Thematic Summary

Home , Kasagh (river), Nurnus, Parpi, Tsaghkadzor, Yeghvard

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

Result 2 & 3

DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFT RB MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HRAZDAN RB IN ARMENIA: PART 2

THEMATIC SUMMARY

Version 2; July 2020

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Beneficiary

Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia Responsible EU member state consortium project leader

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

Vahagn Tonoyan Responsible international thematic lead expert

Florence PINTUS (IOW)

Responsible organization

A.B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics of National Academy of Science Republic of Armenia

Disclaimer: The EU-funded program European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+) is implemented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD), both responsible for the implementation of Result 1, and an EU Member States Consortium comprising the Environment Agency Austria (UBA, Austria), the lead coordinator, and the In- ternational Office for Water (IOW, France), both responsible for the implementation of Results 2 and 3. The programme is co-funded by Austria and France through the Austrian Development Agency and the French Artois- Picar-die Water Agency. This document, the “Thematic Summary was produced by the EU member state consortium with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the Governments of the Eastern Partnership Countries. 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 Déchelette [email protected]

May, 2020

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CONTENTS 1 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RIVER BASIN DISTRICT ...... 6 1.1 Natural Conditions in the River Basin District ...... 6 1.2. Surface Water Resources...... 6 1.3. Groundwater Resources ...... 9 2 Pressures and impacts of human activities ...... 11 2.1. Water Abstraction ...... 11 2.2. Point Sources of Pollution ...... 11 2.3. Diffuse Sources of Pollution ...... 12 3 Protected areas...... 13 4 Water Monitoring ...... 18 4.1 Current surface water monitoring situation ...... 18 4.2 Current groundwater monitoring situation ...... 18 4.3 Monitoring improvement - surface water ...... 18 4.4 Monitoring improvement - groundwater ...... 19 5 Water bodies status & risk analysis ...... 20 5.1 Ecological status of surface water bodies based on the chemical and biological parameters ...... 20 5.2 Ecological status of surface water bodies based on the hydromorphological parameters ...... 21 5.3 Assessment of Status of GW based on quantitative and chemical characteristics ...... 22 5.4 Risk assessment in WBs ...... 22 6 Environmental Objectives ...... 23 7.Economic Analysis ...... 27 7.1 Analysis of application of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services ...... 27 7.2 Current and future water supply and demand in Hrazdan RBD ...... 29 8 Program of measures ...... 36 8.1 Basic Measures proposed for the Hrazdan RBD ...... 36 8.2 Supplementary Measures proposed for the Hrazdan RBD ...... 42 9 Summary of strategies, programmes, plans and projects ...... 45 10 Summary of the first consultation ...... 46 11.List of Competent Authorities ...... 48 12 Procedures for obtaining the technical reports ...... 49 Glossary ...... 50 Bibliography ...... 52

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

List of Tables Table 1. Overall Statistics of River Network within Hrazdan RBD ...... 8 Table 2. Main hydrological characteristics of rivers based on operated monitoring sites...... 8 Table 3. Overview of proposed chemical and biological monitoring in rivers and reservoirs 19 Table 4. Environmental objectives for surface water bodies at risk ...... 25 Table 5.. Environmental objectives for Groundwater bodies possible at risk based on quantitative status ...... 26 Table 6. Surface water supply in Hrazdan RBD ...... 30 Table 7. Useful groundwater resources in Hrazdan RBD ...... 30 Table 8. Population growth-based water demand in Hrazdan RBD ...... 30 Table 9. Current and future annual SW supply and demand in Hrazdan RBD ...... 33 Table 10. Current and future annual SW supply and demand in Hrazdan RB ...... 34 Table 11. Current and future annual SW supply and demand in Kasakh RB ...... 34 Table 12. Current and future annual GW supply and demand in Hrazdan RBD ...... 35 Table 13. Cost of Proposed WWTPs in the Hrazdan RBD ...... 37 Table 14. Total Investments for Construction of Yeghvard and Kasakh Reservoirs ...... 37 Table 15. Cost of Installation of SCADA system and Development of Software for Registration of Actual Water Use (in ‘000 AMD) ...... 38 Table 16.Basic technical measures and preliminary cost estimates...... 40 Table 17. The cost of repairing and upgrading hydrological observation stations ...... 43 Table 18. Answers of stackholders on the measures to be taken in the future...... 46 Table 19. Authorities Responsible for the Implementation of the Measures ...... 48

Figures Figure 1. Overview map of the Hrazdan RBD ...... 7 Figure 2. Water Abstraction in Hrazdan RBD (mln. m3) ...... 11 Figure 3. Protected Areas in the Hrazdan RBD ...... 14 Figure 4. Water protection and Inalienable zones in the Hrazdan RBD ...... 15 Figure 5. Protected areas, natural monuments and flow formation zones in the Hrazdan RBD ...... 17 Figure 6. Chemical status (a) and ecological status (b) assessment of 21 SWB in Hrazdan RBD ...... 20 Figure 7. Ecological classification of SWB in the Hrazdan RBD...... 21 Figure 8. Environmental Objectives within Hrazdan RBD ...... 24 Figure 9. Basic Measures Proposed for the 1st implementation cycle of the Hrazdan RBMP ...... 36 Figure 10. Supplementary Measures Proposed for the 1st implementation cycle of the Hrazdan RBMP ...... 42 Figure 11. Description of Proposed Measures in Hrazdan RBD ...... 44

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Abbreviations ASPIRED Advanced Science & Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development AWB Artificial Water Body EU European Union EPIRB Environmental Protection of International RBs EUWI+ European Union Water Initiative plus GIS Geographic Information Systems GWB Groundwater body HMWB Heavily modified water bodies Ha Hectare IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management km Kilometer ME Ministry of Environment MTAI Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure NAS National Academy of Science NGO Non-Governmental Organization RA Republic of Armenia RB River Basin RBD River Basin District RBMP RB Management Plan SNCO State Non-Commercial Organization SWB Surface Water Body ToR Terms of Reference UN United Nation USAID United States Agency for International Development WB Water Body WFD Water Framework Directive

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

1 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RIVER BASIN DISTRICT 1.1 Natural Conditions in the River Basin District Location and Geographic Overview: Hrazdan River Basin District (RBD) covers the Hrazdan and Kasakh rivers’ basins. Hrazdan RBD is located in the 6 administrative territories of Republic of Armenia: the Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir marzes and the administrative area of Yerevan (Figure 1). The highest point of the surface of the RBD is 3467 m, and the lowest point is 790 m, the place of influx into the Araks River. Hrazdan RBD includes 20 rivers with 10 km and more length, 9 reservoirs with 1mln m3 and more storage volume, 2 comparatively large natural lakes, Khari and Akna, as well as 7 primary, 4 derivation and 7 secondary canals. The main rivers of the RBD are Hrazdan and Kasakh with their tributaries. Climate and Vegetation: The relatively medium and lower parts of Hrazdan River are characterized by moderate mountainous, and the higher parts with cold climatic conditions. The amount of precipitation on the higher located parts of Hrazdan and Kotayk regions is considerably high; the winters continually form a stable, thick snow layer. The summers are cool in the forestry areas of Tsaghkadzor and Hanka- van, which are the most important resort zones in the republic. In pre-mountainous parts, the climate is moderately warm, sometimes dry, and in the lower part of the river basin, it is dry continental, with extremely insufficient annual precipitation (200 mm). The soil cover in Hrazdan RB is also diverse, ranging from the salt marsh, semi-desert gray, mountainous brown soils of the Araks Valley to mountainous black soils and mountain-valley soils. The Kotayk and Yeghvard plateaus are characterized by mountainous brown, rocky soils, and the Hrazdan region by mountain-desert gray soils. The slopes of the Pambak and Geghama mountains, with their grassy vegetation, are summer pastures and grasslands. In the forests spread over the slopes of the Tsa- ghkunyats mountain range, oak, maple, ash trees and linden trees dominate. The area of the Kasakh RB, is also characterized by diversity of climatic conditions. Among climatic varieties here dry continental, dry, moderately hot, moderately mountainous and cold mountainous types occur. Depending on the altitude, the annual average temperature and the amount of precipitation is very different. The precipitation reaches 850-900 mm annually at the zone near to the peak of Aragats, and 300 mm at relatively low altitude. There are also diverse types of soil and vegetation in river basin; mountain-brown lands are spread in the foothills (lower part of Ashtarak region), stony lands occur in many places, mountainous black soils dominate in higher places (Aparan, Aragats), mountain-meadow steppe lands occur in high mountainous areas of Aragats mountain slopes. These higher located parts are rich in herbaceous vegetation and are summer pastures and grasslands, and mountainous black soils are the main places for growing grain and potatoes. Natural risks areas: In the territory of the Hrazdan RBD, the mudflows are mostly associated with heavy rainfall, which causes high water in the warmer half of the year. Mudflows of water-stone type and of average intensity are widespread in the Hrazdan RB, especially in the rivers of Getar, Jrvezh and Voghjaberd, which are mostly formed from heavy rainfall in summer.

1.2. Surface Water Resources Hrazdan River, a left tributary of the Araks, originates from the Lake Sevan. The length is 141 km. The source of the river is considered the underground canal, which supplies water to Sevan HPP and flows 5.5 km with 70 m depth, then comes to the Earth surface near Geghamavan village. The Hrazdan River has mixed feeding: 51 % groundwater and 37 % melt water. Large tributaries are Marmarik, Tsakhkad- zor, Dalar, Araget. The number of rivers with a length of 5 km or more in the Hrazdan River system is 54, of which 20 have a length of more than 10 km.

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Figure 1. Overview map of the Hrazdan RBD

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Kasakh River originates from the southern slopes of the western part of the Pambak Range, at 2200 m altitude and flows into the Metsamor River. It has a length of 89 km, the catchment area is 1480km2. The absolute maximum runoff is 151 m3/s (12.04.1972). The river's feeding is mixed, with the melt-rain water being dominant. The relatively large tributaries of Kasakh, which originate from the slopes of Mount Aragats, are Gegharot (length is 25,0 km, the catchment area is 66,0 km2), Shahverd (35,6 km and 162 km2) and Amberd (36,0 km and 141 km2). The main characteristics of river network within Hrazdan RBD are presented in the Table 1. Table 1. Overall Statistics of River Network within Hrazdan RBD

Density coeffi- Watershed Rivers by 10 – 25 25 – 50 50 –100 Entire river cient of river <10 km >100km area of rivers, Size km km km network network km2 km/km2 Quantity 489 242 5 1 1 738 4040 0.52 Length, km 1232 597 165 89 141 2083

Nine reservoirs with a capacity of more than 1mln.m3 are constructed in the Hrazdan RBD. The total volume of the reservoirs is 143.31 mln. m3. Two major reservoirs Aparan and Marmarik are of special importance in the Hrazdan RBD. In the case of normal backwater level of 1835,0 m, the volume of Aparan reservoir is about 91,0 mln m3, the mirror surface is 7,35 km2, the average depth is about 12,3 m and the maximum depth is 45,0 m. The level of dead volume is 1810,0 m, corresponding to 6,48 mln m3 volume. The reservoir’s catchment area is 656 km2, average balanced height is 2280m. Table 2. Main hydrological characteristics of rivers based on operated monitoring sites

Watershed Critical Annual Flow Characteristics Characteristics Discharges

3 Monitoring 2

River /sec

Site km

/sec /sec

3 3

m m

Average Average

Area,

Minimum,

millionm

Maximum,

Watershed

Altitude, m

Flow Layer

Height, mm

Flow, l/sec x

Flow, m

Area Specific

Flow Volume,

Hrazdan Hrazdan 697 2200 7,81 353 11,2 246,3 144 0,95 Hrazdan Lusakert 503 2310 4,23 124 3,93 133,4 155 1,91 Hrazdan Yerevan 2000 1999 6,40 - - 201,9 174 1,00 Hrazdan Masis 2500 1784 - - - - 174* 2,31* Marmarik Hanqavan 91,3 2441 1,67 569 18,0 52,7 33,4 0,12 Marmarik Aghavnadzor 385 2356 4,81 405 12,8 151,7 86,7 0,14 Gomur Meghradzor 101 2423 1,52 475 15,1 47,9 50,6 0,010 Tsaghkadzor Tsaghkadzor 23,5 2255 0,31 332 10,5 9,78 4,62 0,037 Kasakh Vardenis 441 2306 1,22 87 2,76 38,5 151 0,00 Kasakh Hartavan 656 2270 2,03 97 3,09 64,0 21,0 0,00 Kasakh Ashtarak 1020 2154 3,41 106 3,35 107,6 130 0,88 Gegharot Aragats 43,0 3022 0,85 677 21,5 26,8 27,8 0,00 Shahverd Parpi 72,0 2196 0,41 180 5,72 12,9 18,0 0,10 (Source:ME Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center SNCO), *1928-2004 Marmarik reservoir is located in Kotayk Marz, in the Marmarik river bed, at 25 km from the city Hrazdan. Marmarik reservoir was built in November 1974, however, after launching in 1975 the lower slope of the dam collapsed without even filling full volume of water, and about 500 thousand m3 soil slipped to the lower pool. The reservoir dam was restored with a new height of H = 55,5 m in 2011. In 2014, the repair

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works were completed and the reservoir started to operate. Currently, the rehabilitated dam enables regulating the Marmarik River flow, minimizing the possible flood risks during spring floods. The reservoir is a river type and has a seasonal regulation. In the case of normal backwater level of 1902,0 m, the volume is about 24,2 mln. m3, the water mirror surface is 1.2 km2. The level of dead volume is 1864,5 m, corresponding to 1,8 mln. m3 volume. The reservoir’s catchment area is 167 km2, the average balanced height is 2420 m. The basin relief is typical mountainous and characterized by a rather dense network of gorges. There are no large natural lakes in the Hrazdan's RBD. As one of the major natural lakes, Lake Kari (in the Kasakh RB) and Lake Akna (in the Hrazdan RB) could be noted. From the origin point of view, the lakes of the Hrazdan RB are mainly of volcanic origin, and the lakes of Kasakh RB are of glacial origin. The total area of catchment of the lakes are 3.6 km2 and 6 km2, and the mirror area of the lakes are 30 ha and 80 ha, accordingly.

1.3. Groundwater Resources The delineation of groundwater bodies (GWB) was implemented based on the approaches presented in EU WFD CIS Guidance Document N2. In the geological structure of the Hrazdan RBD the following ere are identified Mesozoic (MZ) and Cae- nozoic (KZ) formations, volcanic-sedimentary-intrusive as well as Pliocene - Quaternary (N2-Q) and modern (Q3-4) volcanic rocks, elluvial-deluvial, alluvial- deluvial, and lacustrine-fluvial formations. De- pending on the porosity and fissility, the mentioned geological formations have been grouped in the following hydrogeological groups by their water content and water permeability. They are: 1. Complex of water-bearing Quaternary‐contemporary alluvial‐proluvial and lacustrine-fluvial formations (Q1-4) - pebble, boulder, gravel, sand, clay, sand-clay. 2. Local water‐bearing Pliocene‐Quaternary (N2-Q) volcanic rock complex – dacite, andesite- dacite, andesite, andesite-basalt, tuff, their varieties and clastolites. 3. Local water‐bearing Cretaceous sedimentary, mostly carbonate rock complex (K2s) – lime, chalky clay, sandstone and volcanic rock layers․ 4. Local low water‐bearing permeable –to-impermeable complex of Mesozoic (MZ) and Caeno- zoic (KZ) sedimentary, volcanic, volcanic‐sedimentary and intrusive and altered rock complex (Mz-Kz) – tuff conglomerates, tuff sand stones, tuff breccia, limestone, clay, clay schist, por- phyrite, granodiorite. 1. The Complex of water-bearing Quaternary‐contemporary alluvial‐proluvial and lacustrine-fluvial formations (Q1-4) is spread in inter-mountain depressions and valleys. In the Kasakh River basin they are spread in small areas of inter-mountain depressions of Aragats-Jarjaris and Mukli. In the Hrazdan RBD they are common in the river bank area adjacent to Meghradzor and Arzakan settlements, as well as in the downstream area of Argavand-Masis sites (Ararat depression). In the valleys of the river (Meghrad- zor, Arzakan) feeding of groundwater takes place at the expense of the river flow infiltration, and in the inter-mountain depressions – due to the deep flow formed at the expense of the infiltration of precipitation falling onto the surrounding slopes. Pressure or weak pressure water horizons and complexes occur mainly in river valley parts, and pressure and non-pressure water horizons, which are in hydraulic inter- connection occur in inter-mountain depressions. The groundwater of this complex is used for drinking, household, irrigation and fish breeding purposes through borehole water intakes. Four groundwater bodies (2G-1 to 2G-4) have been delineated in this complex. 2. Local water‐bearing Pliocene‐Quaternary (N2-Q) volcanic rock complex occupies the main area of the Kasakh and Hrazdan catchment basins. The feeding of groundwater takes place at the expense of precipitation infiltration. The multi-year average annual precipitation is 900mm and more depending on absolute altitudes. In the subject matter RBDs most part of the groundwater resources is formed in this complex. A part of the groundwater formed in this complex is discharged in the erosion openings of the relief in the form of springs, the other part is accumulated in the intermountain depressions. Flow of springs varies in a range of 10 to 2000 l/s. In the Kasakh River basin, the flow of the springs of the complex discharged in AparanAshtarak site is 3.1m3/s, and that of the springs discharged in the Hraz- dan RBD’s JraratYerevan site is 9.26m3/s respectively. All the springs with significant flows (5 l/s and more) are captured and used to provide Yerevan, Ashtarak, Abovyan, Hrazdan towns and adjacent settlements with drinking water. In the inter-mountain depressions water is used through boreholes. The

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

springs are non-pressure, and in the inter-mountain depression they are pressure springs. Two groundwater bodies (2G-5 and 2G-6) have been delineated in this complex. 3. Local water‐bearing Cretaceous sedimentary, mostly carbonate rock complex (K2s) is spread with a restricted surface in the Kasakh and Hrazdan upstream basins. The groundwaters are fed mainly from precipitation. Water is formed in the Cretaceous limestones and discharged in the erosion openings of the relief in the form of springs. The total flow of the springs is 16.3 l/s. The groundwater of this complex is used through spring intakes for drinking water supply to small settlements and business facilities. One groundwater body (2G-7) has been delineated in this complex. 4. Local low water‐bearing permeable –to-impermeable complex of Mesozoic (MZ) and Caenozoic (KZ) sedimentary, volcanic, volcanic‐sedimentary and intrusive and altered rock complex (Mz-Kz) is common in the upstream basins of the subject matter river basins. The groundwater is fed mainly from precipitation. Water is formed in the weathering crust of the complex, the thickness of which is 50m and more. Beneath the mentioned depth the complex is impermeable. In the conditions of erosion network dis- sected relief, the complex water is discharged in the form of small flow springs (up to 0.5l/s). The springs’ flows are highly variable or temporary by nature. A small amount of the springs is captured and are used to supply drinking water. The total flow of the springs is about 21l/s. The water of the complex is exclu- sively used in the form of spring intakes. There are no borehole intakes here because of insignificant water bearing or absence of water. Two groundwater bodies (2G-8 and 2G-9) have been delineated in this complex. In addition to groundwater bodies in these hydrogeological groups, three mineral groundwater bodies (2G-10, 2G-11 and 2G-12) have been delineated. The mineral springs are mostly used as table water. Groundwater in the Hrazdan RBD, depending on the hypsometric levels, is characterized by variable and constant regimes, with a discharge rate of 1 to 2000 L/s and up to 2g/l water mineralization. Water- bearing layers are located in the inter-mountain depressions. Groundwater and pressurized aquifers exist in Ararat artesian basin at up to 500m depth. The wells of pressurized aquifers are fountaining at certain sites with a discharge rate of 5 to 100 L/s. Groundwater resources mostly used for drinking purposes, as well as for irrigation and fish breeding purposes in the Ararat valley, are part of the Hrazdan RBD.

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2 PRESSURES AND IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

2.1. Water Abstraction Water abstraction and allocation in the Hrazdan RBD is carried out for irrigation, drinking-household, industrial, hydropower generation, fish-farming and purposes. According to the data of the RA ME WRMA, as of January 2018, total permitted water abstraction in Hrazdan RBD was 3382,38 mln m3, 1422,03 mln. m3 of which were granted for double water use for hydropower generation through irrigation and drinking canals. Totally 1960.35 mnl.m3 were abstracted from water resources in the Hrazdan RBD. The major part of the abstraction was that of surface water - 1177.26 mln m3 (60 %), and the groundwater abstraction was 783.09 mln m3 (40 %). The breakdown of the water abstraction volumes by water use purpose (except hydropower generation, since the latter one is considered non-consumptive water use) is presented in Figure 2.

19,1; 1%

Irrigation 381,3; 19% Hydropower 866,4; 43% Drinking 379,6; 19% Fishery Indusrial

368,5; 18%

Figure 2. Water Abstraction in Hrazdan RBD (mln. m3)

2.2. Point Sources of Pollution Municipal wastewater discharge: The main point source of pollution in the Hrazdan RBD is wastewater discharge. According to the RA ME WRMA Water Cadaster data, as well as expert assessment results, as of January 2018, the amount of wastewater discharged was 1,301.8 mln m3 annually (domestic and industrial wastewater), 201.12 mln m3 was domestic wastewaters discharged into the nearby river (Hrazdan or Kasakh rivers) through sewage systems. The sewer wastewater was only 123.38 mln m3. 90-95% of industrial and domestic wastewater was not collected and treated. Domestic and industrial wastewaters of urban settlements in the Hrazdan RBD directly flow into surface water and also infiltrated into the groundwater resources, since wastewater treatment plants do not operate properly. In addition, sewerage pipelines are worn out and most of them need repair or major renovation. The hydrochemical monitoring and assessment results showed that among the point sources, domestic wastewater makes significant pressure on the quality of the Hrazdan and Kasakh rivers’ water resources, and is subject to investigations if it puts water bodies at risk to fail the WFD environmental objectives. Wastewater discharge from food and non-food industry: Wastewater from food and non-food industry in the Hrazdan RBD is mainly discharged into sewage collector, and the impact it has is added to that of household wastewater. In the RBD industrial enterprises are mostly accumulated in large cities, especially in Yerevan (more than 90%), and the production process wastewaters are discharged into sewers. According to data from RA MNP WRMA, total amount of industrial wastewater, mainly from food industry, discharge in the RBD is about 1,1100.68 mln m3, of which 17.5 mln m3 is directed into municipal sewers and then discharged into adjacent rivers (mainly into the Hrazdan and Kasakh rivers). Based on hydrochemical monitoring and expert assessment results, the wastewater discharge from food industry has significant impact on water quality in the Hrazdan RBD.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

2.3. Diffuse Sources of Pollution Diffuse sources of pollution of waters in the Hrazdan RBD are livestock breeding, overgrazing and the abandoned mines and tailing dams. Based on the expert assessment, due to the high level of the livestock breeding, especially in the Kasakh RB, nitrogen and phosphorus discharges in water resources are quite high. Expert analysis shows that high concentrations of these pollutants are observed in the mid and low streams of the Hrazdan River, as well as in the Kasakh River, in the Aparan region. The water pollution from non-point sources of the mining observed in Halvar river of the Kasakh RB. In the period of spring freshets and summer floods, as a result of snow melting and heavy rainfall, a large amount of ore is washed and discharged from the Tukhmanuk open mine and non-reclamated tailing dam into the Halavar river, painting it grayish red color and polluting the river waters with heavy metals. Cultivation of agricultural crops and use of fertilizers: In the Hrazdan River basins, (Data source: RA Marzpetarans, 2017) 3718 tons of nitrogen fertilizers were used for agricultural crops. The water quality of the Hrazdan and Kasakh River basins indicate that nitrite and nitrate ion concentration increase is observed in the Hrazdan River's mid and lower streams, which is caused by pollution of return flows from the arable lands in the region as a result of land fertilization with inadequate dosage. Nevertheless, crop cultivation and use of fertilizers in the Hrazdan RBD do not pose significant pressure on water quality. Livestock production: Livestock production is a traditional branch of agriculture in the Hrazdan RBD. As of January 2018, 10026 capita cattle and 10954 capita small cattle was registered in the river basin. There are a number of large cattle and poultry farms in the Hrazdan RBD. The wastewater generated from manure washing in the area of farms flows into rivers or penetrate into groundwater, polluting water resources with nitrogen, phosphorus and other organic compounds. Based on the analysis, we can conclude that livestock breeding in the Hrazdan RBD poses a significant pressure on the quality of water resources. Transport: Based on the results of the analysis and evaluation of the highway traffic density and freights conducted at the stage of the basin analysis, as well as considering the fact that roads mainly pass by locations far from surface and ground water resources, it can be concluded the that vehicle transport does not pose a significant pressure on water resources. Solid Waste: Waste management issues are still primary and urgent in the Hrazdan RBD, as there are no waste landfills that meet sanitary-hygienic and municipal demands, no separate landfills of industrial and household wastes. In the Hrazdan RBD there are 5 large landfills that are operated by Yerevan, Hrazdan, Abovyan, Yeghvard and Charentsavan communities with a total area of 66 ha, of which only 31.1 ha are allocated to Nubarashen landfill in Yerevan. In the Erebuni administrative area of Yerevan, Nubarashen pesticide burial site was located in the zone of active landslide. Around 512 ton of pesticide waste is dumped in the Nubarashen pesticide burial site, which are classified as 1st and 2nd hazard class. Mining: The mines in the Hrazdan RBD have a disperse impact on the quality of water resources. The main mines in the RBD area are Hankavan copper-molybdenum, Tukhmanuk, Meghradzor and Me- ghradzor's ”Lusajur” branch gold mines. In the period of spring freshets and summer floods, as a result of snow melting and heavy rainfall, a large amount of ore is washed and discharged from the Tukhmanuk open mine and non-reclamated tailing dam into the Halavar river, painting it grayish red color and polluting the river waters with heavy metals. Considering the assessment results, it can be stated that the abandoned mines and tailing dams pose significant pressure on the quality of water resources of the Hrazdan RBD.

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3 PROTECTED AREAS The identification and characterization of the protected areas in the Hrazdan RBD were done according to the RBMP model outline that is adopted by the RA Governmental resolution No 45-N (October 26, 2017) and considering the rules and regulations of the WFD and nitrates directive. Drinking water catchment areas have been distinguished according to the sanitary rules and regulations (Order of the Ministre of Health No 803, 29.11.2002). There are 127 water springs and drinking water catchment areas in the Harzdan RBD, 82 of wich are located in the Kasakh river basin and 45 are located in the Hrazdan river basin. The drinking water catchment areas are located at a considerable distance from rural areas in accordance with the norms and regulations for sanitary protection zones. However, at present, in the conditions of normal growth of rural settlements, the areas of communities have reached the nearest water sources. For example, Gyumush sources feeding the water mains of Yerevan, Abovyan, Charentsavan towns are located under the residential houses of Argel village and the village does not have a sewerage system. Based on the rules and regulations for sanitary protection zones of the drinking water supply catchments, the Hrazdan RBD the drinking water catchment areas were defined 30 m below the abstraction. Based on the criterias set up by the RA Governmental resolution No 64-N as of January 20, 2005, the the zones for water ecosystem sanitary protection, flow formation, groundwater resources protection, water protection, ecotone and inalienable areas were identified. Water ecosystem sanitary protected zones are included the sections of rivers or lakes, also ponds, which are subject to preserve by their natural state as healthy ecological systems (Figure 3). These zones are set at a radius of 90 m. In order to delineate the water ecosystem sanitary protected zones, along those water resources the layers of sanitary protected zones have been created with a radius of 90 m. The water ecosystems have an area of 34.44 km2 or about 0.86% of the Hrazdan RBD (3989 km2). Groundwater resources protection zones are identified as areas where hydro-geological and groundwater aquifers should be protected from pollution by domestic wastewater (Figure 3). These zones are set at a radius of 150 m for the 1443 boreholes. The area of this zone is about 101.98 km2 or about 2.56% of the total of the Hrazdan RBD (3989 km2). Ecotone areas include the most vulnerable areas of rivers, lakes, ponds, natural watercourses and coastal areas (Figure 3). These zones are set at a radius of 150 m. 9 ecotone areas set with the area about 14.08 km2 or about 0.35% of the total surface area of Hrazdan RBD (3989 km2). Water protection zones include water resource should be protected from waste, sedimentation, contamination, as well as favorable conditions for water regime should be ensured (Figure 4). These zones are set at a radius of 32 m. For defining water protection zones, first of all, the rivers of Hrazdan RBD have been delineated according to the following principle: the tributaries received the 1st class; the 2nd class was classified the rivers which were formed from the mixing two rivers with the first class, and so on. If the mixed two rivers do not have the same class, then the formed river were given the class of the highest of the two. The rivers were delineated from the 1st to the 7th classes.The area of this zone is 22.49 km2 or about 0.56% of the total area of the Hrazdan basin (3989 km2). Inalienable zones are areas where water supply, drainage and safe operation of hydro-technical structures are ensured (Figure 4). These zones are set at a radius of 10 m. The canal layers have been created where they are classified as main and intermediate canals. To delineate the inalienable zones of the 4 main and 5 derivation (Sevan-Hrazdan Derivation) canals, the zones with 10 m long was separated in the entire canal. For the remaining 17 intercanal, the inalienable zones were separated by a length of 9 m. For reservoirs' dams, considering suggestion of "Jrar" Company, which operates the reservoirs, the inalienable zones have set 100 m for the 4 large dams, 10 m for 8 small dams. The inalienable zones of dams of reservoirs form a 0.540 km2 or about 0.013% of the total surface area oh Hrazdan RBD (3989 km2). The inalienable zones of canals and their abutting zones together form a total of 7.13 km2 or about 0.18% of the total area of the Hrazdan RBD (3989 km2). Flow formation areas include the entire source of the river, groundwater horizons and the sources of the springs, which are subject to preservation in their natural state (Figure 5). The flow forming areas are defined in the radius of 4km. In order to separate the flow formation areas, first of all the points at 4km distance from the river source were obtained. In general, 67 water protected zones were separated. For temporary streams water protected zones have not been separated. The total area of water protected zones is about 252.34 km2 or about 6.33% of the Hrazdan RBD (3989 km2). 13

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Figure 3. Protected Areas in the Hrazdan RBD

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Figure 4. Water protection and Inalienable zones in the Hrazdan RBD

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Special areas of conservation of natural habitats and biodiversity: There are several types of protected areas are located in the RBD: five natural state sanctuaries (“Arzakan-Meghradzor”, “Aragatsi Alpyan”, “Bankhsi Sochu”, “Vordan Karmir”, “Hankhavan Jrabanakan”), 1 state reserve (“Erebuni”), 1 state forest (Jrvezh), 21 geological and 9 hydrogeological natural monuments (Figure 5). The Arzakan-Meghradzor Reserve was established in 1971-1972 (Decree N212 of 9 April 1971 of the USSR Council of Ministers) for the protection of rare forest animals (brown bear, Caucasian heath-hen). The Reserve is located in the Marmarik and Dalar watersheds at 1600-2100 meters a.s.l. The total area of the reserve is 13 532 ha. The “Aragatsi Alpyan” and “Bankhsi Sochu” reserves were established in 1959 (Decree N20 of 29 January 1959 of the USSR Council of Ministers) with a total area of 300 and 4 ha, accordingly. The “Aragatsi Alpyan” reserve is located in the southern slope of Mount Aragats, surroundings of the Khari natural lake, at 3200-3350 m a.s.l. The objects of protection are glacial lakes and surrounding alpine meadows. The “Bankhsi Sochu” reserve is located in the Marmarik RB, Tsaghkunyats mountain range, at 1800-2000 meters a.s.l. The object of protection is a unique nursery grove of pine trees. There is considerable tourism potential in the Hrazdan RBD. It is a rich, picturesque and healthy nature region, with forests, mountains, historical and cultural values, natural monuments, medicinal and mineral water springs and infrastructures. In the Hrazdan RB, the resort zones of Tsaghkadzor, Hankavan, Agh- veran and Bjni are famous tourist centers. There are information centers for tourism development that can help rural tourism development in the region. More than fifty hotels and rest houses are registered in the Hrazdan RBD. Areas potentially vulnerable to Nitrates was assessed based on the requirements of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC): the identification of surface and groundwater sites/bodies where annual average nitrate concentrations exceed or could exceed 25 mg/l and 50 mg/l, accordingly. However, considering the geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the territory of Armenia, the provisions of Resolution #75‐N of the Government of Armenia of 27 January 2011 set up 11.2mg/l norm for the nitrate contain in the surface waters. According to the surface water monitoring data, the annual average concentrations of nitrates more than 11.2 mg/l were observed in the downstream of the rivers Geghard, Kazakh and Hrazdan rivers. The nitrate concentration of 25 mg/l, was exceeded only for the Kasakh and Gegharot rivers at rivers mouth. According to the groundwater monitoring data for the groundwater contained much less than 50 mg/l nitrates and were assessed as not vulnerable to nitrates. The concentration of nitrates in groundwater samples was mostly not detected or was less than 11 mg/l. The areas potentially vulnerable to nitrates were also defined based on the livestock production. Ac- cording to the requirements of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), the specified amount per hectare be the amount of manure containing 170 kg N. Based on the calculation, the annual amount of the livestock manure produced in the area of the RBD was1374880 tons, which contained 2805.5 tons nitrogen. Thus, the amount of nitrogen per hectare was calculated 15.7 kg N as manure containing, which is less than required by the Nitrates Directive. In addition, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer uitilized in the Hrazdan RBD was essentially less than established standard (according to the standard, 300 kg of nitrogen fertilizer is required for cultivation of 1 ha of crops).

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Figure 5. Protected areas, natural monuments and flow formation zones in the Hrazdan RBD

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

4 WATER MONITORING The hydrological, chemical and hydrobiological monitoring of surface water, and hydrogeological monitoring of groundwater is conducted by the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center under the Ministry of Environment. 4.1 Current surface water monitoring situation In the Hrazdan RBD, surface water quality monitoring is performed in Hrazdan and Kasakh rivers, in 5 tributaries (Gegharot, Shahverd, Marmarik, Getar and Tsaghkadzor), and two reservoirs (Marmarik and Aparan reservoirs) at 22 observation points with the frequency 6-12 times annually. A comprehensive list of water quality parameters was defined in accordance with the corresponding Resolution of the Government of RA (Decision #75-N, dated 27 January 2011). This list contains 99 hydro-chemical parameters including the priority pollutants described in the WFD (DECISION No 2455/2001/EC and Di- rective 2013/39/EU). Currently 45‐60 out these hydro-chemical parameters are monitored for surface waters. Currently there is no regular biological monitoring in Armenia. The first biological survey for Hrazdan RBD has been carried out in 2018 in frame of the study on Definition of reference conditions and class boundaries in rivers of Armenia for the BQE benthic invertebrates, EUWI+ project. The surveys were restricted to the biological quality element (BQE) “macroinvertebrates”. Although first steps to identify reference conditions and define class boundaries for selected river types were made during the EPIRB project, there is currently no official WFD compliant classification system for this BQE available. Hydrological monitoring carried out in 5 tributaries (Gegharot, Shahverd, Marmarik, Gomur and Tsa- ghkadzor) of Hrazdan and Kasakh rivers, and two reservoirs (Marmarik and Aparan reservoirs) at 16 observation points with a daily frequency. The hydrological data have been used for general description of quantity, but not for classification. Morphological aspects such as riparian vegetation or bank structure have not been recorded. River-morphology was assessed during an EUWI+ hydro-morphological surveys at 18 sites in the Hrazdan RBD. Up to now, the surface water monitoring system in Armenian has always had a clear focus on water quality, while other pressures such as hydro-morphological alterations, as well as biological factors, were considered only to a partial extent. However, long-term hydrological monitoring data are available both for rivers and lakes. The Republic of Armenia is working on establishing a WFD-compliant monitoring network. 4.2 Current groundwater monitoring situation Groundwater monitoring in Armenia was established in accordance with the Resolution N1616 of 08.09.2005 of the RA Government, but regular monitoring only started in 2010. The groundwater monitoring network was more extensive during the Soviet period, but later collapsed. There are 22 hydrogeological monitoring sites in the Hrazdan RBD. Only 4 out of the 12 GWBs in the Hrazdan RBD have monitoring sites. 11 of the monitoring sites are operational but need to be refurbished. The following parameters are measured in the sites: groundwater level (in fountaining and non-fountaining wells), discharge (in springs and fountaining wells) and temperature. Twice a year (in May and November), at 8 monitoring sites water sampling is carried out to perform full chemical analyses. A total of 35 chemical elements and compounds are identified during laboratory tests. The current groundwater monitoring network does not meet the WFD requirements. To fill some of the monitoring gaps within groundwater bodies and of entire groundwater bodies, and to find existing wells and springs which could be added to the monitoring network to improve its coverage, EUWI+ supported EMIC to conduct two rounds of additional field works on top of the regular monitoring. In 2018, EMIC assessed and sampled 6 sites in the Hrazdan RBD. In 2019, they analysed 5. 4 additional sites were investigated in both years. The Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources is responsible for monitoring the three mineral groundwater bodies. 4.3 Monitoring improvement - surface water Chemical monitoring: A proposal was prepared to adapt the monitoring network to the requirements of the EU WFD in the future identifying 8 surveillance and 17 operational sites (Table 3). If necessary, investigative monitoring will be put in place as well. According to measured parameters, Armenia will further converge towards the EU Water Framework Directive and start to monitor the parameters that are required regarding both specific pollutants and priorities substances in line with laboratory and per-

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sonal capacities. The parameters measured will depend on the existing pressures and the risk assessment in the RB. This will include, among others, substances emerging from domestic and industrial (especially food industry) wastewater and abandoned mines and tailing dams. Bearing in mind the importance of the agricultural sector in the country, it is recommended to develop the monitoring of pesticides in surface water. Biological 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 (Table 3). In addition, phytobenthos will also be included at surveillance and operational monitoring sites, in order to enhance the dataset for developing a WFD compliant classification method. Lakes and reservoirs will be investigated by monitoring phytoplankton. 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 ESCS was proposed recently, which shall become the basis for the ecological classification in the future monitoring.

Table 3. Overview of proposed chemical and biological monitoring in rivers and reservoirs

Monitoring Quality element / group Surveillance Operational WB Frequency type of parameters no. of sites no. of sites General physico- 12x / year, annually 6 17 chemical parameters

Chemical Priority pollutants 12x / year, 6 years interval 6 – Other pollutants 12x / year, annually 6 17

Rivers Benthic invertebrates 1x / year, 6 years interval 6 17 Biological Phytobenthos (diatoms) 1x / year, 6 years interval 6 17 General physico-

12x / year, annually 2 – chemical parameters Chemical Priority pollutants 12x / year, 6 years interval 2 – Other pollutants 12x / year, annually 2 –

Reservoirs Biological Phytoplankton 1x / year, 6 years interval 2 Hydro-morphology monitoring: 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 Hrazdan RB. During the next RBMP cycle, the dataset needs to be increased through additional surveys. The hydrological monitoring shall be continued as in the current hydrological system. In rivers, water level will be measured 2x a day a discharge about 30x per year at a total of 12 sites. 4.4 Monitoring improvement - groundwater The coverage of the groundwater monitoring network needs to be extended so that it adequately covers all groundwater bodies in the Hrazdan RBD. Starting now, it will be revised during the second round of Hrazdan RBMP preparation. The existing monitoring sites need to be maintained, and 11 of them (8 wells and 3 springs) need to be refurbished. This refurbishment will be supported by EUWI+. A long- term proposal to add 19 monitoring sites (13 springs and 6 wells) has been developed. The planning documents for all 19 additional sites are being developed in spring 2020. EUWI+ will support the construction of some of these sites with the highest priority. The national groundwater database could be improved, including in order to allow integration of data from such automated logging equipment and to facilitate integration with other databases. The chemical monitoring, which is done twice per year, could be adapted. Currently, all monitoring sites are analysed for the same parameters (physico-chemical parameters, major ions, NH4, NO2, heavy metals) and at equal intervals. The Water Framework Directive follows a risk-based approach. In this approach, a large set of parameters is analysed 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 analysed at a reduced number of sites, focusing efforts where needed the most and reducing the costs of monitoring.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

5 WATER BODIES STATUS & RISK ANALYSIS

The review of pressures and impacts reveals water bodies that fail, or are at risk of failing, the good status. Risk analysis for Hrazdan RBD is based on EU WFD requirements and the RA appropriate legislation. The ecological status, pressures impact assessment, and the definition of reference conditions and class boundaries in rivers of Armenia for the BQE benthic invertebrates are important steps to reach WFD conformity.

5.1 Ecological status of surface water bodies based on the chemical and biological parameters The chemical status of surface water bodies was defined according to the provisions of RA Government Decree №75-N (27 January, 2011) and considering the “one-out-all-out-principle” The classification was conducted for 21 WBs and was based on average annual concentration values of hydrochemical parameters of oxygen and mineralization regimes, nutrients, metals for the period of 2015-2018 obtained from the RA MoE HMC. The results of the SWB chemical status assessment is shown in Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable.(a). The current method does not separate general physico-chemical parameters and specific pollutants relevant for the ecological status and priority pollutants relevant for the chemical status according to EU WFD (cf Annex V of the WFD). The risk assessment and the status classification of the SWB is based on the existing classification system as defined in Resolution №75‐N and will be adapted according to the requirements of EU WFD in future. The water quality norms (even for physico-chemical parameters) have not assigned yet for the lakes and reservoirs in Armenia. Therefore, water bodies at risk were identified based on nutrient content and hydromorphological characteristics.

(b) (a) High

Good

Moderate

Poor

Chemical Chemical status Bad

0 5 10 Number H G-H G M M-B P B na

Figure 6. Chemical status (a) and ecological status (b) assessment of 21 SWB in Hrazdan RBD

Source: Report on “Development of Draft RBMP for Hrazdan RBD in Armenia: Part 1- characterisation phase” EUWI plus project.

The biological status of SWBs was assessed based on the results of the hydrobiological monitoring carried out within the framework of the EUN + project in 2018-2019 (on the results of the study of reference conditions և class boundaries for benthic invertebrates in the rivers of the Republic of Armenia). Overall, it was assessed at 104 SWB, of which 41% were excellent or good. biological status, 5% - poor status. The evaluation results are shown in Figure 6b.

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Figure 7. Ecological classification of SWB in the Hrazdan RBD.

5.2 Ecological status of surface water bodies based on the hydromorphological parameters According to the WFD, the assessment of the ecological status is based on biological data and ecological status classification systems (ESCS). Supporting elements are physico-chemical, hydro-morphological parameters and specific pollutants. The hydro-morphological status was assessed based on filed survey result conducted by EUWI+ project at the sampling sites (with 5 points system in accordance with the requirements of the WFD). During the low-water period from summer to autumn the most influential impact on rivers is, unregulated water abstraction. The flow in the rivers is therefore significantly reduced. The morphological pressures in the rivers often occur in the nearby areas of settlements as well as in the active agricultural zones. Totally 13 WB were assessed from which, 1 WB has High, 4 WB-Good, 2 WB- Moderate, 5 WB-Poor and1 WB- Bad hydromorphological status. Based on biological and physico-chemical data collected during field surveys and the above-mentioned hydro-morphological status, a preliminary ecological status of a selected number of SWB was done based on a new proposal for a WFD compliant ESCS for benthic invertebrates in rivers. Out of 104 WBs 69 were assessed, 41% of which has High or Good biological status and 5% of WBs has Bad biological status. Other biological quality elements (BQE) will have to be included in the ESCS in the future. For the HMWB reservoirs, no classification of the ecological potential is available yet.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

5.3 Assessment of Status of GW based on quantitative and chemical characteristics 12 GWBs have been delineated within the four hydrogeological complexes (and the mineral water springs) of the Hrazdan RBD. GWBs were delineated based on the conditions of their formation, accumulation, discharge and use. GWBs are characterized by natural weak protection and direct contact with atmospheric phenomena (precipitation, temperature) and anthropogenic factors. By their quantitative and chemical statuses, the delineated GWBs correspond to good groundwater status. However, the existing data on water quality and frequency of monitoring are not sufficient for providing accurate chemical status assessment of the GWB in the Hrazdan RBD. Additional data from a representative groundwater monitoring network and covering a larger set of parameters, including heavy metals, pesticides and other synthetic chemicals, is required. Structured methods to aggregate chemical and quantitative monitoring data into reliable assessments of chemical and quantitative status still need to be developed. A first step in this direction was taken when EMIC, with support by a consultant, developed a national methodology to assess the available groundwater resources in mountain regions and implemented the methodology in the Hrazdan RBD. This was seen as a step to bring Armenian legal obligations and requirements of the WFD together, and prepare the assessment of quantitative status of groundwater bodies. All groundwater bodies are used for drinking/household, agricultural and industrial purposes, and many sustain aquatic and/or terrestrial ecosystems. In the tectonic fault zones of studied RBDs the Hankavan, Bjni and Arzni mineral groundwater bodies (MGWBs) are identified, which are used for rec- reation, bottling and carbon dioxide obtaining.

5.4 Risk assessment in WBs In the Hrazdan RBMP, based on the criteria for the delineation of surface water bodies 122 WBs were delineated including: 69 natural SWBs, among these 23 at risk; 8 - HMWBs; 35 – AWBs;12-GWBs. Water bodies have been assigned to the three categories based in their risk status: 1. water body at risk; 2. water body possibly at risk; 3. water body not at risk. The identification of surface water bodies (rivers and lakes) is based on the risk indicators and criteria recommended in the “Guidance Document on Addressing Hydromorphology and Physico‐Chemistry for a Pressure‐Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment according to the EU WFD” (prepared by EPIRB Project, 2014) which have been adapted taking into consideration data availability in Armenia. The identification of surface water bodies at risk was done based on the hydromorphological data, water quality, pressure and impact assessment and expert judgments. In terms of risk assessment, the hydrochemical water quality (which includes mostly parameters relevant for the ecological status), 23 river SWB in the Hrazdan RBD are identified as “at risk”. The most common source of pollution in the Hrazdan and Kasakh river is mainly point and non-point discharges of untreated domestic wastewater and diffuse pollution from agriculture. The main pressure on the Gegharot river is of geological and geochemical origin leading to natural acid water rich in heavy metals. For groundwater bodies two risk assessment criteria as follows was used: . Significant and sustained upward trend in electrical conductivity indicating saline intrusion; . Significant and sustained downward trend in the water level.

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6 ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES RBMP are policy documents defining environmental objectives to be achieved preferably at the end of a 6 years implementation period. Environmental objectives must be set to ensure that good status of surface water and groundwater and maintenance of the National water reserve are achieved throughout the Hrazdan RBD and that deterioration in the status of all waters is prevented. According to the WFD Article 4, through implementation of the RBMP the following environmental objectives should be achieved by 2027, eventually 2033 in very specific cases (Figure 8): - Good ecological/chemical status of surface water bodies; - Good ecological potential status of HMWBs and AWBs; - Prevent or limit input of pollutants into GW; prevent deterioration of GWB status; reverse significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations due to human activity, achieve good chemical/quantitative status of GWs. In some cases, for some water bodies in the first six-year cycle of the implementation of the program of measures (and possibly in following cycles), environmental objectives cannot be achieved. According to Article 4 of the WFD, these cases are considered as exceptions.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Figure 8. Environmental Objectives within Hrazdan RBD

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Table 4. Environmental objectives for surface water bodies at risk

Water Water status in body Name of water body Environmental objective by 2027 2019 code Meghradzor River from the Possible Bad To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to confluence zones with the chemical Status WB 3-009 prevent river’s water pollution by heavy metals from gold Tej tributary to the river mining. mouth Marmarik River, from the Bad Chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to above of Meghradzor status WB 3-010 prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from community to the above of households and agriculture wastewater. Aghavnadzor community Tsakhkadzor River from Bad Chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to the city of Tsakhkadzor to Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from the river mouth households and agriculture wastewater. WB 3-011 To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases and control water abstraction by 2027. Hrazdan River from Poor chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Akhpara reservoir to status WB 3-017 prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from confluence with Dalar households and agriculture wastewater. River Hrazdan River from Dalar Bad Chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to to Gyumush HPP Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from households and agriculture wastewater. WB 3-020 To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases and control water abstraction by 2027. Hrazdan River between Bad chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-024 Nurnus and Arzni status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from communities households and agriculture wastewater. Hrazdan River from Arzni Bad chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-025 community to Kanaker status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from HPP households and agriculture wastewater. Akunq River from the Moderate To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Mayakovsky community to Chemical Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from WB 3-027 the River mouth (Based on Expert households and agriculture wastewater. Judgment) To achieve good chemical status by 2027. Hrazdan River from Bad chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-028 Kanaker HPP to Artashat status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from canal households and agriculture wastewater. Hrazdan River from Bad Chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Artashat Canal to the Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from Yerevanyan Lake households and agriculture wastewater. WB 3-029 Reservoir To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases and control water abstraction by 2027. Getar River- right tributary Bad Chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-030 of the Jrvej River Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from households and solid waste. Jrvezh River (the left Moderate To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to tributary of Hrazdan River) chemical status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from WB 3-031 with its tributary (Based on Expert households. Judgment) To achieve good chemical status by 2027. Hrazdan River from the Bad chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-032 Yerevanyan Lake to Sayat- status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from Nova community households and agriculture wastewater Hrazdan River from Sayat- Bad chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Nova community to status WB 3-033 prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from Mkhchyan water junction households and agriculture wastewater canal

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Water Water status in body Name of water body Environmental objective by 2027 2019 code River Hrazdan from canal Bad chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to of Mkhchyan Pumping status WB 3-034 prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from station to confluence with households and agriculture wastewater Araks River Halvar River from the Possible Bad To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-041 Tukhmanuk gold mine to chemical Status prevent river’s water pollution by heavy metals from gold the Meliq community mining Kasagh river from Aparan Bad Chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to city to the Aparan reservoir Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from households and agriculture wastewater WB 3-045 To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases and control water abstraction Gegharot River from height Bad Chemical To maintain the ecological flow on monthly bases and control WB 3-058 of 3000 m to water Status water abstraction from HPP and to improve the chemical abstraction point status of the river Gegharot River from the Moderate To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, WB 3-059 Aragats community to the Chemical Status particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases river mouth and control water abstraction Kasagh River from Moderate To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Ohanavan community to Chemical Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from the end of Ashtarak city households and agriculture wastewater WB 3-063 To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases and control water abstraction

Kasagh River from Moderate To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Ashtarak city to the mixing Chemical Status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from zone with the tributary households and agriculture wastewater WB 3-064 Amberd To improve the hydromorphological status of the river, particularly maintaining the ecological flow on monthly bases and control water abstraction

Amberd River from Moderate To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to Byurakan city to the river Chemical Status WB 3-068 prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from mouth (Based on Expert households and agriculture wastewater Judgment) Kasagh River from Poor chemical To improve the chemical status of the river, particularly to WB 3-069 confluence of Amberd status prevent river’s water pollution by nutrients (N and P) from tributary to the river mouth households and agricultur wastewater

Table 5.. Environmental objectives for Groundwater bodies possible at risk based on quantitative status

GWB Code GWB Name Environmental Objective

To establish appropriate monitoring system in accordance with

GWB 2G-2 Argavand-Masis Q1-4 the EU WFD, to evaluate chemical and quantitative status of water body and to achieve և maintain "good status". by 2033.

To establish appropriate monitoring system in accordance with Hankavan Proterozoic GWB 2G-10 the EU WFD, to evaluate chemical and quantitative status of (Pt) Paleozoic (Pz) water body and to achieve և maintain "good status". by 2033.

To establish appropriate monitoring system in accordance with Bjni Proterozoic (Pt) GWB 2G-11 the EU WFD, to evaluate chemical and quantitative status of Cenozoic (KZ) water body and to achieve և maintain "good status". by 2033.

To establish appropriate monitoring system in accordance with

GWB 2G-12 Arzni Q1-Q3 the EU WFD, to evaluate chemical and quantitative status of water body and to achieve և maintain "good status". by 2033.

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7.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS The analysis of water consumption of the Hrazdan RBD indicates of the amount of water that leaves the basin when used by the economic sectors. Taxes, charges, tariffs, etc. are water pricing instruments (or economic instruments) that are commonly applied to correct for market failures, and to ensure that the polluter pays. The revenue from water pricing instruments should help realize environmental and economic policy objectives in a cost-effective way. Water Abstraction Fee: Rates of charges for water abstraction are currently determined in accordance with the RA Tax Code adopted on October 4, 2016 (Chapters 40 and 41; Articles 204 and 205). The current water abstraction system has weaknesses as follows:  Some water use sectors are completely or partially exempted from water abstraction fees. For example, the hydropower sector does not pay any water abstraction fees.  The existing system does not take into consideration the relative abundance or scarcity of water resources (supply and demand, seasonal variations), which is required by the RA Water Code. Moreo- ver, it only takes a partial consideration of the economic value of water (according to the water use sector and according to the quality of water used). According to the new lease contract signed by Veolia and Government of Armenia, a special lower rate (0.025 AMD/m3) was introduced for Veolia for the whole lease term of 15 years. Environmental Taxes For the discharge of wastewater into the outdoor water basin the environmental taxes / pollution taxes are applied which are regulated in accordance with Article 169 of the RA Tax Code. According to RA Law N 131-N (adopted on 29 June, 2016) there is an exemption for Veolia Djur for the whole lease period and the environmental tax should be calculated by multiplying the norms of polluted materials, wastewater actual quantities and the rates mentioned in the points of 1 and 2 of the article N 169 of Tax Code. In general, the low level of environmental taxes for pollution is not consistent with the “Polluter pays” principle, which is the cornerstone of EU WFD. The Fines and Penalties: rates of fines and penalties for water pollution are stipulated in Article 169 of the RA Tax Code. Particularly, it states that when the amount of pollutants exceeds the allowable quantities, the entities have to triple the taxable amount. In case there was no water permit for water discharge, the entity should pay 10 times more in Ararat and Armavir marzes and 5 times more in the rest of Armenia. The rates of fines and penalties for exceeding the allowable water abstraction quantities are stipulated in Article 204 of the RA Tax Code. Same as above, for exceeding the abstraction of allowable quantities, the entities have to triple the water abstraction fees. In case there was no water permit for water discharge, the entity should pay 10 times more in Ararat and Armavir marzes and 5 times more in the rest of Armenia. The penalties for administrative violations are stipulated in Article 61, 62 and 63 of the RA Law on Ad- ministrative Violations. Article 61 states that violation of water protection rules, which has caused water pollution, water erosion of soils or other harmful effects, may result in a fine of 50 times the amount of minimum wage and 100 times of minimum wage for officials. Article 62 states that violation of water use supply and use rules, as well as conducting unauthorized construction of hydrotechnical structures may result in a fine of 100 times the amount of minimum wage and 300 times of minimum wage for officials. Article 63 states that unauthorized conducting of works on water systems may result in a fine of 30-50 times the amount of minimum wage and 150 times of minimum wage for officials and elimination of hydrotechnical structures. 7.1 Analysis of application of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services The economic analysis of water uses in Hrazdan RBD was implemented considering provisions of EU WFD (Annex III, Article 9, Article 11). The key elements have been investigated include status of key water services (e.g. number of persons connected/using the service); costs of water services (financial costs, environmental and resource costs); institutional set-up for cost-recovery (prices and tariff structure, subsidies, cross-subsidy); resulting extent of cost-recovery levels (for financial costs, for environmental and resource costs); extent of contribution of key water uses to the costs of water services (link with pollution and use information collected for the analysis of pressures and impacts); and complemen- tary information whenever relevant (e.g. affordability for key water users). For the economic analysis of water use in the Hrazdan RBD the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water (SEEA-Water). The analysis of the volume and costs of water used was carried out for the following five sectors as recommended Article 5 of the WFD recommends: agriculture, industry, energy, fisheries and households. 27

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

For groundwater: In the Hrazdan RBD, 24.6% of the water used is from groundwater. The biggest users of GW are fishery and household sectors. In total, they use 87.8% of registered groundwater. 8.1% of groundwater is used by agriculture and 3% by energy sectors. The Veolia Djur CJSC accounts for 98% of the water use in the household sector, which is 41.3% of all GW in Hrazdan RBD. The household sector uses 386 min m3 of water annually or on average 1,054 thousand m3 daily. The tariff for drinking water supply and sanitation services provided by Veolia Djur CJSC is 191.414 AMD/m3 of water, including value added tax, of which the additional 11.414 AMD is subsidized by the government. The subscribers will continue to pay 180 AMD/m3 of water. Veolia Djur CJSC has colossal water losses in the capital city Yerevan. According to the Veolia Djur financial reports they make up 75% of the water in the household sector. Around 790 thousand m3 daily or 289 million m3 annually is unaccounted. The annual loss of 75% explains the relatively high-water tariff. With the current tariff, the water loss for the household sector accounts for 55.3 billion AMD yearly, which is $116 million. Considering that $600 million is needed to upgrade the water system, and after upgrades, losses may drop to 23%, the initial investment can be returned in around 8 years, after which the price of water for the households could be significantly reduced. The evaluation of the efficiency of this investment requires further analysis. According to the data of the WRMA as of August 2019, 108 water permits have been issued for the fishery sector. This sector uses 614 million m3 of water per year, of which 92.1% was extracted from groundwater and only 7.9% from surface water. According to Articles 203, 204 and 205 of the RA Tax Code, the water rate for fishery proposes is 1 AMD/m3 regardless of the type and territory. From 1 January 2018, the product of the rates was increased by the coefficient of 1.1, from 1 January 2019— by the coefficient of 1.2, and from 1 January 2020 —will be increased by the coefficient of 1.3. These rates only apply to entities who obtained permits for the use of water in accordance with the RA Water Code and their volumes of waters are indicated in the permits for the use of water. If there is a failure to obtain permits for the use of water in accordance with the RA Water Code or where the volumes of waters are not indicated in the permits for the use of water the ten-fold of the rate in Ararat and Armavir marzes is applied and five-fold of the rate in other territories. In 2018, the annual registered water use in the Ararat marz was 454 million m3, and the actual abstraction volume was more than three times higher than the registered water use. In this sector, about 1,000 million m3 of water or 1.1 billion AMD of fees are not calculated. It should be noted that the volume of water permits for this sector has almost doubled in one year. 49 out of 108 water use agreements were signed in 2018 and 2019. This shows that the RA Government is working to reduce water losses and stop illegal water use. For surface water: According to the database of WRMA, 75.3% of water, used in the Hrazdan RBD, is from SW. It should be noted that in the basin water is used many times in the energy sector and then finely is consumed in the agricultural sector. The biggest users of SW are agriculture and energy sectors. In average they use 98% of permitted surface water. In Armenia, the average cost of irrigation water is 21 AMD/m3, half of the price is subsidized by the state. Farmers pay 11AMD/m3 of irrigation water. Thus, in case of lossless irrigation, according to our estimation about 10 billion AMD yearly from agriculture sector. It should be noted that the maximum acceptable level of water loss in Armenia is 43.6%. Thus, taking this information into account around 5.6 billion AMD yearly should be collected daily from irrigation (RA Government Decree №1291-N and N 33 record). The irrigation has accumulated over 10.5 billion AMD in unpaid debt, caused by the insolvency of farmers and the imperfections in the irrigation payment system. In 2018, the losses in the irrigation system exceeded 55%. According to the WRMA database agriculture annually uses 912 million m3 of water in the Hrazdan RBD plus the discharge from Sevan RBD. Considering the total water loss of the irrigation system, the loss in the Hrazdan RBD is more than 500 million m3, which, considering the water supply, is comparably a huge number. From financial point of view, the the annual loss will be about 5.5 billion AMD. In 2018, 50.7% of the all water use, and 66% of surface waters in the Hrazdan RBD was in the energy sector (1.9 bln m3). It should be noted that the water in this sector is constantly used in Sevan-Hrazdan Cascade and is not consumed at any point. By estimation around 80% of water use in this sector is by the of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade, which gives around 90% of electricity of the hydropower stations in Hrazdan RBD. The rest are small power-plants. There is no water use cost for small power plants. The Sevan-Hrazdan cascade pays annually for the water release from the lake Sevan, which is 1.5 AMD per cubic meter of water. According to the RA Tax Code from 1 January 2018 the product of the rates was increased by the coefficient of 1.1, from 1 January 2019 —1.2, and from 1 January 2020 —1.3.

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The length of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade is approximately 70 km. These 7 HPPs together generate 1/10 part of annual electricity of the whole country. The total designed capacity of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade is 560 MW, and the annual energy production is 500 mln kWh. The operation of the Sevan- Hrazdan cascade largely depends on the water volume left out of Lake Sevan. Therefore, only 5 out of 7 HPPs are operating during the year, and other 2 HPPs are operated in the irrigation period, when there are additional water resources in the system. For this reason, WUPs have been given to operate 5 HPPs (Argel, Arzni, Kanaker, Yerevan-1, and Yerevan-3) of the cascade. Based on the expert judgment, as of 2018, the Sevan-Hrazdan HPPs annually used about 1,356.99 mln m3 water. In 2018, 0.6% of the all water use in the Hrazdan RBD was in industry the sector. The share of surface water use in this sector is 61.6%, which is 14,7 million cubic leers annually. This sector also uses 9,1 million cubic litters of groundwater annually. Water use for industrial purpose is mainly carried out in food industry, light industry and mining industry. As of 2018, the water abstraction for industrial purposes set in the WUPs is 22.4 mln m3, 99.7% of which was given in the Hrazdan RB (mainly in Yerevan). According to data from Kotayk, Aragatsotn Marzpetarans and Yerevan municipality office there are more than 100 nonfood industrial enterprises in the RBD as of 2017. There is also a number of small factories producing furniture, knitwear, stone tiles, etc. Nonfood industrial factories use little water and almost do not implement wastewater disposal. A relatively large water user enterprise is “Hrazdan-Cement” CJSC (WP is 5.17 mln m3), the wastewater disposal of which is 0.13 m3/s. The water costs should be considered in these directions: cost of ensuring the quantity and reliability of water supply, costs to reduce water losses, costs to improve water quality, costs to protect the environment. 7.2 Current and future water supply and demand in Hrazdan RBD National Water Program of the Republic of Armenia establishes the fundamental principles for national, strategic and usable water reserves estimation, water supply and demand assessment, main issues and perspectives of protection and development of water sector, as well as the program of measures due to the limited availability of water, its importance for human life and health and conservation of flora and fauna. Usable Water Resources: The portion of water resources that may be allocated for consumptive use without reducing the National Water Reserve. Usable water resources include the river flow formed within the territory of Armenia, part of the transboundary Araks and Akhuryan rivers flow, and renewable groundwater resources, excluding ecological flow. Water use permits can’t exceed the usable resources of the given water object established by basin management plan. In Hrasdan RBD the amount of usable water resources is 1,954.0 million m3. Strategic Water Reserve: The quality and quantity of water that required to meet basic human needs and preserve water ecosystems in the emergency situations (draught, ecological disasters, energetic crysis, etc.). Strategic groundwater reserves are formed through all-day use of the flow from existing and additionally drilled wells. Strategic groundwater reserves are the subject of periodical adjustment by the Government of Armenia. Strategic reserve is used by the decision of Government of Armenia. In Hrazdan RBD the amount of strategic water reserve is 229.3 million m3. National Water Reserve: The quality and quantity of water that required to satisfy present and future basic human needs, as well as to protect aquatic ecosystems and to secure sustainable development and use of that water resource. National water reserve is formed as a difference between overall water resources of Armenia and usable + strategic water reserves. In Hrazdan RBD, the amount of national water reserve is 254.1 million m3. Water supply of the surface water bodies (rivers) is the difference of the surface natural flow and ecological flow (Table 6). To calculate seasonal supply the main characteristics of the average annual and seasonal runoff has been considered. On an annual basis the most of the flow runs during the flood season. Note that the water discharge of 170 million m3 from Lake Sevan are accounted, as it brings additional needed supply to cover the demand RBD.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Table 6. Surface water supply in Hrazdan RBD Natural Ecological Water Natural Ecological Water River river flow flow supply river flow flow supply m3/s Annual, mil m3 Hrazdan 23.2 10.1 13.1 732 319 414 Kasakh 9.7 3.8 5.9 306 120 186 Total 32.9 13.9 19.0 1,038 439 600 The groundwater supply (usable groundwater resources) was calculated based on the useful groundwater resources in the Hrazdan RBD (Table 7). Table 7. Useful groundwater resources in Hrazdan RBD Name of groundwater Hypsometric lev- A+B catego- Annual A+B cat- Water quality compli- deposit els of deposit (m) ries (m3/s) egories Mil m3 ance with the use purpose Hrazdan Atarbekyan- Makravan 1750-1760 1.845 58.19 drinking Katnaahbvur 1520-1530 1.970 62.13 drinking Dzoraghbyur 1500-1540 0.341 10.76 drinking V'erevanvan springs 930-980 0.707 22.30 technical Hrazdan Total 4.863 153.38 Kasakh Aragats- Jariaris 2000-2100 0.182 5.74 drinking Aparan- Kuchak 1860-1920 1.009 31.82 drinking Artashavan 1400 0.128 4.04 drinking Nlazrevan 1120-1180 1.177 37.12 drinking Karbi 1210 0.363 11.45 drinking Shor- Shor 1210 0.854 26.94 drinking Kasakh Total 3.713 117.11 Total Hrazdan RBD 8.576 270.49 Source: RA Government decision N549-N of 29 May 2008 Water demand in Hrazdan RBD for different sectors was calculated using different norms and regulations, as well as the population growth forecast developed by the UN. The analysis of water demand showed that it should be differentiated into two types: (1) the actual water demand and (2) actual water demand plus non-revenue water (NRW) that should be abstracted from a water source to satisfy the actual water demand. Within this analysis “actual water demand plus NRW" is considered as “water demand". For the present analysis, we assume that the average daily consumption of water will remain constant at 250l/cap/day both for urban and rural areas (although in urban areas it is at 150 l/cap/day level). The reason for considering average water consumption is that up to now many consumers use drinking water for small scale irrigation and prefer not to be metered. However, as soon as water becomes a commodity people will emphasize cost saving measures. As a basis, figures from the population census of 2011 were considered and multiplied by growth rates as defined by the UN (Table 8). Table 8. Population growth-based water demand in Hrazdan RBD

2011 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 Population of Armenia 2,877 2,945 2,952 2,958 2,963 2,968 2,972 2,975 2,977 2,976 2,952 (thousand) Population of Hrazdan 1,604 1,642 1,646 1,649 1,652 1,655 1,657 1,659 1,660 1,659 1,646 RBD (thousand) Actual water demand 149.8 150.2 150.5 150.7 151.0 151.2 151.4 151.5 151.4 150.2 (mil m3) MRW % 76.5% 74.5% 72.5% 70.5% 68.5% 66.5% 64.5% 62.5% 56.5% 44.5% MRW (mil m3) 487.8 438.8 396.8 360.3 328.4 300.2 275.0 252.4 196.7 120.4 Water use permit (mil 357.7 386.0 ------m3) Adjusted Water Demand 637.6 589.0 547.3 511.0 479.4 451.4 426.4 403.9 348.1 270.6

(mil m3) Difference (mil m3) -279.9 -203.0 -161.3 -125.0 -93.4 -65.4 -40.4 -17.9 37.9 115.4 Difference % -43.9% -34.5% -29.5% -24.5% -19.5% -14.5% -9.5% -4.4% 10.9% 42.6%

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According to the technical proposal of Veolia Djur (Code No: SCWE of RA MoA ֊ CDSA ֊ N15/1, June 2016), which was accepted by the Government of Armenia, it is expected to reduce NRW by 2% each year during 15 years of the lease contract. It means that water abstraction should be substantially reduced if the condition in the technical proposal is met. Hence, to reflect the improvements in the water supply network an assumption is made that 2% of NRW reduction is expected each year up to 2025. Since there was no data available on construction of new hydro power plants, the water requirements for those two sectors were left unchanged. According to water use permits, water demand for industrial use was negligible. It is assumed that most of the water used for industry is supplied by Veolia Djur and cannot be differentiated from drinking and household type. Industrial growth rate is based on average World Bank GDP growth rate defined for Armenia - 3%. Hence, it is expected that water use for irrigation in the long run will decrease by 1 % per year considerig that new irrigation and cultivation technologies are introduced in several farms, which are less water intensive. The drainage percentage or water loss for irrigation is calculated considering that around 80% of water is lost through evaporation and transpiration. For industry and household sectors the drainage is calculated considering that around 75% of water is lost. The fishery sector surface water loss is relatively small, as the main mass of water is returned to the system, unlike groundwater use, which drainage is calculated to be around 90%. The energy sector does not consume water. Water supply (Tables 9-12) is analysed for the multi-year period (average), 2016 (high-water year), 2017 (low-water year), as well as projected for the period of First Hrazdan RBMP Implementation period (2021-2027) and 2033. Two climate change scenarios were used for water supply projection: optimistic (IPCC RCP6.0) and pessimistic (IPCC RCP8.5). According to the water demand-water supply analysis, the supply of surface and groundwater in Hraz- dan RBD in 2017 amounted to 767 mln and 270 mln. m3 respectively: It is predicted that in 2033 they will be 829 mln. m3 and 262 mln. m³ (respectively in case of a pessimistic scenario). In the same period, it is predicted that water demand will decrease in 2033 and will be 1380 mln. m3 instead of1481 mln. m3 in 2017. The decrease in water demand was mainly determined on the basis of the assumption that the volume of unaccounted for water (water losses) in 2017-2033. will gradually decrease over the period. We should emphasize the risks of groundwater use especially in Ararat valley. The groundwater demand in Hrazdan RBD exceeds the permitted supply two times. Given that there is a large amount of unregis- tered water use in the fish farming sector, the deficit is even greater. This reckless use poses certain risk to the Ararat Valley. Undesirable use of groundwater is dangerous and can bring to landslides, cracks in the soil, and increase the risk of potential earthquake magnitude. Strict measures are needed in this area. Groundwater is used by two major sectors: the household and fishing sectors, which account almost 91% of water abstraction in Hrazdan RBD. The following measures to shorten the unnecessary demand in these sectors should be implemented. Household sector: The percentage of losses in this sector is 74%, which is very high. As was mentioned in the previous chapter that the average loss of household sector in European cities is 23%. It is necessary to attract investments that will reduce the loss. These measures will reconstruct the old inef- fective pipelines and have a potential to drastically reduce the water demand in this sector. These investments can be repaid in around 8 years. After that they have a potential to decrease the water fee for consumers. Fishery Sector: Some measures are already implemented in this sector to reduce the water demand. No new water permits were issued for fish farming in 2019. But these are preliminary measures which are not going to reduce the demand. Urgent reforms are needed in this sector. One of the solutions to reduce the water use in this sector could be the investments in construction of closed hydroponic systems. The water, in this case, will not be lost and will be recycled in a close system. As a short-term solution the one-time use of water in this sector can be prohibited by law. Thus, fish farms that reuse water 2 or more times will be encouraged. The main risk area in groundwater use is the deficit of water for irrigation in agricultural sector on the river Hrazdan. There is a high demand of water for irrigation especially in the dry season. The water discharge from the Sevan RBD is aimed to satisfy this demand. The discharge from Lake Sevan in 2019

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

was relatively low – 129 mln m3. And by the calculations the demand was not met by 144 mln m3 in 2019. The peak daily deficit may reach up to 1.5 million m3. It should be noted that during the dry summer months the farmers are recording many cases of water shortages. This fact also shows that this is a rather complex problem and requires a systematic solution. Of course, the discharge of Lake Sevan brings some environmental risks. But the development of the agricultural sector is very important for Armenia. No quick steps or decisions should be made in this area. One of the solutions to this problem is repair and reconstruction of irrigation canals and pipelines as well as making drip irrigation systems available and viable for farmers.

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Table 9. Current and future annual SW supply and demand in Hrazdan RBD

Optimistic Scenario (Upper Bound) Pessimistic Scenario (Lower Bound) Multi First RBMP Implementation Period First RBMP Implementation Period -year Surface Supply aver- Water Source / age 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 Supply& Demand Demand Purpose mil m3 Water Sevan RBD* 167 175 129 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 Supply Hrazdan RB 462 414 414 414 470 469 469 468 468 466 463 469 468 467 466 465 461 455 Qasakh RB 209 186 186 186 211 211 211 211 210 210 208 211 211 210 210 209 208 204 Total Supply 767 775 729 851 851 850 849 848 846 841 850 849 847 845 844 839 829 Total Industry 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 Demand Household 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Fishery 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Irrigation 695 728 730 730 719 714 704 699 694 683 652 704 699 694 683 678 673 637 Energy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Demand 744 745 745 735 730 720 715 710 699 668 720 715 710 699 694 689 653 Surplus / Deficit 22 23 29 -17 116 120 130 134 139 147 173 130 134 137 146 150 150

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Table 10. Current and future annual SW supply and demand in Hrazdan RB

Multi Optimistic Scenario (Upper Bound) Pessimistic Scenario (Lower Bound) Surface Supply Source -year Water First RBMP Implementation Period First RBMP Implementation Period /Demand aver- Supply& Purpose age 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 Demand mil m3 Water Sevan RBD* 167 175 129 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 Supply Hrazdan RB 462 414 414 414 470 469 469 468 468 466 463 469 468 467 466 465 461 455 Total Supply 581 589 543 640 639 639 638 638 636 633 639 638 637 636 635 631 625 Water Irrigation 639 670 671 671 662 657 648 643 638 629 600 648 643 638 629 624 619 586 Demand Other Sectors 17 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 Total Demand 686 687 687 677 673 664 659 654 645 616 664 659 654 645 640 635 602 Surplus / Deficit -105 -98 -144 -37 -34 -25 -20 -16 -8 17 -24 -21 -17 -9 -5 -4 22

Table 11. Current and future annual SW supply and demand in Kasakh RB

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Table 12. Current and future annual GW supply and demand in Hrazdan RBD

Optimistic Scenario (Upper Bound) Pessimistic Scenario (Lower Bound) Multi First RBMP Implementation Period First RBMP Implementation Period -year Ground- Supply aver- water Source / age 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2027 2033 Supply& Demand Demand Purpose mil m3 Water Hrazdan RB 152 153 153 153 153 153 153 153 152 152 153 152 152 151 151 149 148 Supply Kasakh RB 116 117 117 117 117 117 117 116 116 116 117 116 116 115 115 114 113 Total Supply 270 270 270 270 270 269 269 268 268 270 269 268 267 266 263 262 Water Industry 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Demand Household 215 280 288 231 217 204 193 182 157 122 267 257 248 240 232 211 176 Fishery 465 415 415 432 441 448 458 468 494 563 435 441 451 461 471 478 514 Irrigation 33 34 34 34 34 33 33 33 32 31 33 33 33 32 32 32 30 Energy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Demand 737 745 704 699 693 691 690 691 724 743 739 740 741 742 727 728 Surplus / Deficit -466 -474 -433 -429 -423 -422 -421 -423 -456 -473 -471 -472 -474 -477 -465 -466

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

8 PROGRAM OF MEASURES The purpose of the WFD is to maintain the “high and good status” of waters where it exists, prevent any deterioration in the existing status of waters and to restore at least “good status”. The mechanism by which this is to be achieved under the WFD is through the adoption and implementation of RBMPs and Programmes of Measures (POMs). The PoM was set up based on analyses of the baseline conditions in the basin and anthropogenic impacts on surface water resources as required by WFD Article 5 and the recommendations contained in the following documents are taken as a basis: - requirements of Article 11 of the WFD which defines Basic measures, and if necessary, - Suplementary measures as a part of a program of measures that achieve the environmental objectives of the WFD. These are: - EPIRB Project Guidance Document on the Development of Program of Measures and the Achievement of Environmental Objectives According to the EU WFD. Basic Measures are aimed at preventing the degradation of water status in all water bodies, ensuring stepwise improvement of water status in water bodies and enhancing national water management in relation to water uses (permits; licences). These shall be implemented during the first two planning cycles, following the requirements of the Armenian legislation. Supplementary Measures are based on gaps that have been identified during preparation of this RBMP for the Hrazdan RBD, and are aimed at improving monitoring, national legislation and technical/personnel capacities to ensure WFD compliant implementation in future.

8.1 Basic Measures proposed for the Hrazdan RBD In order to address the measures to the impacts from above mentioned water management issues following basic measures are proposed which considers all the issues, pressure types in the Hrazdan RBD. Basic Measures

Improve Water Gov- Technical Measures ernance

Measures to strengthening Rehabilitation and construc- Increase the water storage and strategic water legislation tion of WWTPs water reserve through construction 2 reservoirs of Yeghvard and Khasakh Measures to strengthening Introduction Innovative Repair and modernization of irrigation institutional capacity WWTP outside of agglomer- systems Sevan-Hrazdan derivation ations (less than 500 p.e.). system

Increasing the efficiency of Installation SCADA for key the irrigation system water users Liquidation and conservation of illegally op- v erated and non-operating wells Improvement of solid waste New operational setting to management. construction Rehabilitation 3 mining areas of Tu- 2 SHPPs of sanitary landfills khmanuk, Hanqavan and Meghradzor

Figure 9. Basic Measures Proposed for the 1st implementation cycle of the Hrazdan RBMP

The preliminary financial evaluation of the measures was carried out by using cost estimates for the implementation of similar measures (or in the field of public administration and / or within international programs) through localization of comparative analyzes.

The cost estimates for the main activities proposed for the Hrazdan RBD are presented in Tables 13- 15.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Table 13. Cost of Proposed WWTPs in the Hrazdan RBD

Agglomeration Total Cost WWTP (EUR, Total Population Type of WWTP and s in EUR per person) Reconstruction of the operated WWTP Primary treatment facilities 11698113 12.2 Yerevan 959302 Biological treatment facilities 5943396 6.2 Adjustment works 94340 0.1 Construction new WWTP 47169811 49.2 Primary treatment facilities 566038 8.6 Hrazdan 65998 Biological treatment facilities 1103774 16.7 Adjustment works 28302 0.4 Primary treatment facilities 226415 28.3 Aparan 7995 Biological treatment facilities 509434 63.7 Adjustment works 18868 2.4 Primary treatment facilities 94340 2.4 Ashtarak 40024 Biological treatment facilities 216981 5.4 Adjustment works 9434 0.2 Primary treatment facilities 377358 11.9 Charentsavan 31615 Biological treatment facilities 735849 23.3 Adjustment works 18868 0.6 Primary treatment facilities 150943 2.3 Etchmiadzin 66910 Biological treatment facilities 273585 4.1 Adjustment works 9434 0.1 Primary treatment facilities 207547 0.80 Masis 258141 Biological treatment facilities 254717 0.99 Adjustment works 9434 0.04 Primary treatment facilities 331016 10.8 Sevan 30717 Biological treatment facilities 645482 21.0 Adjustment works 16551 0.5

Table 14. Total Investments for Construction of Yeghvard and Kasakh Reservoirs

Investment cost, including: design, tehcnical su- Reservoir vol- Reservoir name pervision and construc- ume, 1000 m3 tion works, 1000. AMD Kasakh 5,500 7,128,000 Yeghvard 1,250 1,620,000 Total cost 8,748,000

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Table 15. Cost of Installation of SCADA system and Development of Software for Registration of Actual Water Use (in ‘000 AMD)

Total cost for in- Installation of ul- Preparatory Monitoring equip- stallation of SCADA soft- TOTAL trasonic flow me- works ment cost monitoring sys- ware COSTS ters tems 2,673 16,524 19,197 12,000 6,413 37,610

Wastewater treatment plants outside of the defined agglomerations: For the wastewater treatment facilities, outside of the defined agglomerations it is proposed to conduct a feasibility study. Preliminary cost estimate for conducting the feasibility study for determining the viable alternative options for municipal wastewater treatment and disposal is based on localization of the costs of the feasibility studies that were conducted in Armenia with support of donor organizations, such as the World Bank, KfW, Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), European Bank for Reconstruction and Develop- ment (EBRD), etc. An 18‐month feasibility study is proposed to conduct for about 113 communities of the Hrazdan RBD, where population exceeds the threshold value of 500 p.e. It will be conducted with a team of national experts, with involvement of international experts. The study will include field investigations and deskwork, and propose options for wastewater collection, treatment and disposal for the above described communities or group of communities, including the preliminary design and cost estimates. The preliminary cost for conducting the feasibility study is estimated at EUR 950,000 for about 113 communities of the Hrazdan RBD. Application of Good Agricultural Practices: In order to reduce the agricultural impact on the environment and water resources, it is necessary to use natural resources (feed and irrigation water) more efficiently and sustainably, to ensure Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and create more efficient farms. The following measures are recommended for implementing GAP in the mentioned regions of the Hraz- dan RBD: review of current agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides, feed management, irrigation and grazing; Identification of agricultural practices that impact surface and ground waters (pressures from agricultural activity), Identification of GAP, in order to improve the farms and minimize the impacts from agricultural activity on water bodies; Identification of pilot farms, Implementation of GAP in the pilot farms, Training of farmers on GAP, by means of presenting the experience of pilot programs, Raising awareness of farmers, the public, and other stakeholders on GAP. One of the significant pressures from agriculture is the distribution of manure that can cause pollution of water resources. It is recommended to develop a system of manure collection from cattle farms, in order to minimize its impact. This system will include collection and accumulation of manure in septic pits and its further use in the fields, in proper quantities and in the right season. The system will also reduce significant pressures on bodies of water in the RB and improve the fertility of agricultural lands. In the PoM it is proposed to launch a donor project on GAP in the Hrazdan RBD. To estimate the costs of the GAP introduction in the mentioned four communities, the assessment conducted for the similar activities in Debed, Aghstev and Akhuryan River basins were used. Thus, the total amount has comprised EUR 260,000 for each community.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Table 16.Basic technical measures and preliminary cost estimates

Implemented and co Implementation Preliminary cost, N Measures Activities within measures implemented body period thousand AMD 1. Reconstruction of the  Design of the wastewater treatment plant The implementation MTAI operated WWTP of period depends on the  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Yerevan Municipality Yerevan and availability of funding 36,000,000  Put into operation of WWTP Water Committee construction of Veolia Jur CJSC infrastructures 2.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Hrazdan  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 1,698,114  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 3.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Aparan  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 754,717  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 4.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Ashtarak  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 320,755  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 5.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Charentsavan  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 1,132,075  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 6.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Etchmiadzin  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 433,962  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 7.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Masis  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 471,698  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 8.  Design of the wastewater treatment plant MTAI Water Committee The implementation Sevan  Construction of WWTP and auxiliary structures Veolia Jur CJSC period depends on the 993,049  Put into operation of WWTP Provincial Administration of RA availability of funding 9. Introduction Innovative Feasibility study for about 113 communities in Hrazdan The implementation WWTP outside of RBD with a population of more than 500. MTAI Water Committee period depends on the agglomerations (less Veolia Jur CJSC availability of funding 525,200 than 500 p.e.). Provincial Administration of RA

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Implemented and co Implementation Preliminary cost, N Measures Activities within measures implemented body period thousand AMD 10.  Design of the reservoir and auxiliary structures The implementation period depends on the Construction of Kasakh  Construction of reservoir, auxiliary structures, inlet MTAI Water Committee availability of funding, 7,128,000 reservoir and outlet chambers and irrigation system  Put into operation Duration about 5 years 11.  Design of the reservoir and auxiliary structures The implementation period depends on the Construction of  Construction of reservoir, auxiliary structures, inlet MTAI Water Committee availability of funding. 1,620,00 Yeghvard reservoir and outlet chambers and irrigation system  Put into operation The duration of the works is about 5 years 12. Improving the irrigation Installation SCADA for key water users MTAI Water Committee water accounting 94,417

system 13. Rehabilitation 3 mining  Study of the mining area The implementation 4,000,000 (The cost is areas: Tukhmanuk,  Development of the ToR for the rehabilitation project, period depends on the calculated only for the Hanqavan and design of rehabilitation works և financial evaluation Ministry of Environment availability of funding elaboration of the ToR Meghradzor  Implementation of rehabilitation works in the mining of rehabilitation and area study the area) 14. Improvement of solid  Construction of a new landfill in Nubarashen The implementation waste management.  Closure of the old Nubarashan landfill period depends on the No financial evaluation MTAI construction of sanitary  Development of new landfill construction projects in availability of funding of the project was given landfills the communities 15. Liquidation and  Visibility study and inventory of illegally operated and The implementation conservation of illegally non-operating wells period depends on the operated and non-  Preparation of ToR for Liquidation and conservation of Ministry of Environment availability of funding 35,000,000 operating wells wells  Liquidation and conservation of wells

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

8.2 Supplementary Measures proposed for the Hrazdan RBD The proposed supplementary measures to achieve the environmental objectives set up for Hrazdan RBD are provided in scheme below:

Supplementary Measures

Improving water data generation, Strengthening water monitoring system sharing, knowledge and awareness

Training of relevant staff to operate Strengthening the technical capacity of the data sharing portal and conduct water relevant authorities, including equipping with state-of -art equipment in the comprehensive assessment and prediction order to maintain water portal

Improve water cadaster system: au- Conduct awareness-raising campaigns tomatic data exports, collecting and and training for farmers on sustainable farming technologies processing data at different territorial levels, GIS processing, use Earth observation data to fill data gaps Development GW quality standards for use of the risk assessment and the status assessment.

Figure 10. Supplementary Measures Proposed for the 1st implementation cycle of the Hrazdan RBMP Cost estimation surface water monitoring: Considering the survey costs of 2018 and 2019 in the EUWI+ project an approximate cost estimation of the surface water monitoring in the Hrazdan 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 60,500 € 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 50,000 € to 70,000 €. The true costs will vary, depending on the number and kind of analyzed parameters. Currently in the Hrazdan RBD, quantitative monitoring of surface water resources is carried out in 14 hydrological stations. It should be noted, that with the funding of the EUWI + project, 6 hydrological stations (r.Hrazdan-s.Hrazdan, r.Hrazdan-s.Lusakert, r.Hrazdan-s.Yerevan, r.Marmarik-s.Aghavnadzor, r.Kasakh-s.Hartavan, Aparan res.-s.Hartavan) have been renovated /re-equipped in 2019-2020.The Hrazdan river basin comprises of 8 river observation points, while 5 are located in the Kasakh river basin. Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable. shows the current hydrological stations in rivers of the Hrazdan RBD (see also Annex Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable.). It is necessary to implament the renovation and re-equipment for 8 hydrological monitoring stations (r.Hrazdan-s.Masis, r.Marmarik-s.Hanqavan, r. Gomur-s. Meghradzor, r. Tsaghkadzor-s. Tsaghkadzor, r. Kasakh-s. Vardenis), install radar level-recorder for water level monitoring and ensure stations with flow meters. It will cost approximately 62 mln. AMD (Table 17). Cost estimation groundwater monitoring: The required capital expenditure to add 6 wells and 13 springs in the Hrazdan RBD in order to adequately cover all groundwater bodies is estimated at 76,800 EUR. Part of the construction costs will be supported by EUWI+, including the full design costs. This amount consists of the following elements. The research and design per site is estimated at 200 EUR. The construction cost per well is estimated at 10,000 EUR, but varies considerably depending on the depth of the wells. The estimated construction cost per new spring capture is 1,000 EUR. These investments can be made step by step, starting from those groundwater monitoring sites that are most urgently needed to improve the understanding of the groundwater bodies, particularly where they are exposed to human pressures.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Table 17. The cost of repairing and upgrading hydrological observation stations

Unit price, Number of Preliminary cost, Measures thousand AMD monitoring stations thousand AMD Renovation of hydrological station 2700 8 21600 Purchase and install the radar level-recorder for water level monitoring 3740 8 29920 Purchase and install the flow meters 1200 8 9600

The cost to refurbish those existing 8 wells and 3 spring in the Hrazdan RBD which need repairs is estimated at 9,000 EUR. This cost will be covered by EUWI+. The cost of quantitative and chemical (at the current set of parameters) monitoring per site, including basic maintenance, is estimated at 1,000 EUR per year, for a total of 22,000 EUR for the 22 existing sites in the Hrazdan RBD. Assuming that set of parameters will be adapted in a risk-based approach, it will, in some cases, include pesticides and other pollutants where needed and in some years. Therefore, the estimated cost per site and year is increased to 1,100 EUR, as it is more expensive to analyse such additional parameters. Considering this slight increase in estimated annual cost per sites and the increase in the number of sites from 22 to 41, the total monitoring cost per year is estimated at 45,100 EUR. The spatial distribution of the proposed measures in Hrazdan RBD based on description and type is shown in Figure 11.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Figure 11. Description of Proposed Measures in Hrazdan RBD

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

9 SUMMARY OF STRATEGIES, PROGRAMMES, PLANS AND PROJECTS

The legislative framework currently existing in Armenia is formed since 1999‐2000 through the World Bank supported "Integrated Water Resources Management" project. The "Integrated Water Resources Management Program" started in 2001 had been initiated by the Government of the Republic of Armenia as a targeted program for improving water sector performance in the country. Taking into consideration the recommendations of the Program, in 2001 the Government of the Republic of Armenia revised the legal and institutional framework in this field. The results and decisions were incorporated in Resolution No. 92 on "Concept for Water Sector Reforms in the Republic of Armenia", adopted by the Government in February 2001. Based on the above‐mentioned Concept the new Water Code of Armenia was developed and adopted on June 4, 2002. The Water Code shows the way forward for efficient water resources management, in line with international best practice. It declares Armenian water resources as state property which use and disposal controlled through economic instruments, also stated that water use permissions to be issued and enforced on the basis of monitoring information, contained in a digital National Water Ca- dastre. It is important that the Water Code strengthened the basin‐oriented principles of water resources management and public awareness and participation. The Water Code established a balanced approach to water resources management in Armenia with provisions for the proper regulatory, management, and operational divisions of responsibilities in the water sector. It also establishes need of a number of new Government agencies to carry out these varying responsibilities. In order to ensure the proper application of the new Water Code of Armenia, since 2002 over 120 regulations and by‐laws related to the water resources management (including transboundary resources) were adopted. The Law of Republic of Armenia on "Fundamental Provisions of the National Water Policy" was adopted in 2005. This document defines the concept of long‐term development for strategic use and protection of water resources and water systems. In 2006, "Law on the National Water Program of the Republic of Armenia" was adopted. That document is aimed on development of measures for satisfying the needs of the population and economy, ensuring of ecological sustainability, formation and use of the strategic water reserve, and protection of the national water reserve. In 2011, Government Resolution “On approving the outline of the model river basin management plan” was adopted. It outlines the model river basin management plan and development of technical characteristics for 6 river basin management plans. The Resolution was updated on October 26, 2017. This document is used as an outline for Draft Hrazdan RBD management plan development. On November 24, 2017 the European Union and Armenia signed the the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at significantly deepening relations between of parties. With this new agreement, Armenia had taken obligations to approximate its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments. This approximation will include 5 water-related Directives: Water Framework Di- rective, Floods Directive, Urban Wastewater Directive, Drinking Water Directive and Nitrates Directive.

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

10 SUMMARY OF THE FIRST CONSULTATION The stakeholder consultations commenced on March 12 this year and lasted until April 12. As an important tool for public discussion and consultation process, consultation checklists/questionnaires (The original version of the questionnaire is attached to the Report Package) have been applied through which expert opinions and information were collected for the purpose of making amendments in the river basin plans and developing the Project events schedule. These checklists were filled both during the stakeholder consultation meeting held on March 19 in Hrazdan town, and the consultation visits conducted by Project Public Outreach/Awareness Specialists (Team members who are responsible for increasing publicity of the Project. They provide a communication with stakeholders throughout the Pro- ject)..The questionnaires were also disseminated online, through RA MNP official web-page, EUWI+ official web-page, social networks of CWP-Armenia, as well as different Civil Society Organization networks. The public consultation questionnaire on Hrazan River Basin has been filled in by 120 stakeholders (63 printed and 57 electronic). Some of the printed questionnaires were filled out during Public Consultation meetings (23 questionnaires), and the other part (40 questionnaires) was a result of community visits. Communities were selected based on 2 main criteria - the population and the community's recreational or economic significance. Almost all stakeholders responded to closed questions on the questionnaire, but not all stakeholders answered open questions which provide a qualitative part of the questionnaire. For example, there were 19 stakeholders (16% of respondents) who answered to the qualitative part of the 1st question of the questionnaire: “Are there other significant pressures and impacts that are missing?” There were 25 stakeholders (21% of respondents) who answered to the last qualitative point of the Main issues of the questionnaire: “Are there other significant water issues that are missing?” The part of the questionnaire where stakeholders expressed their opinion on measures and actions to be taken in the future, has a qualitative importance for the analysis process. These actions are respectively classified into the following main groups - health, quality, quantity, ecosystems, governance. Not all respondents answered this group of questions. The results are as follows:  Health- 61 stakeholders answered (51% of respondents),  Quality- 61 stakeholders answered (51% of respondents)  Quantity- 64 stakeholders answered (53% of respondents)  Ecosystems- 54 stakeholders answered (45% of respondents)  Governance- 51 stakeholders answered (42.5% of respondents)

Table 18. Answers of stackholders on the measures to be taken in the future. Main issue Answers Answers on the measures to be taken in the Quantity of future answers Construction of wastewater treatment stations, making it mandatory in the recreational areas 29

Health 61 stakeholders Continuous water quality supervision for the prevention of diseases 18

Repair of water supply pipelines and networks 14 Wastewater treatment, waste manage- Quality 61 stakeholders ment preventing contamination of sur- 31 face and underground waters Regular water quality testing 23 Maintenance of sanitation and hygiene 5 norms Development of irrigation water stand- 2 ards Quantity 64 stakeholders 24-hour water supply insurance 3

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Prevention and reduction of water 18 losses Review of water use permit issuance 17 procedure Additional storage of water, construc- 12 tion of reservoirs Installation of water management 9 equipment Rational water use with water saving 5 technologies Ecosystems 54 stakeholders Development of mechanisms for ecosystem assessment 27 Reduction of human impact on eco- 16 systems Climate change adaptation/mitigation measures 7

Regular ecosystem cleaning 3 Creation of artificial ecosystems 1 Governance 51 stakeholders Transparent and accountable governance 35

Clarification of legislative regulations 7 Involvement of CSOs in the governance procedure 4

Fair distribution of water 3 Eco-education, measures aimed at 2 awareness raising

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

11.LIST OF COMPETENT AUTHORITIES Below is the list of competent authorities that are responsible for the implementation of the Hrazdan RBD management plan: Ministry of the Environment (MoE) . Water Resources Management Agency . Water Use Permitting Division . Water resources Cadastre and Monitoring Division . Basin Planning Management Division . Basin Management Organizations . Hrazdan territorial basin management division Other significant units: Department of Environment Protection Policy; Department of environmental strategic programs and monitoring; Bioresources Management Agency; Waste and Atmosphere Emissions Management Agency; Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center SNCO; Ministry of the Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI)  State Water Committee . Veolia Djur CJSC . Territorial WUAs  Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir marzes, Yerevan and Local governments Ministry of the Economy

Table 19. Authorities Responsible for the Implementation of the Measures

Authorities Responsible for Description of Measures Implementation Basic Measures Wastewater treatment plants rehabilitation & development, including State Water Committee of MTAI, improvement or rebuilding the sewage and wastewater discharge systems Veolia Djur CJSC, Local Communities Strategic groundwater quality protection Ministry of Environment Rehabilitation of mining dumps Ministry of Environment Installation of SCADA for key water users in the industry and development Ministry of Environment, State of software for receiving and processing of actual water use data Water Committee of MTAI Safety and development (update) of hydrotechnical structures, including State Water Committee of MTAI measures to reduce water losses: improvement or rehabilitation of the drinking water supply and irrigation water supply networks Construction of reservoir on Argichi river with 9 mln.m3 volume capacity State Water Committee of MTAI Construction of reservoir on Astghadzor river with 1-1.5 mln.m3 volume State Water Committee of MTAI capacity Farmers practices adaptation to climate change Ministry of Economy Solid waste management: construction of sanitary landfill and preliminary Ministry of Environment, Local cost estimates Governments Flood and mudflow risk prevention measures Local Governments Supplementary Measures Measures for improving data, knowledge and awareness and their State Water Committee of MTAI, preliminary cost estimates Ministry of Environment Development of WFD compliant monitoring programme and network for Ministry of Environment surface water and groundwater bodies Investigative Monitoring of Elevated Nitrate Concentrations in groundwater Ministry of Environment of the RBD

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

12 PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING THE TECHNICAL REPORTS No Report title Available from 1. Rapid Assessment Report on Actuality of Objectives and Available upon request Target Dates Defined for Armenia in 2013-20414 within the context of the Protocol on Water and Health (2017) 2. Technical Report: Baseline Assessment on Legal, Available upon request Institutional and Regulatory Aspects of the Process of Target Setting under the Water and Health Protocol in Armenia (2018) 3. Assessment of the Needs and Identification of Priorities in https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/content/article/96-all- Implementation of the RBMPs – Armenia (2018) activities/activites-armenia/reports-of-armenia/448- assessment-of-the-needs-and-identification-of-priorities-in- implementation-of-the-rbmps-armenia?Itemid=397 4. Final Draft Report: Reforming Harmful Irrigation Subsidies Available upon request in Armenia (2018) 5. Technical Report: Collection of Data and Information Available upon request Regarding Lake Sevan (2018) 6. Technical Report: Delineation of surface water bodies in Available upon request Sevan and Hrazdan River Basins in Armenia (2018) 7. Draft Technical Report: Support in the Delineation and Available upon request Characterization of Groundwater Bodies and the Design of a Groundwater Monitoring Network in the Hrazdan and Lake Sevan River Basin Districts in Armenia (2018) 8. Armenia: Thematic Summary – Development of Draft River https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/content/article/96-all- Basin Management Plan for Hrazdan River Basin (2019) activities/activites-armenia/reports-of-armenia/684-armenia- thematic-summary-development-of-draft-river-basin- management-plan-for-sevan-river-basin-district?Itemid=397 9. Technical Report: Surface Water Survey 2018, Armenia https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/content/article/96-all- (2019) activities/activites-armenia/reports-of-armenia/650-armenia- surface-water-survey-2018?Itemid=397 10. Water Monitoring Assessment Report – Armenia (2019) https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/content/article/96-all- activities/activites-armenia/reports-of-armenia/575-water- monitoring-assessment-report-armenia-may-2019?Itemid=397 11. Laboratory Assessment Report in Armenia (2019) https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/content/article/96-all- activities/activites-armenia/reports-of-armenia/565-laboratory- assessment-report-in-armenia?Itemid=397 12. Armenia: Thematic Summary – Development of Draft River https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/content/article/96-all- Basin Management Plan for Hrazdan River Basin (2019) activities/activites-armenia/reports-of-armenia/683-armenia- thematic-summary-development-of-draft-river-basin- management-plan-for-hrazdan-river-basin?Itemid=397 13. Revision of National Targets in the context of the Protocol Available upon request on Water and Health in Armenia (2019) 14. Final Technical Report: Development of Draft River Basin Available upon request Management Plan for Hrazdan River Basin District of Armenia: Part 1- Characterization Phase (2019) 15. Final Technical Report: Development of Draft River Basin Available upon request Management Plan for Sevan River Basin District of Armenia: Part 1- Characterization Phase (2019) 16. Final Report: Development of a National Methodology for Available upon request an Assessment of the Available Groundwater Resources in Mountainous Regions and the Implementation of this Methodology in the Hrazdan and Sevan RBDs (2020) 17. Draft Technical Report: Surface Water Monitoring in the Available upon request Hrazdan River Basin District, Armenia (2020) 18. Draft Technical Report: Surface Water Monitoring in the Available upon request Sevan River Basin District, Armenia (2020) 19. Draft Technical Report: Definition of Reference Conditions Available upon request and Class Boundaries in Rivers of Armenia for the BQE – Benthic Invertebrates (2020)

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

GLOSSARY HMWB are bodies of water which, as a result of physical alterations by human activity, are substantially changed in character for which the achievement of “good status” would have significant adverse effects on uses. AWB are water bodies created by human activity. Instead of good ecological status (GES), the environmental Artificial or Heavily objective for HMWB and for AWB is good ecological potential (GEP), which has to be Modified Water Body achieved by a specific deadline. 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 System A technical procedure for assessing the status of a water body in accordance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Driver A human activity that may have an environmental effect Ecological Potential Is the status of a heavily modified or artificial waterbody Ecological Status An expression of the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with a surface water body. Biological as well as supporting hydromorphological and physico-chemical quality elements are to be used in the assessment of ecological status Environmental Minimal requirements for surface waters, groundwater and protected areas. Part of objectives the environmental objectives should be set to ensure that good status is achieved at a specific deadline and that deterioration in the status of waters is prevented at basin level. If not water bodies are said “at risk” of failing to meet these objectives. Good Ecological 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’. For groundwater bodies, good status is achieved when both quantitative status and chemical status are good. Groundwater Means all water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil. Heavily modified water A body of surface water which as a result of physical alterations by human bodies activity is substantially changed in character, as designated by the Member State in accordance with the provisions of WFD Annex II. Hydromorphology The physical characteristics of the shape, the boundaries and the content of a water body. Pressures The direct effect of the driver (for example, an effect that causes a change in flow or a change in the water chemistry on water bodies). A significant pressure, on its own, or in combination with other pressures, would be liable to cause a failure to achieve the environmental objectives. Quantitative status Means that the level of groundwater in the groundwater body is such that the available groundwater resource is not exceeded by the long-term annual average rate of abstraction. Reference conditions Near natural conditions that reflect the status of the environment in the absence or with minimal human impact. RBMP RB 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. 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 District The area of land and sea, made up of one or more neighbouring RBs, together with (RBD) their associated groundwaters and coastal waters, as the main unit for management of RBs

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

Status The condition of the water body resulting from both natural and anthropogenic factors (i.e. physical, chemical and biological characteristics). Reference conditions - near natural conditions that reflect the status of the environment in the absence or with minimal human impact Surface water Means all inland waters, except groundwater, and includes transitional waters and coastal waters; territorial waters are included as surface waters for the purposes of the Directive insofar as chemical status is concerned Status The condition of the water body resulting from both natural and anthropogenic factors (i.e. physical, chemical and biological characteristics). Can be High, good, moderate, poor, or bad. Water abstraction and Water abstraction is the process of taking or extracting water from a natural source water use (rivers, lakes, groundwater aquifers, etc.) for various uses, from drinking to irrigation, treatment, and industrial applications. Water use means water services together with any other activity identified under Article 5 and Annex II of EU WFD having a significant impact on the status of water. It is important to clarify the difference between water use and consumption: use refers to the amount of water utilized in a sector, not necessarily lost; while consumption is the amount of water that does not return to either water resources or the sea. Consumption can be determined by subtracting returns of water into the environment from use. As such water use in the energy sector, in general, is fully returned to the environment. The water uses in agriculture, on the other hand, is normally fully utilized.

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 ecological 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 bodies Homogeneous natural hydrological basic unit or volume of groundwater within an aquifer. Water body at risk Surface and groundwater bodies being at risk of failing the environmental objectives․ Water body possibly at Surface and groundwater bodies with possibility of failing the environmental risk objectives․

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Balyan S.P., Dumitrashko N. V., Ancient glaciation of Armenia, Inf.Sb. on inter geophysics, № 10., pub. MSU, М. 1964 2. , Pafengolts K.N. Geology of Armenia (Armenia in the system of the Caucasus and Asia Minor). ML 194 3. Sargsyan H. H, Sargsyan H. H., The trilingual dictionary of geological terms. - Y., YSU. 2007, pp. 417 4. Armenian SSR Hydrology, - Yerevan: Armenian SSR press release. 1981, p. 123 5. Armenian SSR Hydrology - Yerevan: Armenian SSR press release. 1981, p. 111 6. Martirosyan LM Ecotourism in Armenia, Vanadzor, 2018, 295 pages 7. Martirosyan LM Recreational Geography, Vanadzor, 2014 298 pages 8. In the same place, page 121. 9. Voskanyan VA Biodiversity of Natural Ecosystems of Hankavan Hydrological State Reserve, In- formation Technologies and Management, Yerevan 1-2010.9 с. 155.

Europe's water in figures; An overview of the European drinking water and waste water sectors, 2017 edition 10. https://www.danva.dk/media/3645/eureau_water_in_figures.pdf

Thematic Summary-Hrazdan RBMP-2