems. Other costs such as building buffers and vermicompost, as well as costs of supplementary measures are not accounted as cost borne by water supply companies. Even though subsidies play an important role in the operation of these companies, the above presented calculations highlight the likely increase in pressure to revise upward water supply tariff level and structure (or the level of subsidies). The maximum water tariff that can be set in Alazani-Iori river basin, should not exceed 12.5 Gel (5% of average household income) or 5 Gel (2% of average household income). For agriculture, according to the experts, the optimal value of the tariff is when revenue from agricultural water supply tariffs represent 2-3% of the value added produced by this sector.

40 Considering average O&M costs of basic measures

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The structure of the tariff is another important factor. According to the literature, the most optimal tariff structure is designed in the following way: Fixed + Volumetric basis. For agriculture the fixed part of the tariff is determined based on the land area and the variable part is based on hours or volume of irrigation.

8.2.5 Financing the PoMs

According to the data provided by UWSCG and GA, 33% of the planned investments are supposed to be financed by the international donor organizations (such as World Bank and International Fund of Agricul- tural Development (IFAD)), while 67% will be financed from the state budget (only 0.04% of the funding is not determined yet). Notably, this allocation of costs refers only to investment costs of basic measures (see Figure 25).

Figure 25 Allocation of Investment Costs of Basic Measures

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on UWSCG and GA data

According to the provided data, it is not planned yet how the building of vermicompost production facility will be financed. The best option for the realization of vermicompost facilities seems to be building it with support of local water authorities.

In addition, operation costs of the basic measures should be incorporated in the costs of water supply agencies, such as GA and UWSCG. However, for the companies to be able to cover these costs, tariff levels should be adjusted (or subsidies should be increased) as discussed in the previous sub-chapter. Furthermore, the implementation of supplementary measures, such as publicity campaigns and training sessions for farmers should be the responsibility of local water authorities. These activities should be financed by them through using the revenues from water services.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

9 PROGRAMME OF MEASURES

According to Water framework directive (WFD), within a river basin district (RBD), a Programme of Measures (PoM) is established in order to address the significant issues identified and to allow the achievement of the objectives which have been defined and established. The development of PoM can be considered as a significant part of a river basin management plan (RBMP), it corresponds to the pressure/impact analysis, risk assessment and water status assessment through monitoring (if available). The identification of significant pressures and their resulting impacts (which in turn lead to reduced status) are critical to the successful development of PoMs.

The EU WFD requires the identification of significant pressures from point and diffuse sources of pollution, modifications of flow regimes through abstractions or regulation and morphological alterations, as well as any other pressures. ‘Significant’ means that the pressure contributes to an impact that may result in failing to meet the requirements of Article 441.

PoMs serve the key purpose to reach the EU WFD objectives in particular good water status and hence, provide regulatory actions to reach, maintain and/or improve water status42. Moreover, PoMs should be designed to reduce catchment pressures in order to improve ecosystem services rather than element classification (see Figure 26).

Figure 26 Programme of Measures (graphical abstract) (Giakoumis & Voulvoulis, 2019)

41 Programmes of measures consisted of compulsory basic measures, including some taken under several directives that pre-date the WFD and other WFD specific, such as controls on water abstraction, discharges, diffuse pollution or the physical alteration of water bodies; and supplementary measures, where those are required to achieve the environmental objectives (European Commission, 2015a). 42 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/waterframework/objectives/implementation_en.htm

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The development of PoMs is a dynamic and iterative process that is based on six-year planning cycles for regular updating. Considering this concept changes to the pressures and impacts on a water body can be assessed and new measures would be developed to overcome them. Also refinements to monitoring programme and further data availability existing measures to increase effectiveness (Giakoumis & Voulvoulis, 2019).

Measures should be targeted in terms of their type and extent to ensure that pressure are addressed and that this will deliver improvements towards achieving good status or potential in individual water bodies. The measures should be designed based on the assessment of the actual status of the water body, supplemented with the information from the analysis of pressures and impacts affecting the water body. In order to achieve the objectives WFD Article 11 sets out two types of measures:  Basic measures  Supplementary measures

Basic measures are obligatory and they are the minimum requirements to be included in the PoMs. Its aim is to meet the requirements of other EU Directives which are related to WFD implementation, for example, measures associated with the implementation of other Community legislation for the protection of waters (WFD Article 11(3)a and Annex VI, e.g. measures to achieve compliance with the objectives of the Nitrates and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directives, etc.). Supplementary measures are designed and implemented in addition to the basic measures where they are necessary to achieve the environmental objectives of WFD in accordance with Article 4. Supplemen- tary measures would include additional legislative powers, fiscal measures, research, educational campaigns that go beyond the basic measures and are necessary for the achievement of objectives. According to the EU WFD, the term “measures” includes both on the ground actions and the policy and legislative instruments for achieving these actions. It is significant to categorize the measures in order to simplify the river basin management planning process. It ensures to distinguish between the measure which already exists (or are advised by the stakeholders) and the additional measures that are planned to be proposed in order to meet the EU WFD objectives. Based on this the measures would be categorized into four broad groups:

 Measures already happening (not driven by WFD)- actions that are already agreed and funded. It includes the National environmental programmes, restoration programmes and local initiatives  New measures that will happen (not driven by WFD)- actions that will happen irrespective of the WFD (usually under other Directive such as Urban Waste Water Treatment, Nitrates, Bathing Water, Habitats, etc.)  New measures that will happen-national (driven by WFD)- measures that require national decisions (e.g. controls on chemicals, fertilizers, etc., also national general binding rules and codes of practice that apply to specific activities  New measures that will happen-local, RBD agreed (driven by WFD)- measures specifically for objectives of the WFD which don’t require national decisions (e.g. new rivers trusts initiatives, local awareness/education campaign)

It is important to mention that the measures differ in terms of scale. They would be applied at a variety levels from a national level to a single water body. Furthermore, the measures could be delivered by a wide range of organizations and initiatives in order to meet the EU WFD objectives, to achieve good status and to prevent deterioration in the status of water bodies.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

9.1 Basic measures

According to Draft Guidance Document on the Development of Programme of Measures and the Achieve- ment of Environmental Objectives (Birgit Vogel, 2014), there are EU Directives (For Non- EU Member States ) relevant to be addressed through basic measures in PoMs:

 Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)  Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC)  Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC)  Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

Based on the EU WFD Article 11(3) requirements, in addition to above mentioned measures the other measures would prevent any negative impacts on water status and are listed below:  Measures to apply the principle of recovery of costs for water use (WFD Article 9)  Measures to promote efficient and sustainable water use  Measures to protect drinking water sources  Measures to control abstraction and impoundment of surface and groundwaters  Measures to control point and diffuse pollution sources  Measures to regulate direct discharge into groundwater  Measures to manage priority substances  Measures to control physical modifications of surface waters  Measures that control any other actions that can impact on water status  Measures to prevent accidental pollution

As it was pointed out before PoMs have been developed in such a way that it follows mainly the results of the pressure/impact analysis and corresponding risk assessment. Based on the assessment the major water management issues in the Alazani-Iori river basin are:  Point source pollution from urban wastewater discharges  Point source pollution from Industrial waste water discharges (sand-gravel extraction)  Diffuse source pollution from agriculture-crop production  Diffuse source pollution from agriculture-animal live stocking  Diffuse source pollution from illegal landfills  Excessive water abstraction (irrigation, public water supply, hydropower plant (HPP), fish farm, etc.)  Hydromorphological alteration (Hydrological flow changes, Longitudinal river and habitat continuity interruption, Morphological alterations)

The measures to be addressed the impacts from above mentioned water management issues are listed below: Measures deemed / proposed specially for urban wastewater discharges

Considering the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) the following points have been highlighted: - The analysis of the current state of the public sewerage systems in the Alazani-Iori river basin has been elaborated - The sensitive areas have been designated - Technical and Investment Programme for the urban wastewater collection and treatment developed

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These measures have been taken into account in order to outcome from the implantation of the EU UWWT Directive, which gives the extent for wastewater treatment based on the sensitive areas. Specifically, the following measures are proposed to take with the regards of sewerage systems:

- Construction of new waste water treatment plant (WWTP) - Construction of the sewerage system - Rehabilitation wastewater network, which includes replacement of the pipes and collectors - Environmental inspection controls on wastewater discharges to the rivers

It should be noticed that Municipalities and their Water and Sewerage Administrations, Ministry of Envi- ronment and Agriculture are responsible authorities on construction, improvement and revision of sewerage systems and WWTPs. Measures deemed / proposed specially for agriculture-crop production, live stocking The measures below have been defined for the diffuse pollution from agriculture-crop production:

- Rehabilitation of drainage systems to reduce water induced erosion and agriculture run-off - Setting buffer strips and hedges (establishment of 3m buffer strip) - Codes of Good Agricultural Practices for Protection of Waters against Agricultural Nitrate Pollu- tion (the reduction in the use of fertilizers in agriculture) - Establishment of organic farms - Actions plans for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (this measure consists of the preparation of Actions plans for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in the river basin and is in line with the EU-Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC))

The following measures have been designed for the diffuse pollution from agriculture- live stocking:

- Setting up vermikompost (producing bio humus) - Construction and use of biogas plants (biogas digesters) for households or for a whole municipality - Avoidance of livestock grazing in water protection strips by providing alternative zones - Codes of Good Practices for Livestock in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Measures deemed / proposed specially for excessive water abstraction (by irrigation, HPP, public water supply) Water abstraction effects the natural floes of most surface water bodies. The environmental flow indicators (flow values and water levels) are used as a guide for the management of the impacts of abstractions on surface water bodies. The following measures have been designed and proposed for the water abstraction and other flow pressures:

- Using modern and efficient irrigation technologies to economize the water uses - Rehabilitation of the main canal, collectors and engineering works of the irrigation systems in the Alazani-Iori river basin - Regulations for abstractions and impoundments to prevent deterioration of water body status (the system of abstraction licensing control)

Measures deemed / proposed specially for hydromorphological alteration Human activities often result in several alterations. However, many physical modifications serve not only one but several uses: they are multipurpose modifications. For example, cross profile constructions in rivers (dams and weirs) and deepening or channelisation may be necessary for navigation, flood protection and/or hydropower purpose (WFD and Hydromorphological pressures, 2006). Water bodies may become at risk of failing to achieve their environmental objectives due to hydromorphological changes, leading to ecological impacts (e.g. impacts on biological elements). Measures to improve the ecological status cannot always clearly be related to one use or to one alteration. In practice, the relation between uses, alterations, state and measures can be complex. The following measures have been identified for water bodies at risk due to hydromoorphological alteration:

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Measures for the pressure category-water flow changes

- Creation of ecologically compatible hydraulic conditions through flow control (e.g. water level regulation) - Creation of water course passability for upstream and downstream migration of location specific species and for sediments transport; management of sediments

Measures for the pressure category-sediment dynamics

- Improvement of sediments transport continuity via dams management - Material removal and sediments extraction regulation - Moderate watercourse maintenance Measures for the pressure category-morphological changes

- Improvement and diversification of bank and bed structures, riparian and aquatic habitats (veg- etalization) - Supporting hydraulic engineering measures for morphological restructuring of the water course

It is important to point out that the measures proposed against hydromorphological alteration will be investigated (and may not implemented) regarding disproportionate cost in the first cycle of the Alazani-Iori river basin management planning. Measures deemed / proposed specially for the reduction of climate change pressure Over the last years, it is not possible to consider significant water management issues without taking climate change into account. Climate change predictions make it clear that both water quality and quantity will change in the future. Thus, it is obvious that the impacts of climate change in the Alazani-Iori river basin district will be reflected in an overall decrease in the river flows which is linked to a rise in temperature. It drives an increase in evapotranspiration and greater water demands, as well as a projected decrease in precipitation. Moreover, increased water consumption will be crucial in the irrigated agricultural sector and in the urban and rural water supply sectors and in the industry as well. The impact of climate change on flooding is significant. It is likely that flood frequencies will increase further in the coming dec- ades. Lower flows in the rivers will lead to deterioration of water quality since less water means a lower ability to dilute pollution. All of these impacts should be taken into consideration and measures should tend to provide flexible means of managing any potential future problems. Considering above mentioned factors the following measures have been designed against climate change pressures:

- Restoration of floodplain forests - Considering climate change aspects in the implementation of infrastructure or bank protection projects - Considering climate change impact when calculating water demand/supply balances for water supply companies - Monitoring of water abstraction considering decreased precipitation, ensuring sustainable use of water

9.2 Supplementary measures

As mentioned above supplementary measures are optional and have to be set and implemented in case basic measures cannot ensure the achievement of the environmental objectives and ‘good water status’. Supplementary measures mainly are related to the water body and local level, while basic measures are linked to the national and basin-wide level.

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The EU WFD provides a list of supplementary measures (in an Annex) listing the implementation of, for example, agreements and regulation codes of practice, economic instruments, etc. Since supplementary measures complement basic measures, they should be proportionate in costs, transparent and pragmatic. It is important to mention that supplementary measures are determined in the first WFD planning cycle and there is a need to check if they are (CIS Guidance No. 4 and No. 37):  Technically feasible  Ensure the achievement of good status in time and in combination with the basic measures  Disproportionally expensive to achieve the environmental objectives

In case if the supplementary measures are technically infeasible or disproportionally expensive, according to WFD Article 4, they can be applied in a later WFD cycle than the first one. The supplementary measures for all pressure types in the Alazani-Iori river basin has been designed in order to fill gaps which exist after defining basic measure for this river basin. Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for urban wastewater discharges

- Implementation of water resources monitoring program - Environmental inspection controls on wastewater discharge to the rivers - Source control (reducing pollution at source reduces the costs associated with its treatment and produces environmental benefits) - Control of domestic products with regard to their impact on the environment (e.g. low phosphorus detergents or removing phosphates from detergents) - Introduction of effective fee system for waste collection and disposal

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for agriculture-crop production, live stocking

- Rural Development Strategy supporting small farmers food production and market - The initiative of non-governmental organisations and voluntaries and providing some guidance (e.g. codes of good agriculture practice) to reduce pollution - Development of Normative act on a definition of ecological and chemical status of water bodies - Implementation of water resources monitoring program and environmental inspection controls - Elaborations of methodologies for using a different type of fertilisers and pesticides in a proper way - Avoidance of livestock grazing in water protection strips by providing alternative zones - Elaboration of norms / standards for livestock grazing intensity - Providing training on sustainable livestock farming Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for industrial (sand-gravel extraction) wastewater discharges - Proposing investigated monitoring- investigation and monitoring of sand-gravel enterprises (investigation of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions)

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for illegal landfills wastewater discharges - Monitoring of illegal landfills (to be executed by the municipalities), imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for excessive water abstraction (by irrigation, HPP, public water supply)

- Setting up the regulation(s) for efficient use of water - Controlling the volume of water that can be abstracted and the time over which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits) - Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water - Setting up sanitary protection zones to protect water quality

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

- Promotion of efficient and sustainable water use - Restoration of existing abstraction to sustainable levels (development of alternative supplies or more efficient water use - Publicity campaigns promoting efficient water use by domestic customers - Set up a payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses - Review of current water abstraction regulation

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for hydromorphological alteration

- Elaboration regulation on planning and Implementation of Water Resources Monitoring Program - Strengthening of national and regional inspection of environmental supervision - Elaboration of a technical guideline/normative act (technical standing orders) on the management of river sand and gravel mining - Strengthening hydrological monitoring system

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for the reduction of climate change pressure

- Conducting research to assess current and possible climate change impacts on water bodies - Competitive financing of target programs in research institutes to study climate change impact on different ecosystems and economic sectors

- Developing and implementing a long-term land management strategy in the Kakheti region, which would be the most important climate change adaptation measure after monitoring

Considering the proposed basic and supplementary measures a summary table (see Annex 9 Table 1) was created showing the measures (basic and supplementary) for water bodies at risk for different pressure types in the Alazani-Iori river basin district.

9.3 Selected measures (Basic, Supplementary)

In order to address the measures to the impacts from above mentioned water management issues a wide range of the measures (basic, supplementary) has been proposed which considers all the issues, pressure types in the Alazani-Iori river basin. Due to lack of funding and appropriate consents, only 28 measures (19 basic and 9 supplementary) were selected during the 1 st implementation cycle (see Figure 27). The measures such as renovation /construction of a sewerage system and construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were found to target the point source pressures coming from the urban wastewater discharges. Diffuse source pollution (crop production, live stocking) has been targeted by the measures such as agricultural drainage system’s renovation, setting buffer strips and hedges, build vermikompost (producing bio humus). With regard to excessive water abstraction by irrigation systems, the measures have been selected which targeting rehabilitation of Zemo Alazani, Kvemo Alazani, Kvemo Samgori (right and left main channels) and Zemo Samgori (upper main channel) irrigation systems, also rehabilitation of Lagodekhi channel, Kvareli-Shua Kudigori, Shroma-Kavshiri and Baisubani irrigation systems. The supplementary measures have been selected to target waste water discharges, pollutions coming from agriculture, water abstraction issues via the provision of information and through educational campaigns, training, publicity campaigns. Furthermore, in order to improve water quality in this river basin the following supplementary measures have been selected: To propose investigated monitoring- investi- gation and monitoring of sand-gravel enterprises (investigation of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions); Monitoring of illegal landfills (to be executed by the municipalities), imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management; Setting up the sanitary protection zones (to be

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carried out by the municipalities). Moreover, with regard to climate change the supplementary measure has been selected which is related to conducting research to assess current and possible climate change impacts on water bodies. Figure 27 The measures selected during the 1st implementation cycle for the Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Selected measures which have to be implemented during the 1 st cycle of the Alazani-Iori river basin management plan were analysed in terms of the policy, legal, and financial tolls employed to bring about the actions on the ground, their apportionment to sectors, whether they are basic or supplementary and when they are planned to become operational. Considering selected measures several maps have been created showing the distribution of the measures in the Alazani-Iori river basin (see Figure 28); the measures are located in the basin by sector (see Figure 29) and the map where the measures are visualized by the sub-basin of the Alazani-Iori river basin district (see Figure 30).

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Figure 28 Programme of measures (PoMs) in the Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Figure 29 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sector in the Alazani-Iori river basin

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Figure 30 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sub-basin in the Alazani-Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex 9.Table 2 (see Annex 9) presents the basic and supplementary measures that will be implemented during the 1st implementation cycle in order to reach the environmental objectives. The basic and supplementary measures and corresponding environmental objectives are presenting per water bodies ‘at risk’. Furthermore, the table contains information on implementation deadline and by which organization the measure has been suggested to be implemented.

9.4 Programme of measures for surface water monitoring

Since the aim of the environmental objectives of the water bodies “not at risk” and “possibly at risk” is to maintain their current good ecological and good chemical status and to monitor for assessing their current state respectively the following measures have been defined:

- Controlling and monitoring water quality and quantity - Strengthening hydrological monitoring system - Strengthening of national and regional inspection of environmental supervision - Apply the environmental enhancement practices

Biological Monitoring needs to exhanced and expanded. Further improvement of status assessment (ESCS) and the incorpation of the other WFD required biological indicators (BQE). For guidance on the development of Georgian surface water monitoring refer to chapter 5.2 and EUWI+ report “Surface Water Monitoring Development Plan – Georgia” (EUWI+, 2020d. Technical Report “Surface Water Monitoring Development Plan Georgia“).

9.5 Programme of measures for HMWBs

As it has been discussed in the previous chapters 12(Alz107, Bur203, Ior109, Ior110, Ior115, Ior119, Ior120, Ior121, Ior131, Mas203, Ole201, Ter302) water bodies are being designated as HMWBs in the Alazani-Iori river basin district and therefore a good ecological potential (GEP) need to be achieved. Good ecological potential (GEP) (CIS Guidance No. 4 and No. 37) means close to the best that can be done for ecology without significant adverse impact on use (Kampa & Laaser, 2009). Due to this fact, the management objective foresees measures at the sub-basin level to improve the hydromorphological situation in order to achieve and ensure this potential. Based on this the following measures have been designed: Basic measures:

- Considering environmental flow level in the river by reviewing water abstraction quantity - Development of methodology on an assessment of environmental flow levels - Taking into account poorly planned or designed engineering structures and restore rivers to a more natural condition - Regulations for abstractions and impoundments to prevent deterioration of water body status (the system of abstraction licensing control)

Supplementary measures:

- Elaboration regulation on planning and Implementation of Water Resources Monitoring Program - Apply national and regional inspection of environmental supervision - Build up hydrological monitoring system - Elaboration of a technical guideline/normative act (technical standing orders) on the management of river sand and gravel mining

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9.6 Programme of measures for the Dali reservoir

The research “Restoration of Iori river valley gallery forests and adjacent areas” that has been conducted by SABUKO (Society for Nature Conservation), describes and assesses Iori river gallery forests, defines their natural boundaries, compares them with the present boundaries and identifies the causes of changes. The research area covers the Iori river basin and Chachuna Managed Reserve gallery forests and adjacent areas. The forests belong to Tugay type forest which means that the ecosystem directly borders with steppes and semi-desert.

Along with several challenges such as gallery forests vulnerability, as well as grazing which is the biggest challenge for Tugay type gallery forest, it would be assumed that the Dali reservoir could have an adverse impact on the ecosystem. Since the reservoir has not been thoroughly studied yet there is no clear picture regarding these issues. Therefore, one of the research objectives is to identify whether or not the Dali reservoir reduces the area of gallery forests in Chachuna Managed Reserve and whether it effects their floristic composition.

In order to have a clear picture regarding the direct and indirect impact of the Dali reservoir on the ecosystem more research would be conducted, for example, to obtain information on soil characteristics which will be useful to know whether certain places are flooded or not, to determine to what extent the flooding regime is violated. As well as it would be preferable to develop the flooding model showing the distribution of the water discharge all over the study area (Rivaes, Egger, Pinheiro, & Ferreira). By com- paring the results of the soil analysis with the flooding model, it will be possible to determine how much the actual level of flooding corresponds to the model and to see how it was in the past (Society for Nature Conservation, SABUKO, 2019).

After considering and analysing the results of the research the following measures have been defined and proposed:

- Restore the natural flooding regime in the downstream of the Iori River by opening the Dali reservoir to mimic natural floods - Improve the infrastructure of Dali reservoir (for instance restore the shields) The implementation of these measures will ensure the control of flooding regime and the flooding intensity which would improve the ecosystem (e.g. improving the floristic composition-more elements of the gallery forest) of the downstream of the Dali reservoir.

9.7 Programme of measures for GWBs

The following measures have been defined for groundwater bodies in the Alazani-Iori river basin: Improvement of monitoring network for gathering information on every groundwater body. Considering requirements of EU Water Framework Directive, the aforementioned works are complex and include:

- Identification of new bore-holes through beforehand hydrogeological works and field surveys on technical conditions of bore-holes. Based on appropriate surveys, it is possible to identify which water-bearing aquifer horizons are opened by which bore-holes, what is the capacity of water- bearing aquifer and its natural quantitative characterizations. Also origin of water could be determined (young, surface, confined, mixed, etc.) by determining the time of filling up and discharge and location. - Determining transit time using isotope method by taking chemical and isotope samplings

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Inventory of groundwater bore-holes and establishment of certain regulations on drilling works for fresh groundwater abstraction. The aforementioned should be implemented for studying the existing bore-holes in the Alazani-Iori river basin and at the same time should be obligatory for drilling a new bore-hole. This is directly related to fulfilling EU WFD requirements regarding groundwater bodies quantitative status assessment. Ignoring it now will lead to complications of fulfilling WFD requirements on groundwater bodies quantitative status assessment. Controlling and monitoring water quality and quantity – fresh groundwater is used for drinking purposes, for irrigation reasons as well. It also sustains aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. For assessment of results of groundwater qualitative characterization monitoring, NEA acts according to the norms established by technical regulations for drinking water. After revision of the document, appropriate programme for assessment groundwater body quality will be developed if necessary.

In would be concluded that the design of programme of measures (PoMs) is an iterative process that involves the participation of stakeholders and decision-makers. The assessment of pressures and impacts is crucial for developing effective measures. The measures should be developed to target catchment pressures to achieve ‘good status’. PoMs designing process assesses and identifies what to manage (e.g. catchment pressure) which is essential for developing the necessary measures and delivering the river basin management plan. In order to design an effective programme of measures, it is important to establish the clear relationships between environmental objectives for the water bodies and the associated pressures. In the development of PoMs is critical to determine the pressures that the individual water bodies can tolerate if they are to fulfil the environmental objective of ‘good status’. It is important to highlight once again that in order to prevent deterioration in the quality of waters and to achieve good water status, water resources should be managed through the integrated management system.

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10 SUMMARY OF STRATEGIES, PROGRAMMES, PLANS AND PROJECTS

Georgia has committed to the harmonization of its national legislation with the EU Acquis, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The draft law on Water Resources Management is developed and currently under the consultation process with different ministries and other stakeholders. Six by-laws (draft Governmental Decrees) have been also prepared to ensure proper enforcement of the water code:  On Approval of the Procedure of the Development, Consideration and Endorsement of River Ba- sin Management Plans  On Approval of Procedure for status assessment and establishing ecological class boundaries (ESCS)  On the rules on composition and functioning of River Basin Council  On Approval of Technical Regulation on Calculation of Maximum Admissible Discharge (MAD), Norms of Pollutants Discharged with Wastewater into Surface Water Bodies  On identification and delineation of river basins  On the Rules for planning and implementation of water resources monitoring

The draft law on Water Resources Management is aligned to the principles and provisions of the EU WFD as well as the IWRM principles. According to the draft law on Water Resources Management Georgia has to introduce the river basin management and prepare river basin management plans for main rivers, conduct consultations with the public and publish these plans (art. 13 and 14 of EU –Georgia AA) Georgia has obligation to develop River Basins Management Plans (RBMP) in line with the EU WFD principles by 2024.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

11 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

According to EU WFD requirements, and particularly Article 14, all stakeholders, for example NGO’s, local communities and water supply enterprises, should be involved in discussions leading to the formulation of the river basin management plan (RBMP) during its 3 phases of development: Time table and work program, Main issues, Draft RBMP and Programme of measures. From public infor-mation to active public participation, the required actions and targeted public are different. Legal basis for public participation in Georgia can be found in the Law on Environmental Impact Permit which guarantees the public’s right to participate in environmental decision-making on project as well as strategic levels. However, the law is vague on what constitutes public participation. Usually, the procedure of public hearings is used, in which comments are solicited one the final plan or strategy has been developed among ministries. More formal procedures and institutional mechanisms for conducting public participation processes at earlier stages are slowly and gradually developing in the country. Concerning public participation in water management, as there is currently no approved RBMP in Georgia, there is not yet an experience of an official consultation and approval process. Since several years, a Draft New Water Law is being developed which provisions aim to approximate with the EU acquis, including Water Framework Directive. The still ongoing revision of Georgia’s water law will have very significant impacts on how water management is organised, including on how RBMP are being developed, taking into account public participation. The objectives of public consultation for the development of Alazani-Iori River Basin Management Plan draft version are as follows:

 to involve as much as possible the representatives of civil society and local stakeholders in the process of discussion in RBMP during its drafting stage  to inform the public on the RBMP, and more generally on water management and water status in their river basin

The final draft RBPM elaborated in the framework of the EUWI+ project will then pass the official adoption procedure, led by the MEPA and all concerned ministries.

11.1 The first consultation

The Table 21 below presents comments received during the first public consultation meeting and corresponding responses:

Table 21 List of comments received during the public consultation meeting and responses

Comment has been integrated Reference Comment Response/Action in the RBMP [YES/ NO]

General com- It is important to have all lo- The message has been noted and will be No ments cal stakeholders involved in taken into consideration and involvement of the RBMP consultation pro- the local stakeholders will be mainstreamed cess. It will be useful to or- in the future public consultation meetings, with a special focus on CSOs.

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Comment has been integrated Reference Comment Response/Action in the RBMP [YES/ NO]

ganize additional consultation meetings in order to involve broad variety of local stakeholders. Available date sometimes The message has been taken into considera- No is not accurate, especially tion and the respective part of the chapter related to illegal landfills, will be revised based on experts’ opinion. amount of disposed waste

and livestock number. Therefore, it is necessary to use expert judgement and not only date based calculation method for pressure-impact analysis.

Diagnostic and Not all numbers in technical The references and data sources were pro- Yes Characteriza- summary were provided vided in the report but not transferred in the tion with references and infor- technical summary. The message has been mation sources. considered and the technical summary ed- ited due to this comment.

The Characterization of the The comment was noted and will be re- Yes Alazanii-Iori River Basin flected in the report. chapter mentions that there are 20 HPPs planned to be constructed in the basin, which is not correct. There might be 20 projects, but not all of them will be constructed.

Pre-identified The forecast of the flow of The comment was noted and will be taken Yes Main Issues Alazani and Iori by 2100 is into consideration. not accurate. The forecast was made by UNDP glob- ally and is too general.

In 2018, the National Envi- The comment has been noted and the infor- Yes ronmental Agency has mation will be requested from the respective started monitoring of pesti- bodies. cide pollution so some data can be available.

11.2 The second consultation

The second consultation meeting on the Alazani-Iori RBMP in Georgia has gathered 54 participants including the representatives of beneficiary institutions, regional and local authorities, NGOs, main contrac- tors in Georgia for RBMP development and EUWI+East representatives. The second thematic summary of the current findings on environmental objectives and programme of measures has been prepared and Alazani-Iori factsheet has been updated for the meeting.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Within the first session of the meeting, the presentations covered the subjects such as SWBs delineation, GWBs delineation, PoMs, Economic analysis of PoMs, etc. The presentations were followed by working group session. This allowed to clarify some questions of the participants but moreover helped in identifying several complementary information on the data used or additional information available for performing the assessment. As a conclusion of this session, the outcomes of each group have been presented in a plenary format, so that the attendees could receive the benefits from the various groups. It was crucial to receive the feedback and comments from the participants of the consultation meeting, which have been analyzed and foreseen. Thus, the corresponding responses have been made (see Table 22).

Table 22 Disposition of comments and responses

Reception Comments, observations, RBMP chapter mode opinions concerned Treatment of the comment

Alazani-Iori This measure is missing in Programme of The comment has been noted and Second the report: Rehabilitation of II Measures will be reflected in the report. Consultation and III level distributors of Meeting the right main channel of Kvemo Samgori irrigation system.

Alazani-Iori Water resources should be Environmental According to WFD, environmental Second registered and Objectives of Water flow of the river should be Consultation environmental flow of the Bodies calculated and water allocation plan Meeting river should be considered developed. Once the new law on water,is adopted, permissible amount of water abstraction will be automatically regulated: "A special water use permit for a surface water body is issued taking into account the environmental flow of the river, considering the methodology for assessing the environmental flow of the rivers, which is approved by the order of the Minister."

Alazani-Iori There is no hydrological Programme of This measure is included in the Second network in Alazani-Iori river Measures proposed programme of measures. Consultation basin and hydrological flow European Union if providing Meeting is calculated only on financial support to NEA to build 7 Shakriani outdated gage new automatic hidrological stations station in the basin which will automatically calculate water level and cross sections.

Alazani-Iori Quarries in Sartichala on Pressures and Excessive sand and gravel Second river Iori have impact not Impact of Human abstraction is identified as one of Consultation only water quality but also Activities on Water the pressures in the RBMP. The Meeting cause morphological Resources impact has been assessed and changes of the river bed. accordingly it was foreseen in the risk assessment process.

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Alazani-Iori This measure is missing in Programme of Construction of wastewater Second the report: Construction of Measures treatment plants is part of the Consultation wastewater treatment plans proposed programme of measures. Meeting in rural areas; awareness Furthermore, the awareness-raising raising campaign for local campaign has been proposed as a population and legislation supplementary measure in the changes in this direction. programme of measures.

Alazani-Iori This measure is missing in Programme of The programme of measure Second the report: Prohibition of Measures includes the measures dealing with Consultation domestic wastewater reducing untreated wastewater Meeting discharge in drainage discharges in surface water bodies. system, enhanced Some additional measures in this supervision of drainage regard would be considered in the channels and enforcement of second 6 year cycle of the RBMP. fines.

Alazani-Iori This measure is missing: Programme of Setting buffer strips and hedges Second Oblige farmers to establish Measures (Establishment of 3m buffer strip) is Consultation buffer zones on arable land one of the proposed measure, Meeting by making respective which aims to improve water quality amendments in the by reducing organic matters, legislation; nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies.

Alazani-Iori Pressures and The water body status Second Impact of Human establishment methodology has Iori water body being Consultation Activities on Water been simplified. In case of Goeriga, marked as yellow has, while Meeting Resources if a water body is marked as yellow, water level in the river bed it doesn’t mean it’s status is good has decreased by two but means that there is not enough meters nearby Sartichala, data on the water body, so it might due to excessive sand- be bad or very bad and require gravel abstraction. additional research. Therefore investigative monitoring is proposed by the RBMP.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

12 LIST OF COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

There is a list of competent authorities that are related to the design and implementation process of the Alazani-Iori river basin management plan: - Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia - LEPL National Environmental Agency - Ltd. Georgian Amelioration - Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia - Ltd. United Water Supply Company of Georgia - Ministry of Energy of Georgia - Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia

Local authorities: Basin municipalities, branches of central level Water Management related agencies (Amelioration department, Extension centers of the ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture).

12.1 Procedure of elaboration, review and approval of river basin management plans

Prior to the elaboration of the river basin management plan, the MEPA will approve the timeline for the elaboration of the plan per RBD and select the responsible organization. The timeline should include information on the rules for commencing the planning and consultations. The timeline should be published in accordance with the requirements under Article 6. MEPA will form Consultation and Coordination Coun- cil for each RBD and approve its members. At the initial stage of river basin management plan elaboration, a general analysis of basin district and the report on the impact on human activity and risks assessment must be prepared to be discussed by the relevant Council as well as at open meeting at the basin level in accordance with the requirements under Article 6. The draft river basin management plan shall be discussed by relevant Council as well as at open meeting at the basin level with the participation of local self-governments and stakeholders. The draft river basin management plan shall also be discussed at the national level with the participation of relevant ministries and other state agencies. MEPA will present the finalized draft river basin management plan to the Government for approval. River basin management plan will be approved by the governmental decree.

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12.2 Responsibilities of competent authorities

Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) is responsible for organizing the process of elaboration and review of river basin management plans (RBMPs), which are then submitted to the Government of Georgia for approval

12.3 Contact points and procedures

- Ms. Nino Tkhilava - Head of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, MEPA Tel: +995 595 199 745 [email protected] - Ms. Marina Makarova - Head of Water Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change, MEPA Tel: +995 595 119 704 [email protected]

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

13 GLOSSARY

Aquifer Subsurface layer or layers of rock or other geological strata of sufficient porosity and permeability to allow either a significant flow of groundwater

or the abstraction of significant quantities of groundwater

Artificial Water Body of surface water created by human activity e.g. a canal Body (AWB)

Chemical Status Chemical Status describes whether waters contain safe concentrations of certain chemicals that have been identified as of significant risk to or via the aquatic environment at the European Union (EU) level

Classification A technical procedure for assessing the status of a water body in accord- System ance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD)

Driver A human activity that may have an environmental effect

Ecological Po- Is the status of a heavily modified or artificial waterbody tential

Ecological Sta- Expression of the quality of structure and function of water ecosystems tus related to surface waters

Environmental are defined by the WFD mainly in Article 4 §1 Objectives

Good Ecological Is the required status of a heavily modified or an artificial water body. Potential Good Status The status achieved by a surface waterbody when both its ecological status and its chemical status are at least ‘Good’

Groundwater All water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil

A distinct volume of groundwater within an aquifer or aquifers Groundwater Body

The movement of groundwater in pores and fractures of rocks or in karst Groundwater flow spaces

Heavily Modified Surface water body that has significantly altered nature as a result of hu- Water Body man influence (HMWB)

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Hydromorphology The physical characteristics of the shape, the boundaries and the content of a waterbody

Pressures The proximate cause of any human-induced alterations to the morphological conditions needed to support the biological quality elements

Risk assessment To identify thresholds in relation to (i) the magnitude of a pressure and (ii) observed or predicted changes in both physicochemical and hydromorphological conditions for helping to decide if water bodies, or groups of water bodies, should be identified as being at risk of failing to achieve the WFD’s environmental objectives

River Basin Dis- A unity of territory and aquatic area consisting of more than one bordering trict (RBD) river basin, including distribution area of groundwater and coastal waters

RBMP River Basin management Plan, territorial planning document: it gives the overall orientations of water management in the basin and the objectives

to be reached, the delay and the priorities in the actions to be developed for a defined period of time

Surface water Inland waters (except ground waters), transitional waters, coastal waters, territorial waters and special economic zone waters

A general expression of surface water status, which is determined on the Surface water status basis of its ecological and chemical status

Groundwater A general expression of the condition of a groundwater body, which status is determined according to chemical and quantitative characteristics of the ground water. If either chemical or quantitative status is poor, then groundwater status is poor

Water Allocation The planning process using regulatory tools which consists in supplying all users with water volumes according to the legal framework in order to meet the demand. Water allocation refers to sectorial share but also to individual water permits

Water balance It is the gap between existing water supplies and water demand (including environmental flow). As both water demands and supply facilities (dams’ storage, water table…) fluctuate on a seasonal and daily basis, water balance must enable to account for these variations in fluctuations

Water body It is a coherent sub-unit (delineated water body) in the river basin (district) to which the environmental objectives of the directive must apply. Hence, the main purpose of identifying “water bodies” is to enable the status to be accurately described and compared to environmental objectives

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

14 REFERENCES

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Fehér, J., Gáspár, J., Szurdiné Veres, K., Kiss, A., Austnes, K., Globevnik, L.,Kristensen, P. (2012). Hy- dromorphological alterations and pressures in European rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters: Thematic assessment for EEA Water 2012 Report. Prague: European Topic Centre on Inland, Coastal and Marine Waters. Gamkrelidze P. D., The main features of the tectonic structure of Georgia; works of the Institute of Geol ogy, Academy of Sciences of Georgian SSR; Geology of the USSR, ser. X (XV), 1957. Gamkrelidze P.D. - Some features of the tectonic zones distribution of the folded system of the southern slope of Great Caucasus; collection of works of the Institute Geology, Academy of Sci-ences of the Georgian SSR, 1959. Giakoumis, T., & Voulvoulis, N. (2019). Water Framework Directive programmes of measures: Lessons from the 1st planning cycle of a catchment in England. Science of The Total Environment, 668, 903– 916. Global Water for Sustainability Program. (2011). Rapid Assessment of the Rioni and Alazani-lori River Basins.In Springe rReference. Berlin/Heidelberg:Springer-Verlag. https://doi.org/10.1007/Sprin- gerReference_187079 Guidance, W. R.D. (2016). Final draft, version 6. 0. 6. WFD CIS (Water Framework Directive’s Common Implementation Strategy). Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia /USAID governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia Identification and designation of heavily modified and artificial water bodies. (2003). Common implementation strategy for the water framework directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance document: Vol. 4. Herbke, N., Dworak, T., Karaczun, Z. M., Petersen, J.-E., Werner, B., Bidoglio, G., & Bouraoui, F. (2006). WFD and Agriculture‐Analysis of the Pressures and Impacts Broaden the Problem’s Scope. Interim Report. Version, 6. Hohenblum, P., et. al., 2020. Guidance “Background and concept paper for Investigative Monitoring”. EUWI+ Project. Identification and designation of heavily modified and artificial water bodies. (2003). Common implementation strategy for the water framework directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance document: Vol. 4. Luxem- bourg: OPOCE. IMPRESS, W. G. (2003). Guidance for the analysis of pressures and impacts in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. In Guidance Document prepared by WG IMPRESS. Available online at http://forum. europa. eu. int/Public/irc/env/wfd/library, accessed at (Vol. 7). Kampa, E., & Laaser, C. (2009). Heavily modified water bodies: information exchange on designation, assessment of ecological potential, objective setting and measures. In Common implementation strategy workshop, Brussels. Kenya et al, Report on exploration –survey works on the South part of Alazani artesian basin from vil. Bakurtsikhe till border of Azerbaijan, Report of Geological Department of Georgia, 1976 Kharatishvili L.A., Zedgenidze S.N. - Methods for determination the water conductivity of aqui-fers in mining areas without special drilling and experimental work, Nedra Publishers, Soviet Ge-ology, N 7, 1969.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Kharatishvili, LA, Zedginidze, S.N. - State and tasks of hydrogeological and engineering-geological research of Georgia; Collection of papers “Proceedings of the zonal meeting on hy-drogeology and engineering geology”, Minsk, 1969. Kheladze I.E., Hydrogeological report on the Kakheti lowlands within the irrigation of the Alazan Channel, Archive of the Ministry of Water Management of Georgian SSR, 1929. Kheladze I.E., Hydrogeological studies of the right bank of Alazani Valley; archive of the Ministry of Water managment of Georgian SSR, Tbilisi, 1929. Khorbaladze et al, Report on the detailed survey of Quaternary alluvial deposits of River Iori on the area of Mtianeti in terms of assessment of groundwater recourses, Report of Geological De-partment of Georgia, 1979 Kvartskhava P.F. hydrogeology of the righbenk of Iori river, South Kakheti; Report of Marneuli type, Report of Geological Department of Georgia,1957 Kolcova T, Jackman M, Water body identification and typology of Chorokhi-Adjaristskali River Basin, Georgia EPIRB Project, 2013 Kristensen, P., Whalley, C., Néry, F., Zal, N., & Christiansen, T. (2018). European waters: Assessment of status and pressures 2018. EEA report / European Environment Agency: No 7/2018. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Loladze et al, Report on hydrogeological survey of growndwater and pressurized waters under al-luvial- lake deposits of River PoladauriIn terms of water supply of Marneuli-Bolnisi districts, Report of Geo- logical Department of Georgia,1968 Leon, L. F., Soulis, E. D., Kouwen, N., & Farquhar, G. J. (2002). Modeling diffuse pollution with a distributed approach. Water Science and Technology, 45(9), 149–156. Maidment, D., Djokic, D., 2000. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Support with Geographic Information Systems. Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc., Redlands, California. 213pp. Methodology for Identification, Delineation and Classification of Surface Water Bodies, MCA-Moldova THVA Project - Irrigation Sector Reform Activity, 2012 Nations United. (2018). Sdg 6 synthesis report 2018 on water and sanitation. [Place of publication not identified]: UNITED NATIONS. Parliament of Georgia. (1997). Law of Georgia on Water. Rivaes, R., Egger, G., Pinheiro, A., & Ferreira, T. Using CASiMiR-vegetation model to establish riparian vegetation disturbance requirements. Sall M., Peterson K.and Kuldna P. The Role of River Basin Management Plans in in addressing diffuse pollution from agriculture to limit the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea National Report of Estonia, Baltic Compass project, SEI Tall Schaufler, K., et al., 2020. Technical Report “Surface Water Monitoring Development Plan Georgia”. EUWI+ Project. Society for Nature Conservation, SABUKO (2019). Restoration of Iori river valley gallery forests and adjacent areas: Description and Assessment of Iori River Gallery Forests, Definition of their Natural boundaries, Comparison with the Present Boundaries and Identification of Causes of Changes. StackExchange, 2011. Geographic information systems: Given a terrain, how to determine stream flow path? Retrieved on Dec 1st 2015 from https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/14622/given-a-terrain-how-to-draw-the-stream-flow-path. The sava river. (2015): Springer. Tsertsvadze N.V., Mineral water of Georgia, Publishing House “Nekeri” , 2017. USAID Governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia (2018). Guidance document on significant water managment issues and programme measures: USAID Governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia. Wagener, T., Sivapalan, M., Troch, P., Woods, R., 2007. Catchment classification and hydro-logic simi- larity. Geography Compass, 1(4): 901-931. WFD and Hydromorphological pressures (2006). Good practice in managing the ecological impacts of hydropower schemes; flood protection works; and works designed to facilitate navigation under the Water Framework Directive

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Zedginidze C. N. et al, Report of Hydrogeological type on assessment of regional groundwater resources of Iori-Shiraqi artesian basin, Geological Department of Georgia,1969 Zedginidze S.N. et al. - Water content of the Quaternary formations of Georgia. Hydrogeology of the USSR, vol. X, Georgian SSR, Nedra Publishing House, 1970. Zedginidze S.N. et al., Summary report of Iori Geological type with a calculation of regional oper-ational groundwater resources of the Iori-Shiraki artesian basin- 1948-1969. (for I.VI-1969) Funds of Georgian Geology, 1969. Zedginidze S.N. et al., water content of Neogene and Paleogene Deposits of Georgia, USSR Hy-droge ology, vol. X, Georgian SSR, Nedra Publishing House, 1970.

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15 ANNEX 1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIVER BASIN

15.1 Annex 1. Tables

Territory 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Kakheti Region 406.2 407.1 405.1 405.0 318.4 318.4 317.5

Urban 83.6 84.0 83.5 83.4 71.4 71.3 70.9 Rural 322 323.1 321.6 321.6 247.0 247.1 246.6 City of Telavi 19.6 19.5 Akhmeta Municipality 42.2 42.2 42.3 42.3 31.4 31.7 31.5 Urban 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 7.1 7.1 7.0 Rural 33.7 33.9 33.8 33.8 24.3 24.6 24.5 Dedoplistskaro Municipality 30.6 30.6 30.6 30.6 30.6 30.6 30.6 Urban 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.4 Rural 23.2 23.2 23.1 23.0 15.3 15.2 15.1 Telavi Municipality 71.0 71.2 70.9 70.9 58.3 38.7 38.6 Urban 20.8 20.9 20.8 20.9 19.6 - - Rural 50.2 50.3 50.1 50.0 38.7 38.7 38.6 Lagodekhi Municipality 51.9 52.1 51.9 52.0 41.7 41.8 41.7 Urban 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 5.9 5.9 5.8 Rural 44.1 44.3 44.1 44.2 35.8 35.9 35.9 Sagarejo Municipality 59.8 60.0 60.0 60.3 51.8 52.2 52.4 Urban 11.8 11.8 11.7 11.6 10.9 10.9 10.9 Rural 48.0 48.2 48.3 48.7 40.9 41.3 41.5 Sighnaghi Municipality 43.6 43.8 43.4 43.2 29.9 29.6 29.5 Urban 8.9 9.1 9.1 9.0 6.3 6.2 6.2 Rural 34.7 34.7 34.3 34.2 23.6 23.4 23.3

Kvareli Municipality 37.2 37.3 36.9 36.9 29.8 29.8 29.7

Urban 8.8 8.9 8.7 8.7 7.7 7.7 7.7

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Territory 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Rural 28.4 28.4 28.2 28.2 22.1 22.1 22.0 Tianeti municipality of 13.1 13.1 12.9 12.9 9.5 9.3 9.2 Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region Urban 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.1 2.9 2.8 2.7 Rural 9.1 9.0 8.8 8.8 6.6 6.5 6.5

Annex1.Table 2 Average agricultural land area operated by agricultural holdings according to land use type (ha) Agricultural Arable Land under Land under nat- Location land land permanent ural meadows crops and pastures Georgia 1,37 0,71 0,40 3,83 Kakheti 3,55 1,61 0,75 35,55 City of Telavi 0,37 0,15 0,45 14,82 Akhmeta 2,38 1,11 0,33 9,61 Gurjaani 1,51 0,91 0,86 11,76 Dedoplistskaro 12,07 4,39 1,21 185,74 Telavi 1,50 0,86 0,83 9,88 Lagodekhi 1,75 1,34 0,53 7,90 Sagarejo 5,11 1,74 0,59 27,98 Sighnaghi 6,38 2,76 0,52 99,84 Kvareli 2,07 1,16 1,07 23,20 Mtskheta-Mtianeti 0,70 0,43 0,22 1,00 Tianeti 1,20 0,45 0,16 1,28

Annex1.Table3 Percentage distribution of forest areas managed by LEPL National Forestry Agency of Georgia by slope gradient, Tianeti Municipality and Kakheti Region, source: National Forestry Agency Slope Gradient 0-10 De- 11-20 De- 21-30 De- 31-35 De- Total 36< Forest Site grees grees grees grees Area % of total % of total % of total % of total % of total area area area area area Tianeti 49493 6 37 30 13 14 Akhmeta 64892 5 25 42 12 16 Dedoplistskaro- 23259 Sighnaghi 38 35 26 1 Gurjaani 28827 4 9 35 25 27 Lagodekhi 17172 28 9 27 14 22 Sagarejo 42599 13 59 27 1 Telavi 57125 8 21 32 17 22 Kvareli 54505 4 9 35 26 26 Total: 337872

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15.2 Annex 1. Figures

Annex1.Figure 1 Annual mean temperature distribution map of the Alazani-Iori basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex1.Figure 2 Precipitation map of the Alazani - Iori river basin

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Annex1.Figure 3 Geological map of the Alazani - Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Legend of the geological map

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Annex1.Figure 4 Soil map of the Alazani - Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Legend of the soil map

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Annex1.Figure 5 Vegetation map of the Alazani-Iori basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex1.Figure 6 Distribution of population in the Alazani - Iori river basin

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Annex1.Figure 7 Forest cover of the Alazani - Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex1.Figure 8 Fish farming map of the Alazani - Iori river basin

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Annex1.Figure 9 Protected areas in the Alazani - Iori river basin

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

16 ANNEX 2 SIGNIFICUNT PRESSURES AND IMPACTS

16.1 Annex 2. Tables

Annex2.Table1 Wastewater discharges into surface water bodies of the Alazani-Iori rivers basin Amount of Bio- Surface water dis- Without logi- Mechani- Name of entrepre- object for Activity charged treat- cally cally neur wastewater water ment treate treated discharge m3/year d I.E. Shalva Kapa- nadzde Fishery Ponds r. Iori 31,200 31,200 Sand and gravel LTD Iori 2008 production r. Iori 41,100 41,100 Gravel and sand LTD Dila 95 processing r. Iori 34,560 34,560 LTD Caucasau- Sand and gravel tomagistral processing r. Iori 39,500 0 39,500 r. Vedzirulas LTD Akhtala Spa Khevi 2,800 2,800 0 0 Sand and gravel r.Vardisub- LTD B/I production niskhevi 70,000 0 70,000 LTD George Aladashvili Fish production r. Alazani 35,000 35,000 0 0 Concrete pro- LTD Serpantini duction r. Turdo 20,000 0 0 20,000 LTD Kvareli wine cel- lar Wine production r.Shorokhevi 2,320 2,320 0 0 LTD Alaverdi Wine production r. Papriskhevi 19,000 19,000 0 0 Sand and gravel LTD Andeziti production r. Kabali 40,000 0 0 40,000 Sand and gravel LTD Buba production r. Kisiskhevi 40,000 0 40,000 Construction LTD Mshenebeli materials r.Kisiskhevi 17,000 17,000 LTD Akura Wine production Vantiskhevi 17,000 17,000

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r. Telaviskhevi Georgian wine and (tributary of soft drinks Wine production Matsantsara) 69,002 69,002 r. Vardisub- niskhevi (tribu- Sand and gravel tary of river LTD Telavi road processing Turdo) 1,900 1,900 r.Akhtalskhevi, UWSCG, Gurjaani Vedzirulaskhevi, service center Sewerge system Balakhevi 1,454,600 1,454,600 UWSCG, Lagodekhi service center r. Ninoskhevi 246,000 246,000 UWSCG, Lagodekhi service center Sewerge system Shromiskhevi 75,000 75,000 UWSCG, Kvareli service center Sewerge system r. Bursa 174,760 174,760 UWSCG, Akhmeta service center r. Ilto 447,540 44,7540 Sewerge system UWSCG, Akhmeta service center r. Alazani 50,400 50,400 UWSCG, Sagarejo Sewerage sys- service center tem r. Iori 1,575,180 1,575,180 UWSCG, Sewerage sys- Dedoplistskaro tem r. Artsiviskheoba 100,695 100,695 Anagiskhevi, Sakoboskhevi, UWSCG, Signagi Sewerage sys- Mashnaaris service center tem khevi 232,000 232,000 UWSCG, Tianeti ser- Sewerage sys- vice center tem r. Iori 726,700 726,700 In total 5,564,257 5,142,995 69,002 352,260

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex2.Table 2 The results of water quality monitoring in the Alazani-Iori river basin (2013- 2017)

Components Alazani Alazani Alazani Iori Iori Sar- Maximum Chiaura, Alaverdi, Omalo, Sasadilo, tichala, permissible 2013-2017 2015-2017 2015-2016 2014-2017 2014-2017 concentration (MPC) mg/l

BOD5, mg/l 0.57-2.82 0.68-3.39 0.93-2.7 0.69-2.87 0.64-2.41 3

NH4 mg/l 0.007-0.848 0.163-1.236 0.179-0.303 0.016-0.731 0.023-1.672 0.39

NO3 mg/l 0.009-2.291 0.064-0.826 0.12-0.274 0.004-0.44 0.01-1.52 4.5

NO2 mg/l 0.001-0.884 0,003-0.065 - 0.001-0.108 0.001-0.125 3.3

PO4 mg/l 0.001-0.592 0.021-0.518 0.0012-0.09 0.001-1.353 0.001-1.353 3.5 Cu mg/l 0.0011- 0.0003- 0.0916- 0.0013- 0.001- 1 0.9605 0.4471 0.1551 0.6292 0.6446 Fe mg/l 0.0066- 0.0195- - 0.0162- 0.0308- 0.3 1.2116 3.2371 0.3818 4.1684 Mn mg/l 0.0009- 0.0005- - 0.0005- 0.0046- 0.1 0.3372 0.2349 0.1068 0.5974 Pb mg/l 0.0005- 0.001- 0.0036- 0.0003- 0.00095- 0.03 0.0229 0.0267 0.0289 0.0185 0.885 Mineralization 177.9- 148.19- - 100.15- 193.2- 1000 382.29 282.78 332.32 874.68

Annex2.Table 3 Results of SWFS for the river Iori

Results by sampling points Iori - Iori – Dali Iori - Iori-Tianeti Chachuna Downstream Bochorma upstream Measured Para- MPC* meters

Temperature, 0C 20,6 27,1 16,5 15,5 pH 8,4 8,47 8,54 8,59 6,5-8,5 Conductivity, 1328 1035 253 220 sms/cm Dissolved 8,0 7,34 8,95 116 oxygen, mg/l

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Dissolved 84,3 83,6 91,1 11,6 oxygen% Suspended Solids 27,0 1,60 1,40 1,80 , mg/l

BOD5 mg/l 0,94 1,04 0,78 0,94 6.0

COD, mg/l 1,55 2,72 1,20 1,40 30.0

0.078 0.086 0.179 0.171 0.39 Ammonia, mg/l

Nitrate, mg/l 2.049 2.319 0,388 0,196 10.0

0.286 0.533 0,084 0,095 3.5 Phosphate, mg/l

745.84 844.50 20,08 10,80 500 Sulphate, mg/l

43.66 49.57 2,47 1,84 350 Chloride, mg/l

4,15 4,65 0,85 0,43 Potassium, mg/l

Sodium, mg/l 111,45 88,02 7,61 3,06 200

Calcium, mg/l 135,44 96,00 28,17 24,09 180

25,97 22,50 9,22 8,04 Magnesium, mg/l

Total phosphorus 0,386 0,600 0.134 0.112

Annex2.Table 4 Results of SWFS for the river Alazani Results by sampling points Alaani Alazani Alazani Bats Alazani Alazani - Alazani - Ala- Measured Pa- - - - Kabali ara - - O- Stori Stori zani - MPC* rameters Bursa Bursa/N hpp Bats malo Lechuri downstr Shakri atakh ara upstream eam ani

Temperature, 16,9 17,6 15,1 15,3 14,9 13,0 19,5 20,2 0C pH 6,5- 8,9 8,38 8.20 8,53 8,62 8,50 8,41 8,22 8,5 Conductivity, 225, 122,2 279,4 88,5 123,7 118,8 144 264 sms/cm 8 Dissolved 9,17 9,31 10,22 9,5 8,27 11,80 9,14 9,12 oxygen, mg/l

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Dissolved 93,3 97,5 118,0 85,6 82,0 112,3 100,3 100,1 oxygen% Suspended 1,40 2,00 2,00 0,80 1,80 2,40 2,40 1,00 Solids , mg/l

BOD5 mg/l 1,50 0,80 0,80 0,94 0,86 0,88 1,62 0,99 6.0 COD, mg/l 3,08 1,20 1,20 1,24 1,70 1,80 3,20 1,30 30.0 0.07 0.085 0.086 0.086 0.077 0.116 0.117 0.171 0.39 Ammonia, mg/l 8 0.36 0.212 0.011 0.011 0.027 0.238 0.028 0,282 10.0 Nitrate, mg/l 3 Phosphate, 0.21 0.069 0.076 0.076 0.259 0.291 0.086 0,217 3.5 mg/l 8 17.5 34.41 22.38 22.38 18.36 19.17 20.89 11,01 500 Sulphate, mg/l 5 Chloride, mg/l 3.68 1.57 1.57 0.79 1.67 4.80 1.96 1,44 350 Potassium, 0,38 1,14 1,14 0,57 0,24 0,26 0,29 0,60 mg/l Sodium, mg/l 4,90 9,52 9,52 2,68 2,46 2,86 2,94 5,39 200 30,9 17,65 40,58 40,58 20,23 17,82 24,08 29,05 180 Calcium, mg/l 2 Magnesium, 10,5 4,16 11,78 11,78 7,24 7,89 6,07 9,15 mg/l 1 Total phospho- 0,33 0,119 0,126 0,126 0,309 0.308 6.469 0.750 rus 5

MPC* - Maximum permissible concentrations On Approval of Technical Regulations for Protection of Surface Water Pollution in Georgia (Government of Georgia Resolution # 425 December 31, 2013 Tbilisi)

Annex2.Table 5 Categorisation of SWBs against point source pollution (urban wastewater)

# WB code Re- De- Approximate rate Pollution Presence of Comment sult scrip- of average mini- Source/ Empirical Evi- of tion mum flow of the Pres- dence on the cal- river in this sec- sures pressure/im- cu- tion pact la- tion 1 Akh303 R The periodically dry Urban Yes: (water use Discharge Akh- river, accordingly Wastewater accounting data without any taliskhe low flow in sum- from Gurjaani and data from treatment : vi River mer period is al- town; UWSCG on generated most 0 m3/s pollutants

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wastewater dis- of BOD, charges) COD, nitrates phosphates. 2 Ved 302 R The periodically dry Urban Yes: (water use Discharge Vedziru- rivers, accord- Wastewater accounting data without any laskhevi ingly low flow in from Gurjaani and data from treatment : river summer period is town; UWSCG on generated almost 0 m3/s wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 3 Kom 401 R The Ba- periodically dry Urban Yes: (water use Discharge lakhevi rivers, accord- Wastewater accounting data without any river ingly low flow in from Gurjaani and data from treatment : summer period is town; UWSCG on generated almost 0 m3/s wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 4 Nin305 R The 0.5 m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge Ninoskh Wastewater accounting data without any evi river from and data from treatment : Lagodekhi UWSCG on generated town; wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates. 5 Shr303 PR The 0.5 m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge Shrom- Wastewater accounting data without any iskhevi from and data from treatment : river Lagodekhi UWSCG on generated town; wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 6 Bur 203 R The 0.11m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge Bursa Wastewater accounting data without any River from Kvareli and data from treatment : town; UWSCG on generated pollutants

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

wastewater dis- of BOD, charges) COD, nitrates phosphates 7 Mdn201 R The An- periodically dry Urban Yes: (water use Discharge agiskhe rivers, accord- Wastewater accounting data without any vi, Sa- ingly low flow in from Sigh- and data from treatment : ko- summer period is nagi town; UWSCG on generated boskhev almost 0 m3/s wastewater dis- pollutants i, Mash- charges) of BOD, naaris COD, ni- khevi trates phosphates 8 Ilt204 PR The Ilto 1.8 m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge River Wastewater accounting data without any from and data from treatment : Akhmeta UWSCG on generated town; wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 9 Alz110 NR The Ala- 5 m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge zani Wastewater accounting data without any River from and data from treatment : Akhmeta UWSCG on generated town; wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 1 Alz 141 For The periodically dry Urban Yes: (water use Discharge 0 Atsiv Atsiv- river, accordingly Waastewater accounting data without any is- iskhevi low flow in sum- from and data from treatment : khe- river mer period is al- Dedoplistskar UWSCG on generated oba (flows to most 0 m3/s; o town wastewater dis- pollutants – R; Azalani charges) of BOD, flow of Alazani at river) COD, ni- For the confluence of trates Ala- Artsiviskheoba is phos- zani about 30m3/s phates -NR

1 Ior 106 PR The Iori 1.63 m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge 1 River wastewater accounting data without any and data from treatment :

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from Tianeti UWSCG on generated town wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 1 Ior120 PR The Iori 1. 93m3/s Urban Yes: (water use Discharge 2 River wastewater accounting data without any from Saga- and data from treatment : rejo town UWSCG on generated wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates R- “at risk”; PR- “possibly at risk”; NR – “not at risk”

Annex2.Table 6 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure # SWB DelCode Risk Category

1 Akhmalis-Khevi Akh303 At risk 2 Alazani Alz123 At risk 3 Alazani Alz143 At risk 4 Alazani Alz132 At risk 5 Alazani Alz135 At risk 6 Alazani Alz129 At risk 7 Alazani Alz130 At risk 8 Ambaris-Khevi Amb202 At risk 9 Chalaubbanis-Khevi Chl202 At risk 10 Cheremis-Khevi Che204 At risk 11 Didi-ArKhi Did203 At risk 12 Didi-ArKhi Did201 At risk 13 Iori Ior122 At risk 14 Iori Ior121 At risk 15 Karoli-Khevi Kar303 At risk 16 Karoli-Khevi Kar302 At risk 17 Kusis-Khevi Uch202 At risk

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

18 Lakbe Lak202 At risk 19 Lakbe Lak203 At risk 20 Mlashe-Tskali Lek201 At risk 21 Ole Ole202 At risk 22 Ormotnulis-Wyali Orm203 At risk 23 Orvili Orv204 At risk 24 Tsinlianis-Khevi Tsn202 At risk 25 Vedziruli Ved302 At risk

Annex2.Table 7 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure # SWB DeCode Risk category

1 Alazani Alz108 At risk

2 Pidinat-Khevi Pid201 At risk 3 Alazani Alz110 At risk

4 Iori Ior124 At risk

5 Babaneuris-Psha Bab205 At risk

6 Tvalt-Khevi Tva202 At risk

7 Alazani Tri303 At risk

Annex2.Table 8 SWBs under significant diffuse urban run-off (illegal landfills) pressure # SWB DelCode Length (km) Area km2

1 Didi-Veltekhi Dve302 8.4 21.1

2 Shorokhi Sho303 8.9 9.7 3 Iori Ior124 12.5 39.6 4 Lagodekhis- Lag303 3.9 10.1 Khevi

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Annex2.Table 9 Water abstraction pressure sources in the Alazani-Iori river basin Water body cate- Clarification on pressures gory Pressure Main Driver(s) Surface Ground- water water Abstraction/Flow Diver- Agriculture + + Includes water transfers and sion – Agriculture abstractions for irrigation and livestock breeding Abstraction/Flow Diver- Urban develop- + + Includes water transfers, Af- sion – Public Water Sup- ment fection to TW and/or CW pos- ply sible only in case of desalina- tion plants Abstraction/Flow Diver- Industry + Abstraction for industrial pro- sion – Industry cesses (cooling water is covered under the category ‘Ab- straction – cooling water’) Abstraction/Flow Diver- Industry; Diffuse pollution from road sion – Cooling water Energy non- and train, traffic, aviation and hydro infrastructure Abstraction/Flow Diver- Aquaculture + Typically off-line fish farms sion - Fish farms Abstraction/Flow Diver- Recreation Abstraction for any other pur- sion – other pose not listed above

Annex2.Table 10 SWBs under significant abstraction/ flow diversion pressure # SWB DelCode Length (km) Area km2

1 Alazani Alz107 10.8 70.4

2 Bursa Bur203 11.0 11.1 3 Cheremis-Khevi Che202 7.6 28.7 4 Chiauri Chi202 28.9 84.3 5 Chiauri Chi203 3.0 2.4 6 Chumat-Khevi Chu201 14.9 36.8 7 Iori Ior118 14.9 125.4 8 Iori Ior125 37.5 281 9 Kisisi-Khevi Kis204 11.3 22.3 10 Mdn201 16.6 57.5 11 Ole Oli201 20.7 340.5 12 Shromis-Khevi Shr303 12.0 15.66

13 Lagodekhis-Khevi Lag302 5.15 19.11

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

14 Shromis-Khevi Shr302 4.20 11.69 15 Tvalt-Khevi Tva201 8.18 27.82

16 Bursa Bur202 4.2 8.38 17 Duruji Dur202 16.96 34.29

Annex2.Table 11 SWBs under significant hydromorphological pressure # SWB DelCode Type of pressure

1 Gurula Gur302 Changed planform/channel pattern; Reduced flow velocity 2 Shromis-Khevi Shm202 Changed planform/channel pattern; Narrowed cross section 3 Lopota Lop204 Bed/Bank fixation; Low Flow/ Water abstraction 4 Iori Ior111 Variable flow; Low flow 5 Iori Ior112 Variable flow; Low flow 6 Iori Ior114 Variable flow; Low flow 7 Iori Ior131 Storage Low flow 8 Iori Ior113 Variable flow; Low flow 9 Iori Ior115 Storage Low flow 10 Telavis-Rike Ter302 Changed planform/channel pattern; Bed/Bank fixation 11 Telavis-Rike Ter301 Changed planform/channel pattern; Bed/Bank fixation 12 Khachiris-Khevi Kha203 Changed planform/channel pattern; Bed/Bank fixation 13 Sagame Sag203 Changed planform/channel pattern; Bed/Bank fixation 14 Chailuri Cha302 Changed planform/channel pattern; Bank fixation

Page | 145

15 Chiauri Chi203 Changed planform/channel pattern; Altered riparian habitats 16 Chiauri Chi202 Changed planform/channel pattern; Altered riparian habitats 17 Sachure Sac202 Changed planform/channel pattern; Altered riparian habitats

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

16.2 Annex 2. Figures

Annex2.Figure 1 Locations of municipal wastewater discharges and SWFS monitoring points

Page | 147

17 ANNEX 3 PROTECTED ZONES

Annex3.Table 1 Locations of drinking (surface) water abstraction # Name SWB DelCode (Municipality center) 1 Telavi Telavis-Rike Ter302

2 Dedoplistskaro Kushis-Khevi Kuh201 3 Sagarejo Tvalt-Khevi Tva202

4 Kvareli Bursa Bur203

5 Akhmeta Orvili Orv203

6 Lagodekhi Shromis-Khevi Shr303

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

18 ANNEX 4 RISK ASSESSMENT

Annex4.Table 1 SWBs- Risk assessment result

Risk Risk sta- Risk status- Risk status- Risk status- Status tus-Point diffuse Abstraction Physical # SWB Del- source source pol- alteration Code pollution lution

SWBs at risk 1 Akhtalis-Khevi Akh303 At risk At risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk 2 Alazani Alz107 At risk Not at risk Possibly at At risk At risk risk 3 Alazani Alz123 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk 4 Babaneuris- Bab205 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at Psha risk 5 Bursa Bur203 At risk At risk Possibly at At risk At risk risk 6 Chiauri Chi202 At risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk Possibly at risk 7 Chilaris-Khevi Chk203 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk 8 Chumat-Khevi Chu201 At risk Not at risk Possibly at At risk Possibly at risk risk 9 Duruji Dur202 At risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk Possibly at risk 10 Iori Ior106 At risk Possibly at Not at risk Not at risk Possibly at risk risk 11 Iori Ior109 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk 12 Iori Ior110 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk 13 Iori Ior115 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk 14 Iori Ior118 At risk Not at risk Possibly at At risk At risk risk 15 Iori Ior119 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk 16 Iori Ior120 At risk Possibly at Possibly at Not at risk At risk risk risk 17 Iori Ior121 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk 18 Iori Ior125 At risk Not at risk Possibly at At risk At risk risk 19 Iori Ior131 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

Page | 149

20 Khachiris- Kha203 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at Khevi risk 21 Kisisi-Khevi Kis204 At risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk Possibly at risk 22 Lopota Lop204 At risk Not at risk Possibly at Not at risk Possibly at risk risk 23 Matsantsara Mas203 At risk Not at risk Possibly at Not at risk At risk risk 24 Mdn201 At risk At risk Possibly at At risk Possibly at risk risk 25 Ole Ole201 At risk Not at risk Possibly at Not at risk At risk risk 26 Oli Oli201 At risk Not at risk Possibly at At risk Possibly at risk risk 27 Shromis-Khevi Shr303 At risk Possibly at Possibly at At risk Not at risk risk risk 28 Stori Sto203 At risk Not at risk Possibly at Not at risk At risk risk 29 Telavis-Rike Ter302 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk 30 Vedziruli Ved302 At risk At risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

19 ANNEX 5 SURFACE WATER MONITORING

19.1 Annex 5. Tables

Annex5.Table 1 Hydro-morphological sampling sites including hydro-morphological status

HYMO Site No. Basin River Site Status Latitude Longitude

SW2-ALZ 08 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani Duisi 2,4 42° 8.028' 45° 17.352' SW2-ALZ 23 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani Erisimedi 1,3 41° 35.815' 46° 18.291' SW2-ALZ 15 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani Gurjaani 1,2 41° 45.466' 45° 54.713' SW2-ALZ 24 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani Milari 1,8 41° 31.544' 46° 19.506' SW2-ALZ 17 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani near Anaga 1,2 41° 41.787' 46° 0.329' SW2-ALZ 25 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani Sabatlo 1,3 41° 17.721' 46° 42.228' SW2-ALZ 12 Alazani-Iori Alazani Alazani Shaqriani 1,6 41° 59.801' 45° 34.440' SW2-ALZ 18 Alazani-Iori Anaga Anaga Vaqiri 3,2 41° 38.708' 45° 54.907' SW2-ALZ 14 Alazani-Iori Avaniskhevi Avani down stream hpp 1,8 41° 58.007' 45° 58.500' SW2-ALZ 13 Alazani-Iori Duruji Duruji near Kvareli 3,75 41° 56.486' 45° 47.723' SW2-ALZ 06 Alazani-Iori Ilto Ilto down stream 1,9 42° 2.810' 45° 8.929' SW2-ALZ 05 Alazani-Iori Iori Iori Dali reservoir 1,25 41° 14.890' 45° 54.379' SW2-ALZ 03 Alazani-Iori Iori Iori Iormugalo 1,4 41° 37.183' 45° 31.583' SW2-ALZ 02 Alazani-Iori Iori Iori khashmi 2,6 41° 45.621' 45° 10.248' SW2-ALZ 01 Alazani-Iori Iori Iori Paldo 1,2 41° 50.756' 45° 8.120' SW2-ALZ 04 Alazani-Iori Iori Iori Qolagi 2,2 41° 26.436' 45° 40.109' SW2-ALZ 16 Alazani-Iori Kabali Kabali up stream 1,4 41° 55.506' 46° 10.566' Lagodekhiskhevi down SW2-ALZ 22 Alazani-Iori Lagodekhiskhevi 3,3 41° 48.774' 46° 17.073' the bridge Lagodekhiskhevi near SW2-ALZ 21 Alazani-Iori Lagodekhiskhevi 1,95 41° 50.426' 46° 17.098' Lagodekhi SW2-ALZ 11 Alazani-Iori Lopota Lopota downstream 1,2 42° 3.780' 45° 32.305' Samkuristskali down SW2-ALZ 07 Alazani-Iori Samkuristskali 1,6 42° 16.414' 45° 21.047' stream Khadori hpp SW2-ALZ 20 Alazani-Iori Shromiskhevi Shromiskhevi near bridge 3,8 41° 49.487' 46° 15.892' SW2-ALZ 19 Alazani-Iori Shromiskhevi Shromisxevi Lagodekhi 1,3 41° 50.238' 46° 16.327' SW2-ALZ 10 Alazani-Iori Stori Stori down stream 1,43 42° 7.083' 45° 25.463' SW2-ALZ 09 Alazani-Iori Stori Stori upstream 1,1 42° 10.887' 45° 26.332'

Annex5.Table 2Current water quality monitoring sites in rivers of the Alazani-Iori RBD

River_name Site_name NEA EPIRB EUWI+

Alazani Akhmeta + Alaverdi + + +

Apeni +

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River_name Site_name NEA EPIRB EUWI+

Chiauri + +

Duisi Bridge +

Erisimedi +

Omalo + + +

Samtatskaro +

Sanavardo +

Shakriani + +

Vashlovani NP + Batsara Batsara + + +

Batsara II (upstream) +

Batsara (downstream) +

Ilto Chartala +

Sabue + Stori Lechuri zeda (upstream) + + Lechuri qveda (downstream) + + + Turdo – + Telaviskhevi – + Lopota near village Sachino) + Intsoba near village Gremi + Chelti near Kvareli +

RWN05 Duruji Up (Kvareli) + +

Bursa Kvareli upstream +

0.5 km below Kvareli + +

Khakharaantghele Kvareli upstream + Kabali Kabalhesi + + +

near village Kabali + Ninoskhevi – +

Shromiskhevi Lagodekhi Up +

Lagodekhi Down +

Iori AZ Border +

Bochorma +

Bodakhevi +

Chachuna +

Dali Downstream +

Iormughanlo +

Kolagiri (Iori Reserve) +

Paldo +

Sasadilo + + Sartichala +

Chiauri Baisubniskhevi, zeo mskhalgori +

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex5.Table 3 Complete list of SWB “at risk” in the Alazani-Iori river basin

River SWB code WB cat Main pressure Akhtalis-Khevi Akh303 NWB D, WW Alazani Alz107 HMWB WA, D Alazani Alz123 NWB D, HydLf Babaneuris-Psha Bab205 NWB D, LF, Bursa Bur203 HMWB WA, WW, D, LF Chiauri Chi202 NWB WA, LF Chilaris-Khevi Chk203 NWB D Chumat-Khevi Chu201 NWB WA, D Duruji Dur202 NWB WA, LF Iori Ior106 NWB HydRes Sioni Reservoir Ior109 HMWB HydRes Iori Ior110 HMWB HydLf Iori Ior115 HMWB WA, D, HydLf, Lf Iori Ior118 NWB WA, D, HydLf, Lf Iori Ior119 HMWB HydLf Iori Ior120 HMWB D, WW, HydLf Iori Ior121 HMWB D, HydLf Iori Ior125 NWB Wa, D, HydLf Dali reservoir Ior131 HMWB HydRes Khachiris-Khevi Kha203 NWB D Khachiris-Khevi Kis204 NWB WA, LF Lopota Lop204 NWB D, LF Matsantsara Mas203 HMWB D, HydMorph Vakiri Mdn201 NWB WA, WW, D Ole Ole201 HMWB HydMorph, D Ole Oli201 NWB WA, D Shromis-Khevi Shr303 NWB WA, WW, D, LF Stori Sto203 NWB D, HydLf, LF Telavis-Rike Ter302 HMWB HydMorph Vedziruli Ved302 NWB D, WW Akhtalis-Khevi Akh303 NWB D, WW WW = Domestic wastewater, D = diffuse sources from agriculture, WA = water abstraction, HydLF = hydrological alterations- low flow, HydRes = hydrological alterations- Reservoir, HydMorph = hydrological alternations – chaged planform / channel pattern, LF = illegal landfills

Page | 153

Annex5.Table 4Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in rivers of the Alazani-Iori river basin

River / Sampling site Type HMWB SWB code Rationale Existing site Q B R Alazani / Birkiani XI N Alz106 + exist Alazani / Tsitelgori XVI N Alz140 + + new Alazani / Sabatlo XV N Alz145 + + exist Batsara / Batsara upstream VII N Bat201 + exist Bursa / Kvareli upstream VI N Bur202 + exist Gurula / Kistauri IV N Gur301 + new Iori / Chachuna XV N Ior133 + + exist Kabali / Kabalhesi XI N Kab203 + exist

Q = Significant rate of water flow; B = near state border; R = candidate for reference site.

Annex5.Table 5 Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in lakes (reservoirs) of the Alazani- Iori river basin

Lake (reservoir) / Sampling site Type HMWB SWB code Rationale Existing site (river) V B R Lake Jikurebi L I No Jik01 + new Dali Reservoir – Yes Ior131 + new Sioni Reservoir L IV Yes Ior109 + new

V = Significant volume of water; B = near state border; R = candidate for reference site.

Annex5.Table 6 Proposal for operational monitoring sites in rivers of the Alazani-Iori river basin

River / Sampling site Type HMWB SWB code Existing site Bursa / Kvareli downstream VI N Bur203 exist Duruji / Kvareli VI N Dur202 exist Iori / Sartichala XVI N Ior118 new Lopota / Napareuli XI N Lop204 exist Ninoskhevi / Ganatleba VI N Nin303 exist

Annex5.Table 7 Overview of parameters in the chemical monitoring in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Parameter group Group n Parameter Relevant for … General phys.- Thermal 1 Water temperature Ecological status chem. conditions

Oxygen regime 2 Oxygen (conc., sat.), BOD5 Ecological status Salinity 4 Chloride, sulphate, electric conductivity, Ecological status mineralisation (TDS) Nutrients *) 4 Nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate Ecological status

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Parameter group Group n Parameter Relevant for … Acidification 1 pH Ecological status National and (Heavy) metals 5 Iron, zinc, copper, lead, manganese Ecological status WFD relevant (some parameters pollutants such as lead: chemical status)

Annex5.Table 8 Actual capacities of the Laboratories for measuring the priority substances that are listed by the EU WFD and associated directives for surface water monitoring

priority priority Parameter in substance hazardous Frequency of Scope of Substance name [Y/N] substance [Y/N] sampling Analysis [Y/N] Alachlor yes no 1 x/month no Anthracen yes yes 1 x/month yes Atrazine yes no 1 x/month no benzene yes no 1 x/month no Brominated Diphenylether (Congeners with numbers 28, 47, yes yes 1 x/month 99, 100, 153 and 154)1 no Cadmium- and Cadmium yes yes 1 x/month compounds yes yes yes yes yes no no 1 x/quarter Carbon tetrachloride no yes yes 1 x/month C10-13 Chloralkanes2 no yes no 1 x/month Chlorfenvinphos no Chlorpyrifos (Chlorpyrifos-Ethyl) yes no 1 x/month no Cyclodien Pestizide: Aldrin yes Dieldrin no no 1 x/quarter yes Endrin yes Isodrin DDT instotal no no 1 x/quarter yes Para-para-DDT no no 1 x/quarter 1,2-Dichlorethane yes no 1 x/month no Dichlormethane yes no 1 x/month no Bis(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalat (DEHP) yes no 1 x/month Diuron yes no 1 x/month no Endosulfan3 yes yes 1 x/month yes Fluoranthen yes no 1 x/month yes Hexachlorbenzene yes yes 1 x/month no

Page | 155

priority priority Parameter in substance hazardous Frequency of Scope of Substance name [Y/N] substance [Y/N] sampling Analysis [Y/N] Hexachlorbutadien yes yes 1 x/month no Hexachlorcyclohexan4 yes yes 1 x/month no Isoproturon yes no 1 x/month no Lead and Lead compoands yes no 1 x/month yes Mercury and mercury compoands yes yes 1 x/month yes Naphthalin yes no 1 x/month yes Nickel- and Nickel compoands yes no 1 x/month yes Nonylphenol (4-Nonylphenol)5 yes yes 1 x/month 4-tert-Octylphenol ((4-(1,1′,3,3′- yes no 1 x/month Tetramethylbutyl)-phenol)) Pentachlorbenzene yes yes 1 x/month no Pentachlorphenol yes no 1 x/month no Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) yes Benzo(a)pyren yes

6 Benzo(b)fluoranthen yes yes 1 x/month yes Benzo(k)fluoranthen6 yes Benzo(g,h,i)-perylen yes Indeno(1,2,3-cd)-pyren yes Simazin yes no 1 x/month no Tetrachloroethylene no no 1 x/quarter no Trichloroethylene no no 1 x/quarter no Tributyltin compounds yes yes 1 x/month (Tributhyltin-cation) Trichlorobenzene7 yes no 1 x/month no Trichlormethane yes no 1 x/month no Trifluralin yes yes 1 x/month no Dicofol yes yes 1 x/month no Perfluoroctanesulfonic acid yes yes 1 x/month (PFOA) and derivatives (PFOS) no Quinoxyfen yes yes 1 x/month no Dioxine and dioxinähnliche yes yes 1 x/month compounds8 no Aclonifen yes no 1 x/month no Bifenox yes no 1 x/month no Cybutryn yes no 1 x/month no Cypermethrin yes no 1 x/month no Dichlorvos yes no 1 x/month no Hexabromocyclododecane yes yes 1 x/month (HBCDD)9 no Heptachlor and yes yes 1 x/month Heptachlorepoxid10 yes

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

priority priority Parameter in substance hazardous Frequency of Scope of Substance name [Y/N] substance [Y/N] sampling Analysis [Y/N] Terbutryn yes no 1 x/month no

19.2 Annex 5. Figures

Annex5.Figure 1 Current surface water quality monitoring sites of NEA in rivers of the Alazani- Iori river basin

Page | 157

Annex5.Figure 2 Left: Relative proportion of ecological status classes of SWB in the Alazani- Iori river basin, Right: Relative proportion of different classes of classification confidence. Lakes (1 natural, 4ponds) not included

Left: H = high status, G-H = good to high status, G = good status, M = medium status, M-B = medium to bad status, P = poor status, B = bad status, na = not available (Including 41 HMWB and AWB without any classification). Right: A=Based on biological data using new ESCS, B=Based on pressure data, C= Based on risk assessment, D= Currently no classification possible.

19.3 Annex 5. Procedure for the selection of operational monitoring sites

19.3.1 Surveillance monitoring

The EU WFD requires that sufficient water bodies should be included in the surveillance monitoring programme to provide an assessment of the overall surface water status within each catchment and sub-catchment of the river basin district. It has to be undertaken for at least a period of one year during the period of a RBMP. The Directive stipulates that monitoring should be carried out at points where:  The rate of water flow is significant within the river basin district as a whole; including points on large rivers where the catchment is greater than 2,500 km2;  The volume of water present is significant within the river basin district, including large lakes and reservoirs;  Significant bodies of water cross a Member State boundary; and  At such other sites as are required to estimate the pollutant load which is transferred across Member States boundaries, and which is transferred into the marine environment. For surveillance monitoring, parameters indicative of all the biological, hydromorphological and all general and specific physico-chemical quality elements are required to be monitored.

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

19.3.2 Operational monitoring

The objectives of operational monitoring are to:  Establish the status of those bodies identified as being at risk of failing to meet their environmental objectives; and  Assess any changes in the status of such bodies resulting from the programmes of measures. Operational monitoring has to be undertaken for all water bodies that have been identified as being at risk of failing the relevant environmental objectives. Monitoring must also be carried out for all bodies into which priority substances are discharged. However, monitoring in all such bodies will not necessarily be required as the Directive allows similar water bodies to be grouped and representatively monitored. Operational monitoring is highly focused on parameters indicative of the quality elements most sensitive to the pressures to which the water body or bodies are subject. For example, if organic pollution is a significant pressure on a river then benthic invertebrates might be the most sensitive and appropriate indicator of that pressure. The following scheme shall help to create a list of operational monitoring sites:

Scheme A Scheme B WFD compliant data available? Is the SWB at risk or is it affected by discharges of priority pollutants? Y N N Y Classification Point source? Discharge of possible priority pollutant? No operational What is the reason Review of measures? monitoring necessary for the risk?

No additional operational monitoring N Y Classification based site necessary pollution hymo on existing data or pressure data Diffuse pollution

Grouping of New risk H or G status SCHEME B SCHEME C N SWB possible? Y

Criteria for Select a representative the selection number of SWB

Criteria for setting up Set up an operational a monitoring site monitoring site

Criteria for the selection of representative water bodies from the group:

 Pollution from diffuse sources  for successive SWB

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o diffuse load uniform o monitoring site situated in the last SWB (most downstream) o Classification results can be applied to the SWB above (upstream)  for SWB in different regions o diffuse load uniform o SWB belong to the same type o SWB are comparable in terms of agricultural use o Affected SWB of the group are affected by the same substance or combination of substances o At least 25% of the SWB in a group are selected as representatives

Criteria for the setting up a monitoring site in rivers

 1 site per SWB which is representative for the pollution  Preferably at the lower end of the SWB  Beware of dilution effects of tributaries  Distance to possible additional point sources should be at least 1 km or – if the river breadth is >100 m – at least the 10-fold of the river breadth Scheme C WFD compliant data available?

Y N

Classification Review of measures? Y possible N

No additional Criteria for Assign SWB to operational monitoring pressure groups pressure groups site necessary

Criteria for Select representative the selection SWB per pressure group

Criteria for the Define number and number and position position of sites

Set up an operational monitoring site

Criteria for pressure groups in rivers A group of SWB

 with same river type,  affected by the same pressure,  which can be investigated and classified by the same indicative biological quality element

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Criteria for the selection within each pressure groups

 Ideally 1/3 of SWB within each pressure groups  Hydrological connex: if possible select sites within a hydrological subbasin  No additional pressure (if possible)  Easy to reach Criteria for the number and position

 Morphology: 1 site in the longest uniform section  Water abstraction: 1 site directly below the abstraction  Continuum: 1 or 2 sites, above the weir or dam; if there is series of several weirs or dams, another one below the lowest one  Impoundment: 1 site beginning (source) of the impountment, optionally another site directly above the dam

19.3.3 Investigative monitoring

Investigative monitoring may also be required in specified cases. These are given as:  where the reason for any exceedances (of environmental objectives) is unknown;  where surveillance monitoring indicates that the objectives are not likely to be achieved and operational monitoring has not already been established; or  to ascertain the magnitude and impacts of accidental pollution. Investigative monitoring will thus be designed to the specific case or problem being investigated. In some cases it will be more intensive in terms of monitoring frequencies and focused on particular water bodies or parts of water bodies, and on relevant quality elements. Investigative monitoring might also include alarm or early warning monitoring, for example, for the protection of drinking water intakes against accidental pollution. This type of monitoring could include continuous or semi-continuous measurements of a few chemical (such as dissolved oxygen) and/or biological (such as fish) determinants. As a result, no list of sites within the investigative monitoring can and shall be given in this document.

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20 ANNEX 6 GROUNDWATER MONITORING

20.1 Annex 6. Tables

Annex6.Table 1 List of monitoring stations

Monitoring GWB Name of monito- X Y station num- ring station ber

555026 4631985 MST_1 Kalauri GPA0006

561020 4627671 MST_2 Zegaani GPA0006 568205 4637862 MST_3 Sanavardo GPA0003 588515 4632032 MST_4 Pichkhis-Bogiri GPA0003 GPA0003 588504 4632038 MST_4a Pichkhis-Bogiri 588508 4632033 MST_4b GPA0003 Pichkhis-Bogiri Kurdgelauri-winery GPA0005 542010 4641321 MST_5 territory 560573 4628153 MST_6 Mukuzani GPA0006 549190 4650211 MST_7 Shakriani GPA0003 548774 4649438 MST_8 Gremi GPA0003 GPA0003 564120 4641296 MST_9 Kindzmarauli GPA0005 569473 4637754 MST_10 Kuchatani 541501 4642301 MST_11 Kurdgelauri GPA0005

586092 4629488 MST_12 Afeni

567006 4621953 MST_13 Gurjaani GPA0006

594702 4625156 MST_14 Vardisubani GPA0003 Gurjaani-Sports GPA0006 566232 4622860 MST_30 complex 553739 4633738 MST_31 Vachnadziani GPA0006

551389 4634636 MST_32 Akura GPA0005

574620 4636126 MST_15 Chikaani GPA0003

592069 4622551 MST_16 Saqobo GPA0003

591005 4617426 MST_17 Heretiskari GPA0003

582403 4597468 MST_18 Gediqi-Arboshiki GKI0021

582866 4592970 MST_19 Gamarjveba GKI0021 555564 4606675 MST_45 Kachreti GPI0004 562408 4606036 MST_46 kvemo-melaani GPI0004

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex6.Table 2 Boreholes sampled during field expedition Monitoring GWB Name of monito- X Y station num- ring station ber GPA0003 573457 4617718 S_1 Bakurtsikhe GPA0001 544214 4640770 S_2 Nasamkhrali GPA0003 571109 4638309 S_3 TsitskinaaTseri GPA0003 570592 4637367 S_4 Kuchatani GPA0003 570303 4638934 S_5 Kuchatani GPA0003 571639 4638497 S_6 TsitskinaaTseri GPA0003 585035 4631695 S_7 Areshferani GPA0003 582671 4629084 S_8 Leliani GPA0003 582559 4629416 S_9 Leliani GPA0003 587426 4630794 S_10 Afeni GPA0003 599833 4628571 S_11 Davitiani GPA0003 595793 4626252 S_12 Chaduniani GPA0003 596873 4620044 S_13 Tamariani GPA0003 597590 4622295 S_14 Tamariani GPA0003 596715 4622639 S_15 Tamariani GPA0003 595913 4625369 S_16 Vardisubani GPA0003 595523 4625243 S_17 Vardisubani GPA0003 595324 4625571 S_18 Vardisubani GPA0003 573787 4635808 S_19 Chikaani GPA0003 568382 4638078 S_20 Eniseli GPA0003 550765 4648989 S_21 Eniseli GPA0003 520666 4651911 S_22 Orvili GPA0003 546849 4639340 S_23 Kondoli

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Annex6.Table 3 Boreholes selected by literature for future monitoring

Number of GWB the map Name of monitoring station GPI0004 L-14 Sartichala GPFI0014 L-15 Kachal-Tba GPI0004 L-16 Toxliauri GPI0002 L-17 Iormuganlo GPI0004 L-18 Bogdanovka GPI0011 L-19 Melaani GPI0011 L-20 Zeda-Magaro L-21 Ulianovka GPI0004 GPI0011 L-22 Gamarjveba GKI0021 L-23 Dedophlis-Tskaro L-27 Dartlo GFA0023 GFA0023 L-28 Omalo GFA0023 L-29 Kadori GFA0023 L-30 Lopoti

Annex6.Table 4 List of Hydrogeological complex of Alazani-Iori valley aquifer

Ecos yste m, Rive Human List of Size r/We pressur Polluta ## aquifer Code (km²) Aquifer type tland es nts  Name 1 The aquifer GPA000 AlaAll 154 porouse R/W Agricult Ninrate, of modern 1 u groundwater ure posfat, alluvial pollution deposits Pesticat e

2 Aquifers of GPI000 IorAlu 148 porous R/W Agricult alluvial 2 v groundwater ure deposits of pollution Iori valley

3 The Kvareli GPA000 AlaKv 2460 porouse R/W Agricult aquifer 3 a grounwater ure pollution

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Ecos yste m, Rive Human List of Size r/We pressur Polluta ## aquifer Code (km²) Aquifer type tland es nts  Name 4 The aquifer GPI000 IoDeP 2621 porous R/W Agricult of delluvial- 4 ro groundwater ure proluvial pollution deposits of quaternary age

5 Telavi GPA000 AlaTel 110 porouse R/W Agricult aquifer 5 groundwater ure pollution

6 Gurjaani GPA000 AlaGu 214 porouse R/W Agricult aquifer 6 r grounwater ure pollution

7 The aquifer GMI000 IoCoA 175 porous - R/W Agricult of 7 ph fractured ure continental pollution Apsheron deposits

8 The aquifer GMI000 IoMaA 131 porous - R/W Agricult of 8 ph fractured ure Apsheron pollution marine stratum

9 The aquifer GMI000 IomaA 526 porous - R/W Agricult of marine 9 gh fractured ure Agchagiri pollution stratum

10 The aquifer GMI001 IocoA 297 porous - R/W Agricult of 0 gh fractured ure continental pollution Agchagiri stratum

11 Apsheron- GPI001 IoAgA 635 porous R Agricult Agchagiri 1 ph ure deposits pollution

12 The aquifer GMI001 IoShir 753 porous - R/W Agricult of Shiraqi 2 fractured ure stratum pollution

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Ecos yste m, Rive Human List of Size r/We pressur Polluta ## aquifer Code (km²) Aquifer type tland es nts  Name 13 The aquifer GMI001 IoDus porous - R/W Agricult of Dusheti 3 h fractured ure strata pollution

14 The aquifer GMI001 IoSar porous - R/W Agricult of Upper 4 fractured ure Sarmat pollution stratum

15 The aquifer GII0015 IoMai Impermeable of Impermeab le Maikop stratum

16 The GFI001 AlaPal 141 fractured R/W Agricult aquifers 6 ure complex of pollution Paleogene deposits

17 The aquifer GFI001 IoEoc 48 fractured R/W Agricult of Upper 7 ure Eocene pollution deposits

18 The aquifer GKA001 AlUpC 390 karstic R/W of Upper 8 re Cretaceous carbonate rocks

19 The aquifer GKA001 ALow 469 karstic R/W of the 9 Cr terrigenous flysch of the Lower Cretaceous

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Ecos yste m, Rive Human List of Size r/We pressur Polluta ## aquifer Code (km²) Aquifer type tland es nts  Name 20 Aquifer GKA002 AlIuCr 297 karstic R/W complex of 0 e the Upper Jurassic - Lower Cretaceous

21 The aquifer GKI002 AlUpI 21 karstic R/W the Upper 1 u Jurassic

22 Middle and GFA002 AlMIu 571 fractured R/W Lower 2 Jurassic

23 The aquifer GFA002 AlLey 2860 fractured R/W of the 3 Upper, Middle and Lower Leyas

Page | 167

20.2 Annex 6. Figures

Annex6.Figure 1 Hydrological map of Alazani-Iori valley aquifer

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex6.Figure 2 Preliminary delineation of groundwater body of Alazani-Iori valley

Annex6.Figure 3 Overview map of monitoring station

Page | 169

21 ANNEX 7 ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

Annex7.Table 1 Environmental objectives for SWBs at risk

Water body River Water status-impact by driver/pres- Objective sure

Point source pollution Akh303 Akhtalis- Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- Khevi urban(sewerage) wastewater dis- ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, charges by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Bur203 Bursa Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- urban(sewerage) wastewater dis- ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, by charges reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Mdn201 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- urban(sewerage) wastewater dis- ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, by charges reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Ved302 Vedziruli Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- urban(sewerage) wastewater dis- ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, by charges reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Ior118 Iori Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- industrial (sand-gravel extraction) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, by wastewater discharges reducing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector- sand- gravel extraction

Ior119 Iori Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- industrial (sand-gravel extraction) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, by wastewater discharges reducing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector- sand- gravel extraction

Ior120 Iori Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against or- industrial (sand-gravel extraction) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, by wastewater discharges reducing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector- sand- gravel extraction

Diffuse source pollution-Agriculture/Crop production Akh303 Akhmalis- Worsening of water quality by agricul- To improve water quality by reducing or- khevi tural runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Alz123 Alazani Worsening of water quality by agricul- To improve water quality by reducing or- tural runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Chk203 Worsening of water quality by agricul- To improve water quality by reducing or- tural runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus,

pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Ved302 Vedziruli Worsening of water quality by agricul- To improve water quality by reducing or- tural runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Ior121 Iori Worsening of water quality by agricul- To improve water quality by reducing or- tural runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Diffuse source pollution-Agriculture/Animal live stocking

Bab205 Babaneulis- Worsening of water quality by animal live To improve water quality by reducing or- phsha stocking runoff ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; Effi- cient manure management

Kha203 Khachiriskhevi Worsening of water quality by animal live To improve water quality by reducing or- stocking runoff ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; Effi- cient manure management

Diffuse source pollution-Illegal landfills

Chi202 Chiauri Worsening of water quality by illegal To improve water quality by regulating landfills the illegal landfills

Mdn201 Worsening of water quality by illegal To improve water quality by regulating landfills the illegal landfills

Bur203 Bursa Worsening of water quality by illegal To improve water quality by regulating landfills the illegal landfills

Lop204 Lopota Worsening of water quality by illegal To improve water quality by regulating landfills the illegal landfills

Sto203 Stori Worsening of water quality by illegal To improve water quality by regulating landfills the illegal landfills

Water abstraction – Irrigation

Alz107 Alazani Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Bur203 Bursa Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology,

Page | 171

continuity,hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Kis204 Kisiskhevi Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology,

continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Mdn201 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Ior118 Iori Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Water abstraction – HPP

Chi202 Chiauri Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology,

continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Chu201 Chumat-khevi Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Ior125 Iori Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Water abstraction – Public water supply

Dur202 Duruji Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (public water tus of the river such as morphology,

supply) continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Shr303 Shromiskhevi Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (public water tus of the river such as morphology, supply) continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Hydromorphological alteration

Alz107 Alazani Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Alz123 Alazani Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Ior109 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior110 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior115 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior118 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior119 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior120 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior121 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ior125 Iori Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ole201 Ole Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Ter302 Telavis rike Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Bur203 Bursa Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Ior131 Iori Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Mas203 Mashavera Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Sto203 Stori Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Chk203 Chilaris khevi Sediment dynamics impairment To improve hydrological flow changes by reducing artificial barriers and dredged river bed materials

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22 ANNEX 8 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Annex8.Table 1 Costs of Supplementary Measures

Supplementary measure Related costs GEL EUR Implementation of water re- Salary 13,440 4,102 source monitoring program Utility 24 7 (Akhmeta, Kvareli, Sighnaghi Sagarejo municipalities) Depreciation 32,000 9,767 Training of farmers to use Training organization costs water in efficient way (venue, transportation, etc.) 26,000 7,936 Training materials 2,000 610 (Sagarejo, Sighnaghi, Kvareli municipalities) Trainer (2 trainers) 38,400 11,721 Publicity Campaigns Printed media report 3,000 916 TV Commercial 3,600 1099

Social Media 800 245 (Kvareli, Sighnaghi, Flayers (design, printing, de- Lagidekhi municipalities) livering) 5,000 1,526 Strengthening hydrological Salary 13,440 4,102 monitoring system Utility 12 3 (Dedoplistkharo, Telavi, Akhmeta, Sagarejo municipalities) Depreciation 12,000 3,663 Total Supplementary costs 149,716 45,697 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on provided information from NEA, UWSCG and GA

Annex8.Table 2 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-year Period (in GEL43)

Basic Measures I Period II Period III Period IV Period V Period VI Period Rehabilitation of main channel 12,590,783 6,295,392 6,295,391 3,147,695 3,147,695 Renovation of agriculture drainage system 1,782,496 594,166 297,082 297,082 Rehabilitation of wastewater network 166,020 166,020 83,010 Rehabilitation of sewerage system 10,500,000 3,500,000 7,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000 Construction of WWTP 6,600,000 9,900,000 16,500,000 Setting buffer strips and hedges 1,633 1,633 Build vermicompost 8,100 18,900 Total cost 12,448,517 23,450,969 23,575,484 30,092,474 10,157,429 3,168,229 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA and UWSCG data

43 Adjusted by 3% inflation rate

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Annex8.Table 3 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-year Period (in EUR)

Basic Measures I Period II Period III Period IV Period V Period VI Period

Rehabilitation of main channel 3,842,988 1,921,494 1,921,494 960,747 960,747 Renovation of agriculture drainage system 54,4058 181,353 90,676 90,676 Rehabilitation of wastewater network 50,673 50,673 25,337 Rehabilitation of sewerage system 3,204,835 1,068,278 2,136,557 2,136,557 2,136,557 Construction of WWTP 2,014,467 3,021,701 5,036,169 Setting buffer strips and hedges 498 498 Build vermicompost 2,472 5,769 Total cost 3,799,566 7,157,759 7,195,765 9,184,896 3,100,274 967,014 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA and UWSCG data

Annex8.Table 4 Present Value of the Investment Costs of Basic Measures Fort the First Period

Basic Measures Gel Eur Rehabilitation of Main Channel 25,966,281 7,925,490 Renovation of Agriculture Drainage System 2,806,418 856,582 Rehabilitation of Wastewater Network 388,093 118,455 Rehabilitation of Sewerage System 29,948,311 9,140,894 Construction oh WWTP 27,106,355 82,73,466 Setting Buffer Strips and Hedges 2,215 676 Build Vermicompost 13,881 4,237 Total Cost 86,231,554 26,319,798 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA and UWSCG data

Annex8.Table 5 Present Value of Operation Costs of Basic Measures (for the first period)

Best Case Scenario Worst Case Scenario Basic Measures GEL EUR GEL EUR Waste water treatment plant 8,036,903 2,453,043 13,808,770 4,214,745 Wastewater network 196,929 60,107 295,393 90,161 Sewerage system 12,647,883 3,860,417 19,810,352 6,046,562 Agricultural drainage system 1,572,647 480,007 2,387,302 728,658 Irrigation system 15,716,680 4,797,082 20,082,424 6,129,605 Total Operation costs 38,171,042 11,650,655 56,384,241 17,209,731 Source: Authors own calculations based on UWSCG, GA and NEA data

Page | 175

Annex8.Table 6 Present Value of Supplementary Measures (for the first period)

Supplementary Measures GEL EUR Implementation of water resource monitoring program 230,656 70,401 Training of farmers to use water in efficient way 336,872 102,821 Publicity campaigns 62,910 19,202 Strengthening hydrological monitoring system 129,128 39,413 PV of total costs of supplementary measures 759,566 231,836

Annex8.Table 7 Expenditures by Municipalities in 2018 Increase in Non-Finan- Share in Mu- Operation Costs Municipality cial Assets nicipal

Budget

GEL EUR GEL EUR % Telavi 516,300 157,586 961,000 293,319 4.99% Akhmeta 213,000 65,012 324,000 98,892 4.20% Gurjaani 100,000 30,522 1,600 488 0.48% Kvareli 0 0 6,200 1,892 3.48% Sighnaghi 14,000 4,273 5,000 1,526 0.14% Sagarejo 485,856 148,294 230,800 70,445 4.32% Dedoplistskaro 854,800 260,904 0 0 9.50% Total costs in the basin 2,183,956 666,592 1,528,600 466,562 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MoF data

Annex8.Table 8 Compare Operation Costs and Revenues of Water Supply Companies After Implementing PoM44

Best Case Scenario Worst Case Scenario

GEL EUR GEL EUR Existing O&M Costs of UWSCG 5,885,452 1,796,372 5,885,452 1,796,372 Additional O&M Costs for UWSCG 22,452,111 6,852,886 3,301,725 1,007,760 Existing Income level (as of 2018, considering inflation level) 3,698,698 1,128,925 3,698,698 1,128,925 Operation Losses of UWSCG -24,638,865 -7,520,333 -5,488,479 -1,675,207 Existing O&M costs of GA 2,556,673 780,354 2,556,673 780,354 Additional O&M Costs for GA 2,881,555 879,515 3,744,954 1,143,044 Existing Income level for GA (as of 2018, considering inflation level) 1,314,823 401,313 1,314,823 401,313 Operation Losses of GA -4,123,405 -12,58,555 -4,986,805 -1,522,084 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on UWSCG and GA data

44 Existing costs and income level are calculated based on the data from UWSCG and GA

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

23 ANNEX 9 PROGRAMME OF MEASURES

Annex9.Table 1 Measures for water bodies at risk in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Water River / Impact on Objective Basic measures Supplementary measures body Baisn water

(Del- body Code)

Point source pollution

Akh303 Akhtails Worsening To improve water Renovation /con- Implementation of water re- khevi /Ala- of water quality against or- struction of a sew- sources monitoring pro-

zani quality by ganic matter, nitro- erage system (re- gram; Mdn201 untreated gen, phos-phorus and placement of the Vakiri /Ala- Environmental inspection urban(sew- other pollutants by re- pipes and collec- zani controls on wastewater dis- erage) ducing untreated tors) Construction charges to the rivers; Ved302 Vedziruli wastewater waste water dis- of wastewater /Alazani discharges charges from sew-er- treat-ment plants Source control (reducing

age systems, having (WWTP) pollution at source reduces Bursa /Ala- Bur203 a sewerage treatment the costs associated with zani Adoption of Law facility its treatment and produces on Water environmental benefits);

Ior118 Iori /Iori Worsening To improve water Investigation and monitor- of water quality by reducing ing of sand-gravel enter- Ior119 Iori / Iori quality by concentration of prises (investigation of Ior120 Iori /Iori untreated weighted portions and waste water treatment industrial untreated waste wa- plants and estimating

(sand- ter dis-charges from weighed portions) gravel ex- in-dustry (sand-gravel traction) extraction) sector wastewater discharges

Diffuse source pollution

Akh303 Akhtalis Worsening To improve water Renovation of ag- Rural Development Strat- khevi /Ala- of water quality by reducing riculture drainage egy supporting small farm-

zani quality by organic matters, nitro- system; ers food production and Alz123 agricultural gen, phos-phorus, market; Alazani /Ala- Setting buffer runoff pesticides discharges zani strips and hedges The initiative of non-gov- (crop pro- in surface water bod- (establishment of ernmental organisations Chk203 Chilaris duction) ies 3m buffer strip); and voluntaries and provid- khevi /Ala- ing some guidance (e.g. zani Establishment of codes of good agriculture Ved302 traditional organic Vedziruli practice) to reduce pollu- farms; Iori121 /Alazani tion; Codes of Good Iori /Iori Development of Normative Agricultural Prac- act on definition of ecologi- tices for Protec- cal and chemical status of tion of Waters water bodies; against Agricul- tural Nitrate Pollu- tion (the reduction

Page | 177

in the use of ferti- Implementation of water re- lizers in agricul- sources monitoring pro- ture); gram and environmental inspection controls; Adoption of Law on Water Elaborations of methodologies for using different type Actions plans for of fertilisers and pesticides Nitrate Vulnerable in a proper way Zones

Bab205 Babaneulis- Worsening To improve water Setting up ver- Implementation of water re- phsha/ Ala- of water quality by reducing mikompost (pro- sources monitoring pro-

zani quality by organic matters, nitro- ducing biohumus); gram and environmental in- Kha203 animal live gen, phos-phorus, spection controls; Khachirisk- Construction and stocking pesticides discharges hevi / Ala- use of biogas Avoidance of livestock runoff in surface water bod- zani plants (biogas di- grazing in water protection ies; Efficient ma-nure gesters) for strips by providing alterna- management households or for tive zones; a whole munici- Elaboration of norms / pality; standards for livestock Avoidance of live- grazing intensity; stock grazing in Providing trainings on sus- water protection tainable livestock farming strips by providing alternative zones; Adoption of Law on WaterCodes of Good Practices for Livestock in the Alazani-Iori river basin

Chi202 Chiauri /Ala- Worsening To improve water Monitoring of illegal land- zani Alazani of water quality by regulating fills, imposing some sanc-

quality by the illegal landfills tions, improvement of Vakiri. /Ala- Mdn201 illegal land- waste management zani fills

Bursa /Ala- Bur203 zani

Lopota /Ala- zani Lop204 Stori /Ala- Sto203 zani

Water abstraction

Alz107 Alazani /Ala- Inefficient To improve river Using modern and Setting up the regulation(s) zani use of wa- stretches impacted by efficient irrigation for efficient use of water;

ter re- insufficient environ- technologies to Bursa /Ala- Controlling volume of water Bur203 sources- mental flow and economize the zani that can be abstracted and increased changed river flow re- water uses; Kis204 the time over which it can Kisis khevi water ab- gime by reducing wa- Rehabilitation of be abstracted (licenses, /Alazani straction ter abstraction the main canal (s) permits); (by irriga- Mdn201 Vakiri /Ala- and engineering tion) zani

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Ior118 works of the irriga- Training of farmers to use tion systems; water in efficient way and Chu201 Iori /Iori to store water; Adoption of Law Chumat on Water Promotion of efficient and khevi /Ala- Shr303 sustainable water use; zani Regulations for Chi202 abstractions and Restoration of existing ab- Shromis impoundments to straction to sustainable lev- Ior125 khevi/Ala- prevent deteriora- els (development of alter- zani Ior115 tion of water body native supplies or more ef- Ciauri/Ala- status (the system ficient water use; zani of abstraction li- Publicity campaigns pro- censing control) Iori/Iori moting efficient water use by domestic customers; Iori/Iori Set up payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses; Review of current water abstraction regulation

Chi202 Chiauri /Ala- Inefficient To improve river Regulations for Setting up the regulation(s) zani use of wa- stretches impacted by abstractions and for efficient use of water;

ter re- insufficient environ- impoundments to Chumat Controlling volume of water Chu201 sources- mental flow and prevent deteriora- khevi /Ala- that can be abstracted and increased changed river flow re- tion of water body zani the time over which it can water ab- gime by reducing wa- status (the system be abstracted (licenses, Ior125 Iori / Iori straction ter abstraction of abstraction li- permits); (by HPP) censing control);

Promotion of efficient and Adoption of Law sustainable water use; on Water Restoration of existing abstraction to sustainable levels (development of alternative supplies or more efficient water use; Publicity campaigns promoting efficient water use by domestic customers; Set up payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses; Review of current water abstraction regulation

Dur202 Duruji /Ala- Inefficient To improve river Adoption of Law Setting up sanitary protec- zani use of wa- stretches impacted by on Water; tion zones to protect water

ter re- insufficient environ- quality; Shromisk- Regulations for Shr303 sources- mental flow and hevi / Ala- abstractions and Setting up the regulation(s) increased changed river flow re- zani impoundments to for efficient use of water; water ab- gime by reducing wa- prevent deteriora- straction ter abstraction Controlling volume of water tion of water body (public wa- that can be abstracted and status (the system ter supply) the time over which it can of abstraction li- be abstracted (licenses, censing control) permits);

Page | 179

Promotion of efficient and sustainable water use; Restoration of existing abstraction to sustainable levels (development of alternative supplies or more efficient water use; Publicity campaigns promoting efficient water use by domestic customers; Set up payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses; Review of current water abstraction regulation

Hydromorphological alteration

Alz107 Alazani /Ala- Water flow To improve hydrologi- Creation of eco- Elaboration regulation on zani changes- cal flow changes and logically compati- planning and Implementa-

Impaired morphological altera- ble hydraulic con- tion of Water Resources Alazani /Ala- Alz123 flow dy- tions by ensuring suf- ditions through Monitoring Program; zani namics; ficient environmental flow control (e.g. Strengthening of national Impaired flow water level regula- and regional inspection of Ior109 sediments tion); Iori /Iori environmental supervision; dynamics Ior110 Adoption of Law Iori /Iori and profile Elaboration of a technical on Water; Ior115 guideline/normative act Iori /Iori Creation of water (technical standing orders) Ior118 Iori /Iori course pass ability on the management of Ior119 for upstream and river sand and gravel min- Iori /Iori downstream mi- ing; Ior120 Iori /Iori gration of location Strengthening hydrological Ior121 specific species Iori /Iori monitoring system and for sediments Ior125 Iori /Iori transport; man- Ole201 agement of sedi- Ole /Alazani ments Ter302 Telavis rike /Alazani

Bur203 Bursa /Ala- Morpholog- To improve morpho- Improvement and Elaboration regulation on zani ical logical alterations by diversification of planning and Implementa-

changes- reducing and control- bank and bed tion of Water Resources Iori / Iori Ior131 Change in ling planform and structures, ripar- Monitoring Program; river pro- channel patterns ian and aquatic Strengthening of national file: unnat- changes habitats (vegetali- Matsanttsara and regional inspection of Mas203 ural, zation); /Alazani environmental supervision; straighten- Supporting hy- ing water Elaboration of a technical draulic engineer- Sto203 course, al- guideline/normative act Stori /Ala- ing measures for tered (technical standing orders) zani morphological re- banks on the management of structuring of the river sand and gravel min- water course; ing;

EUWI+: Thematic summary River basin of Alazani-Iori river Basin

Adoption of Law Strengthening hydrological on Water monitoring system

Chk203 Chilaris Sediment To improve hydrologi- Improvement of Elaboration regulation on khevi /Ala- dynamics cal flow changes by sediments planning and Implementa- zani impairment reducing artificial bar- transport continu- tion of Water Resources riers and dredged ity via dams man- Monitoring Program; river bed materials agement; Strengthening of national Material removal and regional inspection of and sediments ex- environmental supervision; traction regulation; Elaboration of a technical Moderate water- guideline/normative act course mainte- (technical standing orders) nance; on the management of river sand and gravel min- Adoption of Law ing; on Water Strengthening hydrological monitoring system

Page | 181 (short) title

Annex9.Table 2 Programme of measures (PoMs) to be implemented in the Alazani-Iori river basin

No Water River/ Municipalities Main Environmental Basic measure Supplementary measure Implementa- Measure suggested by: body Sub-basin issue objective tion deadline

1 Akh303 Akhtails Gurjaani Water qua- To improve wa- Rehabilitation of the Implementation of water re- N/A Municipal Development Fund of Georgia / khevi /Ala- lity ter quality sewerage system, sources monitoring program Ministry of regional development and in-

zani against organic which includes re- and environmental inspec- frastructure of Georgia matter, nitrogen, placement of the tion controls phosphorus and pipes and collectors other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

2 Bur203 Bursa /Ala- Kvareli Water qua- To improve wa- Renovation /con- Implementation of water re- N/A Ltd United water supply company of zani lity ter quality struction of a sewer- sources monitoring program Georgia against organic age system in and environmental inspec- matter, nitrogen, Kvareli; Construc- tion controls

phosphorus and tion of wastewater other pollutants treatment plants by reducing un- (WWTP) in Kvareli treated waste with capacity con- water dis- sidering number of charges from population sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

3 Mdn201 Vakiri/Ala- Sighnaghi Water To improve wa- Rehabilitation of the Implementation of water re- N/A Municipal Development Fund of Georgia / zani quality ter quality sewerage system, sources monitoring program Ministry of regional development and in- against organic which includes re- and environmental inspec- frastructure of Georgia matter, nitrogen, placement of the tion controls phosphorus and pipes and collectors other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

182 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

4 Ved302 Vedziruli Gurjaani Water qua- To improve wa- Rehabilitation of the Implementation of water re- N/A Municipal Development Fund of Georgia / /Alazani lity ter quality sewerage system, sources monitoring program Ministry of regional development and in- against organic which includes re- and environmental inspec- frastructure of Georgia matter, nitrogen, placement of the tion controls phosphorus and pipes and collector other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

5 Ior118 Iori / Iori Sagarejo Water qua- To improve wa- Investigation and monitoring N/A Based on feasibility study lity ter quality by re- of sand-gravel enterprises ducing concen- (investigation of waste water tration of treatment plants and esti- weighted por- mating weighed portions) tions and untreated waste water discharges from industry (sand- gravel extraction) sector

6 Ior119 Iori / Iori Sagarejo Water qua- To improve wa- Investigation and monitoring N/A Based on feasibility study lity ter quality by re- of sand-gravel enterprises ducing concen- (investigation of waste water tration of treatment plants and esti- weighted por- mating weighed portions) tions and untreated waste water discharges from industry (sand- gravel extraction) sector

7 Ior120 Iori / Iori Sagarejo Water qua- To improve wa- Investigation and monitoring N/A Based on feasibility study lity ter quality by re- of sand-gravel enterprises ducing concen- (investigation of waste water tration of treatment plants and esti- weighted por- mating weighed portions) tions and untreated waste water discharges from industry (sand- gravel extraction) sector

ENI/2016/372-403 183 (short) title

8 Akh303 Akhtalis Gurjaani Water qua- To improve wa- Renovation of drain- Implementation of water re- 2019-ongoing Ltd Georgian amelioration khevi /Ala- lity ter quality by re- age systems sources monitoring program zani ducing organic and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies

9 Alz123 Alazani Gurjaani /Kva- Water qua- To improve wa- Setting buffer strips Implementation of water re- N/A Based on feasibility study /Alazani reli lity ter quality by re- and hedges (Estab- sources monitoring program ducing organic lishment of 3m and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- buffer strip) tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies

10 Bab205 Babaneu- Telavi Water qua- To improve wa- Build vermikompost Implementation of water re- 2019-ongoing ELKANA-Organic Farming & Rural Tour- lis-phsha/ /Akhmeta lity ter quality by re- (producing bio hu- sources monitoring program ism Network in Georgia Alazani ducing organic mus) and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies; Efficient manure management

11 Chk203 Chilaris Sighnaghi Water To improve wa- Setting buffer strips Implementation of water re- N/A Based on feasibility study khevi /Ala- quality ter quality by re- and hedges (Estab- sources monitoring program zani ducing organic lishment of 3m and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- buffer strip) tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies

12 Ior121 Iori /Iori Sagarejo Water qua- To improve wa- Renovation of drain- Implementation of water re- 2020 Ltd Georgian amelioration lity ter quality by re- age systems sources monitoring program ducing organic and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies

184 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

13 Kha203 Khachirisk- Akhmeta Water qua- To improve wa- Build vermikompost Implementation of water re- 2019 -ongoing ELKANA-Organic Farming & Rural Tour- hevi / Ala- lity ter quality by re- (producing bio hu- sources monitoring program ism Network in Georgia zani ducing organic mus) and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies; Efficient manure management

14 Ved302 Vedziruli Gurjaani Water qua- To improve wa- Renovation of drain- Implementation of water re- 2020 Ltd Georgian amelioration /Alazani lity ter quality by re- age systems sources monitoring program ducing organic and environmental inspec- matters, nitro- tion controls gen, phosphorus, pesticides discharges in surface water bodies

15 Chi202 Chiauri Lagodekhi Water qua- To improve wa- Monitoring of illegal landfills, N/A Based on feasibility study /Alazani lity ter quality by imposing some sanctions, regulating the il- improvement of waste man- legal landfills agement

16 Mdn201 Vakiri/Ala- Sighnaghi Water To improve wa- Monitoring of illegal landfills, N/A Based on feasibility study zani quality ter quality by imposing some sanctions, regulating the il- improvement of waste man- legal landfills agement

17 Bur203 Bursa /Ala- Kvareli Water qua- To improve wa- Monitoring of illegal landfills, N/A Based on feasibility study zani lity ter quality by imposing some sanctions, regulating the il- improvement of waste man- legal landfills agement

18 Lop204 Lopota Telavi Water qua- To improve wa- Monitoring of illegal landfills, N/A Based on feasibility study /Alazani lity ter quality by imposing some sanctions, regulating the il- improvement of waste man- legal landfills agement

19 Sto203 Stori /Ala- Telavi Water qua- To improve wa- Monitoring of illegal landfills, N/A Based on feasibility study zani lity ter quality by imposing some sanctions, regulating the il- improvement of waste man- legal landfills agement

20 Alz107 Alazani Akhmeta Water To improve river Rehabilitation of the Controlling the volume of wa- 2024 Ltd Georgian amelioration /Alazani abstraction stretches im- main canal and enter that can be abstracted / Irrigation pacted by insuf- gineering works of and the time over which it ficient environ- Zemo Alazani irriga- can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and tion system permits);Training of farmers changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water

ENI/2016/372-403 185 (short) title

reducing water abstraction

21 Chu201 Chumat- Telavi Water To improve river Rehabilitation of the Controlling the volume of wa- 2024 Ltd Georgian amelioration khevi/Ala- abstraction stretches im- main canal and enter that can be abstracted zani / Irrigation pacted by insuf- gineering works of and the time over which it ficient environ- Zemo Alazani irriga- can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and tion system permits);Training of farmers changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water abstraction

22 Kis204 Kisis-khevi Telavi Water To improve river Rehabilitation of the Controlling the volume of wa- 2024 Ltd Georgian amelioration /Alazani abstraction stretches im- main canal and enter that can be abstracted / Irrigation pacted by insuf- gineering works of and the time over which it ficient environ- Zemo Alazani irriga- can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and tion system permits);Training of farmers changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water

23 Bur203 Bursa /Ala- Kvareli Water To improve river Rehabilitation of Controlling the volume of wa- N/A Ltd Georgian amelioration zani abstraction stretches im- Kvareli- Shua ter that can be abstracted / Irrigation pacted by insuf- Kudigori irrigation and the time over which it ficient environ- system can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and permits); Training of farmers changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water abstraction

24 Shr303 Shromis- Lagodekhi Water To improve river Rehabilitation of Controlling the volume of wa- N/A Ltd Georgian amelioration khevi/ Ala- abstraction stretches im- Lagodekhi channel; ter that can be abstracted zani / Irrigatio pacted by insuf- and the time over which it ficient environ- Rehabilitation of can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and Shroma-Kavshiri ir- permits); Training of farmers changed river rigation system to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water abstraction

25 Dur202 Duruji /Ala- Kvareli Water ab- To improve river Publicity campaigns promot- N/A Based on feasibility study zani straction / stretches im- ing efficient water use by do- Drinking pacted by insuf- mestic customers; Setting up water sup- ficient environ- the sanitary protection zones ply mental flow and changed river flow regime by

186 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

reducing water abstraction

26 Ior118 Iori /Iori Sagarejo Water To improve river Rehabilitation of Controlling the volume of wa- 2020 Ltd Georgian amelioration abstraction stretches im- the left main chan- ter that can be abstracted / Irrigation pacted by insuf- nel of Kvemo and the time over which it ficient environ- Samgori irrigation can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and system permits); changed river flow regime by Training of farmers to use reducing water water in an efficient way and abstraction to store water

27 Chi202 Chiauri Lagodekhi Water To improve river Rehabilitation of Controlling the volume of wa- N/A Ltd Georgian amelioration /Alazani abstraction stretches im- Baisubani irrigation ter that can be abstracted / Irrigation pacted by insuf- system and the time over which it ficient environ- can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and permits); Training of farmers changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water abstraction

28 Mdn201 Vakiri /Ala- Sighnaghi Water ab- To improve river Rehabilitation of Controlling the volume of wa- 2021 Ltd Georgian amelioration zani straction / stretches im- Kvemo Alazani irri- ter that can be abstracted Irrigation pacted by insuf- gation system and the time over which it ficient environ- can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and permits); Training of farmers changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water abstraction

29 Ior125 Iori/Iori Sighnaghi Water ab- To improve river Rehabilitation of the Controlling the volume of wa- N/A Ltd Georgian amelioration /Sagarejo straction / stretches im- right main channel ter that can be abstracted Irrigation pacted by insuf- of Kvemo Samgori and the time over which it ficient environ- irrigation system; can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and permits); Training of farmers changed river Rehabilitation of II to use water in an efficient flow regime by and III level distribu- way and to store water reducing water tors of the right abstraction main channel of Kvemo Samgori irrigation system

30 Ior115 Iori/Iori Sagarejo Water ab- To improve river Rehabilitation of the Controlling the volume of wa- N/A Ltd Georgian amelioration straction / stretches im- upper main channel ter that can be abstracted Irrigation pacted by insuf- of Zemo Samgori ir- and the time over which it ficient environ- rigation system can be abstracted (licenses, mental flow and permits); Training of farmers

ENI/2016/372-403 187 (short) title

changed river to use water in an efficient flow regime by way and to store water reducing water abstraction

31 Shr303 Shromisk- Lagodekhi Water ab- To improve river Publicity campaigns promot- N/A Based on feasibility study hevi / Ala- straction / stretches im- ing efficient water use by do- zani Drinking pacted by insuf- mestic customers; Setting up water sup- ficient environ- the sanitary protection zones ply mental flow and changed river flow regime by reducing water abstraction

32 Alz107 Alazani /Ala- Akhmeta Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study zani phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

33 Alz123 Alazani /Ala- Gurjaani Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study zani /Kvareli phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

34 Bur203 Bursa /Ala- Kvareli Hydromor- To improve mor- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study zani phological phological alter- monitoring system alteration ations by reducing and controlling planform and channel patterns changes

35 Chk203 Chilaris Sighnaghi Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study khevi /Ala- phological drological flow monitoring system zani alteration changes by reducing artificial barriers and dredged river bed materials

36 Ior109 Iori /Iori Tianeti Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by

188 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

ensuring sufficient environmental flow

37 Ior110 Iori /Iori Tianeti Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

38 Ior115 Iori /Iori Sagarejo Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

39 Ior118 Iori /Iori Sagarejo Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

40 Ior119 Iori /Iori Sagarejo Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

41 Ior120 Iori /Iori Sagarejo Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

42 Ior121 Iori/ Iori Sagarejo Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by

ENI/2016/372-403 189 (short) title

ensuring sufficient environmental flow

43 Ior125 Iori /Iori Sighnaghi/ Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study Sagarejo phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

44 Ior131 Iori /Iori Dedoplistskaro Hydromor- To improve mor- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study phological phological alter- monitoring system alteration ations by reducing and controlling planform and channel patterns changes

45 Mas203 Matsantts- Telavi Hydromor- To improve mor- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study ara /Ala- phological phological alter- monitoring system zani alteration ations by reducing and controlling planform and channel patterns changes

46 Ole201 Ole /Ala- Sighnaghi Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study zani phological drological flow monitoring system alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

47 Sto203 Stori /Ala- Telavi Hydromor- To improve mor- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study zani phological phological alter- monitoring system alteration ations by reducing and controlling planform and channel patterns changes

48 Ter302 Telavis Telavi Hydromor- To improve hy- Strengthening hydrological N/A Based on feasibility study rike /Ala- phological drological flow monitoring system zani alteration changes and morphological alterations by ensuring sufficient environmental flow

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