Technical Report: Delineation of Surface Water Bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan River Basins in Armenia

Home , Akhpradzor, Areguni, Artavaz, Ashtarak, Azat (river), Drakhtik

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

ENI/2016/372-403

TECHNICAL REPORT: DELINEATION OF SURFACE WATER BODIES IN SEVAN AND HRAZDAN RIVER BASINS IN ARMENIA

Final Version. EUWI-EAST-AM-07; October 2019

Responsible EU member state consortium project leader

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

Vahagn Tonoyan (AM) Responsible international thematic lead expert

Alexander Zinke, Umweltbundesamt GmbH (AT) Georg Wolfram, independent consultant, DWS (AT) Responsible Armenian thematic lead expert

Levon Azizyan, Hydrometorology and Monitoring Service (AM) Authors

S. Minasyan, Ph.D., Team Leader, Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA V. Sargsyan, Doctor of Science, Hydrologist, Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA E. Misakyan, Hydrologist, Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA G. Shahnazaryan, Ph.D., Water quality and monitoring specialist, Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA D. Zakaryan, GIS specialist, Hydrologist, Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA

Disclaimer: The EU-funded program European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+ 4 EaP) is implemented by the UNECE, OECD, responsible for the implementation of Result 1 and an EU member state consortium of Austria, managed by the lead coordinator Umweltbundesamt, and of France, managed by the International Office for Water, responsible for the implementation of Result 2 and 3. This document, the “Technical Report: Delineation of surface water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan River Basins in Armenia”, 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: Yunona Videnina [email protected]

October 2019

Technical Report on SW Delineation - Armenia

CONTENTS

1 Executive summary ...... 8 2 Introduction ...... 8 3 Description of the main river catchments in the Sevan and Hrazdan River basin districts ...... 12 3.1 Sevan River Basin District ...... 12 3.2 Hrazdan River Basin District ...... 14 4 Characterisation of Sevan and Hrazdan river catchments (grouped SWB) summarising the hydrogeological characteristics, the main anthropogenic pressures and the importance of their main uses ...... 17 4.1 Sevan river catchment ...... 17 4.2 Hrazdan River Basin District ...... 19 5 Summary description of types of river and lake in the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs including a brief description of reference conditions for the most relevant biological quality elements ...... 22 5.1 Summary description of types of river and lake in the Sevan RBD ...... 22 5.2 Summary description of types of river and lake in the Hrazdan RBD ...... 23 6 Significant anthropogenic pressures on surface water bodies and associated potential chemical pollutants ...... 25 6.1 Assessment of Chemical Status of Sevan BMA. Monitoring ...... 25 6.2 Assessment of Ecological Status of Sevan BMD. "Pressure-impact" assessment ...... 29 6.3 Assessment of Chemical Status of Hrazdan BMA. Monitoring ...... 30 6.4 Assessment of Ecological Status of Hrazdan BMA. "Pressure-impact" assessment...... 34 7 Description of the current monitoring situation with an inventory of the existing monitoring sites and ecological/chemical status ...... 36 7.1 Hydrological monitoring ...... 36 7.2 The ecological status of water bodies based on hydrological monitoring data ...... 39 7.2.1 Hrazdan River basin (Sub-basin of Qasakh River) ...... 39 7.2.2 Hrazdan River basin (Sub-basin of Hrazdan River) ...... 40 7.2.3 Sevan BMA ...... 41 7.3 Surface Water Quality Monitoring in the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs ...... 43 7.3.1 Surface water quality monitoring in the Sevan RBD ...... 44 7.3.2 Surface water quality monitoring in the Hrazdan RBD ...... 45 8 Detailed documentation of the applied methodologies and implementation steps and considered information (inclusion of references and literature) ...... 46 8.1 Criteria and procedure for the delineation ...... 46 8.2 Data collection ...... 47 8.3 Identification of water bodies. Methodology ...... 48 8.4 Pressure and impact analysis ...... 49 8.5 Risk assessment ...... 51

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8.6 Delineation of water bodies by ecological flow ...... 52 8.7 Coding of the water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan WBMA ...... 52 8.8 Notes on completed characterisation templates ...... 53 8.9 Typology of delineated water bodies ...... 54 8.10 Characterisation of the main sub-catchments ...... 55 8.11 Map production ...... 55 9 Open issues for data gaps to be addressed in future ...... 56 9.1 Delineation ...... 56 9.2 Monitoring ...... 56 10 Bibliography ...... 58 11 List of Annexes ...... 60

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List of Tables Table 1. The typology of delineated water bodies in Sevan RBD. Rivers...... 22 Table 2. The typology of delineated water bodies in Sevan RBD. Lakes...... 23 Table 3. The typology of delineated water bodies in Hrazdan RBD. Rivers...... 24 Table 4. The typology of delineated water bodies in Hrazdan RBD. Lakes (reservoirs)...... 24 Table 5. The Chemical Status of waters in Monitoring sites in the Sevan BMD ...... 25 Table 6. Nutrients in Lake Sevan, 2017...... 28 Table 7. The Chemical Status of waters in Monitoring sites in the Hrazdan BMA...... 31 Table 8. The quantity monitoring network in the Sevan RBD...... 36 Table 9. Water quantity monitoring network in the Lake Sevan...... 37 Table 10. Water quantity monitoring network in the Hrazdan RBD...... 38 Table 11. Water quantity monitoring network in the Qasakh River Sub-basin...... 38 Table 12. Revelation of water bodies using ecological flow as indicator (by operated hydrological sites)...... 43 Table 13. Domestic wastewater characterisation...... 50 Table 14. The Water Basin Management areas in Armenia ...... 52 Table 15. Typology of “river” water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan BMAs...... 54 Table 16 Typology of “lake” water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan BMAs. (Types V and IV applies to only for Sevan Lake)...... 54

List of Figures Figure 1. Status of the delineated water bodies in Sevan River Basin District...... 18 Figure 2. Distribution of the main risk factors in the 22 WBR of the Sevan RBD...... 19 Figure 3. Status of the delineated water bodies in Hrazdan River Basin District...... 20 Figure 4. Distribution of the main risk factors in the 23 WBR of the Hrazdan RBD...... 21

List of Maps Map 1. Basin management areas in Armenia...... 9 Map 2. Sevan River Basin District. (Coordinate system WGS, UTM Zone 38N) ...... 13 Map 3. Hrazdan River Basin District. (Coordinate system WGS, UTM Zone 38N)...... 15 Map 4. The locations of Surface Water Quality Monitoring and hydrological Monitoring sites in the Sevan BMA...... 45 Map 5. The locations of Surface Water Quality Monitoring and hydrological Monitoring sites in the Hrazdan BMA...... 45

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Abbreviations ASHMS Armenian State Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Service AWB Artificial Water Body BMA Basin Management Area BOD5 Biochemical Oxygen 5-days Demand CIS Common Implementation Strategy COD Chemical Oxygen Demand DO Dissolved Oxygen EaP Eastern Partnership EC European Commission EMIC Environmental Monitoring and Information Center EPIRB Environmental Protection of International River Basins Project ERICA European Rivers and Catchment Areas EU European Union EUWI+ European Union Water Initiative plus GIS Geographic Information Systems Ha Hectare HMWB Heavily Modified Water Body (provisional or not provisional) HPP Hydro-Power Plant IWO International office of Water IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management Km Kilometer MEINR Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources MES Ministry of Emergency Situations MNP Ministry of Nature Protection NAS National Academy of Science NGO Non-Governmental Organization RA Republic of Armenia RB River Basin RBD River Basin District RBMP River Basin Management Plan SNCO State Non-Commercial Organization SS Suspended Solids SWB Surface Water Body SWC State Water Cadastre TDS Total Dissolved Solids TIN Total Inorganic Nitrogen TP Total Phosphorous ToR Terms of Reference USA United States of America USAID United States Agency for International Development WB Water Body WBMA Water Basin Management Area WBR Water Body at Risk WBPR Water Body possible at Risk WC Water Committee WFD Water Framework Directive WRMA Water Resources Management Agency WUA Water Users’ Association

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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Maps Annex 4. QGIS maps of SWB with indication of types, pressures and existing monitoring network. Annex 4.1. QGIS maps of SWB for Sevan Basin Management Area SWB bodies. Annex 4.2. QGIS maps of SWB for Hrazdan Basin Management Area.

Data Sheets Data Sheet 1. Title of the datasheet: Annex 1. List of all SWB bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan Basin Management Areas, based on available information and expert Judgement Annex 2. Completed characterisation templates for each SWB (Exel.xlsx format)

Metadata Metadata Sheets for all maps and data sheets listed above Annex 3. Overview of produced layers and datasets including full metadata; Annex 5. Agendas and minutes of all meetings including lists of participants. Annex 6. Methodology of Risk Assessment. Annex 7. Water Quality Norms for the in Rivers of Sevan and Hrazdan Basin Management Area

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The main objective of the European Union Water Initiative Plus (EUWI+) is to assist the development of up-to-date water resource management in Armenia and five other countries of Eastern Europe. Specif- ically, it supports EU Eastern Partnership Countries to approximate legislation and methodologies of efficient water management in these countries to EU standards in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and improve planning processes and management of the river basin areas. According to the Basin Management Planning practice of the WFD, the recommended water resource management tools have been elaborated, determining the general orientation and the priorities of the goals set. Within the EUWI+ project, the Sevan and the Hrazdan river basins were selected as pilot areas in Armenia. The specific goal of the current contract was to support the Armenian beneficiary institutions, specifically the Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA in the identification, delineation and description of the surface water bodies within the Sevan and the Hrazdan river basins in accordance with the principles of EU WFD. This water body delineation in Armenia was done by determining the typology of surface water bodies; by identifying and delineating surface water bodies at risk, possibly at risk, or not at risk to achieve environmental objectives based on the results of anthropogenic pressure‐impact analysis/risk assessment; by identifying and delineating artificial water bodies and heavily modified water bodies. A summary of the obtained results for the surface water body delineation in the RBD of Sevan and Hrazdan is presented in the following table:

WB Delineation Sevan Hrazdan Rivers Lakes Rivers Lakes No. of types 2 3 3 2

Total no. of SWB 110 6 104 8 Natural SWB 83 6 69 8 not pHMWB 83 4 69 0 pHMWB 0 2 0 8 AWB 27 0 35 0

Risk assessment of natural SWB [excl. AWB] SWB at risk (incl. HMWB) 18 6 23 8 SWB possibly at risk 0 0 0 0 SWB not at risk 65 0 46 0

* HMWB are considered as SWB at risk in this table

In Lake Sevan, the open water zone and the littoral zone are assigned to separate water bodies, which is not fully in line with the requirements of the CIS Guidance. The reason is the utter importance for the lake due to its unique history (water level reduction and raising). It is intended to merge the four water bodies in the littoral zone of Lake Sevan with the main water bodies (Small and Big Sevan) again, as soon as the impact of factors that are the basis for such a separation will be reduced. In addition, the measures as defined for the four shore water bodies can then be included in the list of general management measures of the lake.

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2 INTRODUCTION

The “European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership (EaP) Countries (EUWI+)” involves six eastern neighbors of the EU, including Armenia. The EUWI+ project addresses existing challenges in both development and implementation of efficient management of water resources. It specifically supports the EaP countries to move towards the approximation to EU acquis in the field of water management as identified by the EU Water Framework Directive. River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) are recommended planning tools that give the overall orientation of water management in the basin and the objectives to be reached, and the priorities in the actions to be developed. In Armenia, the Sevan and Hrazdan River Basin Districts (RBD) have been selected as pilot areas for the EUWI+ project (Map 1).

Map 1. Basin management areas in Armenia.

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The specific objective of this contract is to assist the Hydro-meteorological Service (HMS) of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia in identifying, delineating and characterising surface water bodies in the Sevan and Hrazdan River Basin District in line with the WFD principles and approaches.

Tasks to performing in frame of this work: A. Surface water body delineation and typology 1. Identify and delineate SWB (rivers and lakes, including HMWB (provisional or not provisional) and AWB) in the selected RBD according to the provisions of the WFD and the relevant CIS guidance documents of the EU Common Implementation Strategy, based on available and relevant information (e.g. geological maps, etc.), 2. Give each SWB a code and a name, considering national provisions; 3. Provide the boundaries of the delineated SWB electronically in GIS format fulfilling the requirements laid down in Annex 1 (e.g. production of datasets, shapefile layers, QGIS maps and accompanying metadata); 4. Characterise the main sub- catchments (grouped SWB) within the basin in text form 5. Characterise all SWB by completing the template attached in Annex 2, as far as the requested information is available 6. Compile a list of significant surface water-relevant human pressures within the selected RBDs (with support from IOWater) 7. Summarize the existing information about the current monitoring situation within the RBDs including information of ecological/chemical status 8. Compile the river and lake types in Armenia following System A; evaluate the System A typology for rivers and lakes in the selected RBDs with information about pressures, hydro-morphology and status classification; revise the typology using System B 9. Prepare a summary text about lake and river types in the RBDs 10. Prepare a summary text about the main river catchments in the RBDs, which feeds into the River Basin Management Plan(s). 11. Prepare a summary of open issues and data gaps which need to be addressed in future (e.g. need for further research, data gathering etc.). 12. Prepare a summary explaining in detail the applied methodologies and considered information (inclusion of references and literature).

To identify and delineate the surface water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan River Basin District, the following steps were taken: (1) Determination of typology of surface water bodies; (2) Identification and delineation of the surface water bodies at risk to achieve environmental objectives based on the results of anthropogenic pressure‐impact analysis/risk assessment; (3) Identification and delineation of surface water bodies possibly at risk to achieve environmental objectives; (4) Identification and delineation of artificial water bodies and heavily modified water bodies; (5) Identification and delineation of other water bodies not at risk; (6) The preparation of the layers and datasets including full metadata;

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(7) The mapping of the delineated water bodies, The preparation of the QGIS maps of SWB with indication of types, pressures and existing monitoring network.

The results of the implemented work. The work was done according to the task. Based on the principles and approaches of the EU WFD, surface water bodies (SWBs) have been identified and characterized in the Sevan and Hrazdan WBA of the Republic of Armenia. The list of water bodies is presented in Annex 1. The characterisation templates for each SWB has been completed in accordance with the Tasks Annex 2. The completed characterisation templates for each SWB are presented in Annex 1. The layers and datasets including full metadata for water bodies and GIS maps were produced. Water bodies GIS maps are presented in Annex 4. The outcomes of this activity, particularly the identification of surface water bodies at risk will serve as a foundation for the next steps of development of the River Basin Management Plan for Sevan and Hraz- dan RBDs.

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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN RIVER CATCHMENTS IN THE SEVAN AND HRAZDAN RIVER BASIN DISTRICTS

This chapter presents the summary description of the main river catchments in the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs including the topography, the (hydro-)geological and climatic situation, the predominating anthropogenic uses and the significant pressures (human and non-human).

3.1 Sevan River Basin District

The area of the Sevan RBMA is 6225 km2, the usable water resource of 2068 milion m3. Sevan RBMA is presented in Map 2. Lake Sevan has a tectonic origin. It is surrounded by Areguni and Sevan mountain ranges in the north- east, Eastern Sevan mountain ranges in the east, and Geghama and Vardenis volcanic slopes. Lake Sevan, which has a south-eastern stretch from North-West, consists of two basins: Big Sevan and Small Sevan. There is an underwater shank between them, which divides the lake two unequal parts. There are few shores around Lake Sevan. Here are known the peninsulas Artanish, Noratus and Sevan. The length of the lake with a large axis from of the estuary River Dzknaget to the settlement of Tsovak is 74 km, the average width is 19.2 km (32 km wide width). The catchment basin of Lake Sevan covers 4750 km2. Before artificial reduction of the lake level, the lake's water surface area was 1416 km2. The altitude above the Baltic Sea was 1915.57 m. The volume of water was 58.5 billion cubic meters. The maximum water depth was 98.7 m and the average depth was 41.3 m. The Great Sevan in its natural state occupied 1032.4 km2 area, its volume was 38.95 billion m3, its maximum depth was 58.7 m, average depth was 37.7 m. The Small Sevan in its natural state occupied 383.6 km2 area, its volume was 19.52 billion m3, its maximum depth was 98.7 m, average depth was 50.9 m. As of January 1, 2018, the surface area of the lake is 1277.75 km2. The catchment area is 3.71 times larger than the surface area of the lake. As of January 1, 2018, the level of Lake Sevan is 1900.42 m asl. The lake's surface area is 1277.75 km2, the water volume is 38.075 billion m3. The dominant landscape type in the basin of Lake Sevan is mountain steppes occupying the altitudes of up to 2200-2400 m above Lake Sevan basin, and then extending to the alpine and nival zones. The highest temperature during the year is observed in July and August, in Semyonovka it was observed in July at 29 °C, in August at 30 °C, in Sevan-two at least 32 °C and in Yangh at 30 °C. The absolute maximum temperature measured in Martuni, Great Masrik, Noratus was 34 °C, in Gavar, Shorzha and Sevan 33 °C, in Eratmber 23 °C. The annual precipitations amount is 400 mm on the lake. The abundant precipitations are falling in the Dzknaget River basin (635 mm in Tsovagyugh, 724 mm in Semyonovka), and in Masrik valley, annual precipitations amount is 435 mm. The water abstraction for irrigation and energy purposes is the predominant water use.

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Map 2. Sevan River Basin District. (Coordinate system WGS, UTM Zone 38N)

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The main pressures are:

 Large volume of water abstraction from Lake Sevan in 1930-2018 for irrigation and energy purposes, it led to a drop in the lake level of 19 meters (currently 16 meters) and reduction of water volume in the lake from 58.5 to 32.5 billion m3 (currently 38.5 billion m3).

 The large volume water obstruction from rivers for irrigation purposes have led to the destruction of river basins ecosystems.

 Inflow into rivers and lakes of the community-household waters led to destruction of lakes and rivers basin ecosystems.

 Inflow of diffuse water from waste landfills to rivers and lakes, which contributes to the destruction of lake and river basin ecosystems.

 About 4,000 hectares of forested area has been waterlogged as a result of the lake level increase since 2002, which is a source of the of organic pollutants and nutrient in the lake.

 Nearly 1000 buildings and tens of kilometers of roads have been waterlogged as a result of the lake level increase since 2002, which cause the hydromorphological changes in the coastal zone of lake and the source of organic pollution of the lake.

 Since 1991, the fish catcher in the lake (in 1991 there were 25,000 tons fish in the lake, in 2017 only 400-500 tons, according to the data of the Institute of Hydroecology and Ichthyology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia in 2017), which led to the destruction of the lake's ecosystem.

 Small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) were built on the rivers without maintance of environmental norms, which led to the distortion of the river basin ecosystems.

 Mining pressures in the Sotq-Masrik River Basin exists.

3.2 Hrazdan River Basin District

Hrazdan river BMD covers the basins of Hrazdan and Kasakh (Map 3). The Hrazdan river basin management area is 2565 km2, the usable water resource of 733 million m3. Hrazdan River Basin The relief of the river basin is diverse. The main orography units are the hill-wave plateaus of Kotayk and Yeghvard, the slopes of Pambak mountain which cropped by tributaries of Marmarik River, the mountain braches and lava flows of Geghama mountain range. The southern half is the pre-mountainous part of Ararat Valley with Kotayq and Yeghvard plateaus; their altitude is 1350-1550 m asl. In the river basin area are dominant the semi-desert, mountainous steppe landscapes with appropriate flora and fauna.

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Map 3. Hrazdan River Basin District. (Coordinate system WGS, UTM Zone 38N).

In the upper streams of river basin, the average monthly temperature in January is -7.4 °C, in July 14.8 °C, average annual is 4.1 °C. In the lower streams, the average temperature in January is -4.2 °C,

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in July 25.5 °C, average annual is 11.7 °C. The annual precipitation amount varies from 789 mm (Han- kavan meteorological station) to 302 mm (Yerevan meteorological meteorological station). The main water body of river basin is Hrazdan River, which is left tributary of River Araks. Hrazdan River originating from Lake Sevan, the large tributaries are Marmarik, Tsaghkadzor, Dalar, Araget, Getar. The feeding is mainly by groundwater (51%) and melting water (37%). The flood period is in the spring, but flash floods may occur in summer and autumn. Qasakh River Basin The natural conditions of the river basin are diverse and the relief is very fragmented. The regions of Ashtarak and Talin, the pre-mountainous parts of the Ararat Valley have an altitude of 1000-1500 m asl. The elevational zonation of natural conditions is well expressed in the river basin area. Semi-desert, dry mountainous steppe, alpine and nival natural zones are spread in the river basin area. There are expressed dry continental, dry, moderately hot, moderately mountainous, and cold mountain climate types. In the upper streams of river basin, the average monthly temperature in January is -8.8 °C, in July 16.8 °C, average annual is 4.7 °C, in the lower streams average temperature in January is -4.2 °C, in July 24.7 °C, average annual is 11.4 °C. The annual precipitation amount is varying from 1007 mm (Aragats h/m meteorological station), 723 mm (Aparan meteorological station) to 382 mm (Ashtarak agromet. station). The main water body of river basin is Qasakh River, which originating from Pambak mountain range at around 2200 m at mean sea level and eventually flowing into the Metsamor River. The water abstraction for irrigation and energy purposes is the predominant water use. The main pressures are: One of the main water use objectives is water abstraction for industrial water supply purposes, as well as recreational water use. Significant pressure on the Hrazdan BMA are։

 The large volume water obstruction from rivers for irrigation and hydropower purposes have led to the destruction of river basins ecosystems.

 Inflow into rivers and lakes of the community-household waters led to destruction of lakes and rivers basin ecosystems.

 Inflow of diffuse water to the rivers and lakes from the household trash places of the region settlements, which contributes to the destruction of lake and river ecosystem. Small hydroelectric power stations (HPPs) built on several of small rivers without the protection of environmental norms, which led to the disruption of the river basin ecosystems.

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4 CHARACTERISATION OF SEVAN AND HRAZDAN RIVER CATCHMENTS (GROUPED SWB) SUMMARISING THE HYDROGEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, THE MAIN ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR MAIN USES

4.1 Sevan river catchment

The Lake Sevan flowing 993 rivers and tributaries which total length is 2687 km. The river network density in different part of the Sevan basin is different. In general, it is weakly developed. The average value of the river network density ratio makes up 0.77 km (The average of the Republic approximate 0.81 km). A brief description of large rivers in the lake Sevan Argichi is the longest and abundant (waterfall) river of the lake Sevan, the length is 51 km, catchment surface area is 384 km2. Perennial average annual discharge is 5.44 m/s. Masrik is the river of the largest catchment surface area basin in the lake Sevan. Its catchment surface area is 685 km2, length is 45 km. Perennial average annual discharge is 3.97 m/s. The upper right-hand tributaries of Masrik (Sotk, etc.) described by spring floods, in summer with small water and winter with low scarcity. This river with her natural flow regulation is different from other rivers of the lake Sevan. Gavaraget is the second it catchment area (480 km2) and the volume of water resources (120 million m3) the third river in the basin of Sevan, the length with Gegharquniq tributary approximant 50km. The perennial average annual discharge of Gavaraget is 3.49 m/s. In the spring months though its flooding however maximum egressions rarely exceed 25.0 m/s (Maximum observed in 1928: 72.5 m/s). Length of Vardenik River is 28 km; catchment area is 116 km2. It starts from the mountain of Vardenis. Its perennial average annual discharge is 1.87 m/s, maximum egression watched in 1969 on May 14 (22.7 m/s). Dzknaget is the most flooded river in the Small Sevan after Gavaraget. Its length is 22 km, the catchment area 90.5 km2. The average annual discharge is 1.11 m/s. The river is strictly stranded in summer and winter. In the spring, the river is flooded, during which about 80% of the annual flow is passed. Absolutely the maximum discharge watched in 1948 on April 14 - 46.4 m/s. The Baxtak start from the eastern slopes of the Gegham Mountains at height of 3070 m. The length is 30.3 km the catchment area is 144 km2. The annual average discharge is 0.80 m/s. The river has a recreational significance there are sources of mineral water. Karchaghbyur start from the northern slopes of the Vardenis Mountains at height of 3325 m. Its length is 26.3 km the catchment area is 123 km2. The annual average discharge is 1.19 m/s. Water is used for irrigation.

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Martuni start from the northern slopes of the Vardenis Mountains at height of 3300 m. The length is 27.6 km the catchment area is 101 km2. The nutrition is mainly obscene (64%), overflowing in April-May. The annual average discharge is 1.44 m/s. Water is used for irrigation. In addition to the above rivers, the lake Sevan is shed to another 21 tributaries which are relatively small. 13 of them shed to the lake slopes of the Areguni and Sevan Mountain, but 8 of them slopes of the Vardenis and Gegham mountains. As of January 1, 2018, the surface area of the lake is occupying 1277.75 km2, the catchment area of lake Sevan is occupying 4750 km2, the catchment surface area of the lake is 3.71 times bigger than the surface area of the lake. The lake Sevan level as of 1 January 2018 was at an altitude of 1900.42 m. The surface area of the lake is 1277.75 km2. Water volume is 38.075 billion m3. There are a number of small natural lakes on different elevations of lake Sevan catchment basin, which most of them dried in summer, some of them are located in the small grooves of the trackplane surrounding the lake. General Delineation of Surface Water Bodies. The grouped SWB in Sevan RBD Total 116 water bodies have been delineated in Sevan RBD out of which:

 27 are AWBs, including 1 tunnel, 1 stream, 2 collectors, 23 canals;  89 are natural water bodies, including 22 water bodies at risk, 2 HMWB (provisional) and 65 water bodies not at risk (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Status of the delineated water bodies in Sevan River Basin District.

The main anthropogenic pressures of Sevan river catchment The impacts by importance are presented in Chapter 1. Figure 2, shows the distribution of the main risk factors in the 22 WBR of the Sevan RBD. As can be seen from the graph, the main pressures are abstraction, domestic wastewater inflows, hydromorphological changes, waterlogged areas, mining wastewater impacts.

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Figure 2. Distribution of the main risk factors in the 22 WBR of the Sevan RBD.

The main types of water use in the Sevan River Basin District 1. Water use for irrigation purpose 2. Water use for HPP purpose 3. Water use for Drinking proposes

4.2 Hrazdan River Basin District

The surface of water management area of Hrazdan basin is 4040 km2, which includes the basins of Hrazdan (without Lake Sevan, 2560 km2) and Qasakh (1480 km2). The area includes Hrazdan, Marmarik, Qasakh and Amberd rivers and their catchments. The total area of the Hrazdan River basin is 2560 km2, the main water body is River Hrazdan the left tributary of river Araks. Hrazan river is originated from Lake Sevan. In the system of Hrazdan River the count of rivers with length 5 and more kilometers is 54, 20 of which have a length more then 10 km. The large tributaries are Marmarik, Tsakhkadzor, Dalar, Araget, Getar. The feeding is mainly by groundwater (51%) and melting water (37%). The flood period is in the spring and the flash floods in summer and autumn. Average annual discharge is 7.81 m3/s (river Hrazdan- Hrazdan observation point), the maximum was 144 m3/s. Marmarik is the largest right tributary of the Hrazdan River. The length of Marmarik River is 37 km, and the catchment area is 427 km2. The large tributaries of Marmarik are Gomraget, Erkarget and Tsaghkamarg. Marmarik is a typical mountainous river and the main source of feeding is melting water (55%), rainfall (18%) and groundwater (27%).

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The water of river is used for irrigation and hydro-energy in Sevan-Hrazdan water-economic complex, for irrigation, water supply, recreational and other purposes. On the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade are operated hydropower plants of Sevan, Hrazdan, Argel, Arzni, Qanaqer, Yerevan. The water of Hrazdan River is used by 17 irrigation canals, which are originating from different parts of cascade. In Hrazdan river basin 6 reservoirs are built with a volume more then 1 million m3, with the 45.61 million m3 total volume. Qasakh River Sub-Basin The length of Qasakh River is 89 km, and the catchment area is 1480 km2. The source of river feeding is mixed, moreover prevail snow melting and rainfall water. The relatively large tributaries of the river Qasakh is Gegharot (length = 25.0 km, catchment area = 66.0 km2), Shahverd (length = 35.6 km, catchment area = 162 km2) and Amberd (length = 36.0 km, catchment area = 141 km2). These tributaries originates from the slopes of Mount Aragats. During the spring floods, the river is high-water, in the summer low water period it is swallowed in the river mouth caused by water intake for irrigation purposes. Three reservoirs with a volume more than 1 million m3 have been constructed in Qasakh River basin, with a total volume of 97.7 million m3. General Delineation of Surface Water Bodies. The grouped SWB in Hrazdan River Basin District Total 112 water bodies have been delineated in Hrazdan RBD out of which:

 35 are AWBs, including 27 canals and 8 collectors;  77 are natural water bodies, including 23 water bodies at risk (WBR) and 46 water bodies not at risk and 8 HMWBs (provisional) (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Status of the delineated water bodies in Hrazdan River Basin District.

The main anthropogenic pressures of Hrazdan river catchment The impacts by importance are presented in Chapter 1. Figure 4, shows the distribution of the main risk factors in the 23 WBR of the Hrazdan RBD. As can be seen from the graph, the main pressures are abstraction, domestic wastewater inflows, agricultural diffuse pollution, hydromorphological changes, mining impact.

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Figure 4. Distribution of the main risk factors in the 23 WBR of the Hrazdan RBD.

The main types of water use in the Hrazdan River Basin District 1. Water use for irrigation purpose 2. Water use for HPP purpose 3. Water use for industrial purpose 4. Water use for Drinking proposes

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5 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF TYPES OF RIVER AND LAKE IN THE SEVAN AND HRAZDAN RBDS INCLUDING A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CONDITIONS FOR THE MOST RELEVANT BIOLOGICAL QUALITY ELEMENTS

5.1 Summary description of types of river and lake in the Sevan RBD

The typology theoretically generates 36 river types, although in practice many of these do not exist or are not significantly populated in Caucasus (24) ecoregion. According the WFD Annex 2 (sector 1.2.1. River) on the basis of the ecoregion, altitude and geology factors, the all 83 WB “River” type delineated in Sevan River Basin District belong to one single type: Ecoregion is Caucasus 24, altitude >800 m, and geology factor is siliceous. According to the river water bodies classification system A, see also “Identi- fication, Delineation and Typology of Surface and Groundwater Bodies in the Akhuryan Basin Manage- ment Area of Armenia” Report prepared by “Environmental Policy Analysis” NGO, June 2013, the river water bodies on the catchment basin are of type 3:

 Type I, water bodies with the small catchment area less than 100 km2;  Type II, water bodies with the medium catchment area from 100 to 1000 km2;  Type III, water bodies with the large catchment area 1000 to 10,000 km2. The types of delineated river water bodies in Sevan basin are presented in Table 1. As can be seen from data of Table 1, all river water bodies in Sevan basin by size of catchment are two types - I small and II medium.

Table 1. The typology of delineated water bodies in Sevan RBD. Rivers.

Type River catchment area, km2 WB WBR I, small <100 54 7 II, medium 100-1000 11 11 III, large 1000-10000 0 0

There are a number of small natural lakes at different altitudes in the water basin management area of Lake Sevan, the majority of which are drying up in the summer; some of them are located in the small gorges of the edges part of mountain ranges surrounding the lake. These lakes were not delineated as separately water bodies, mainly because of small surface areas (<0.5 km2). From lakes of WBMA of Sevan only Lake Sevan was delineated of water bodies. Delineation was made based on the data hydrological, ecological and chemical monitoring, as well as the scientific literature and experts assessments.

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The lake water bodies of Sevan basin by ecoregion, altitude and geology is the same type, according to Annex 2 of WFD: Ecoregion is Caucasus 24, altitude - > 800m, geology – siliceous. All 5 lake water bodies of Lake Sevan, which was delineated according to the water depth and the surface of water body, are three types: II (WB by medium depth with medium surface) III (WB by medium depth with surface more than medium) and VI (WB by great depth with large surface) according to Annex 2 of WFD (section 1.2.2. Lakes). See also report “River basin management plan for Akhuryan basin management area (Akhuryan and Metsamor river basins). Water body at risk report”. Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG, 2014. Environmental Protection of International River Basins Project. Contract No. 2011/279‐666, funded by the EU. The types of delineated lake water bodies in Sevan basin are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. The typology of delineated water bodies in Sevan RBD. Lakes.

provisional Type Depth, m WB Surface area, km2 HMWB WBR <3 0.5-1 0 0 1-10 0 0 10-100 0 0 >100 0 0 I 3-15 0.5-1 0 0 II 1-10 (7.31; 7.90) 0 2 III 10-100 (16.3; 66.9) 0 2 V >100 0 0 >15 0.5-1 0 0 1-10 0 0 IV 10-100 0 0 VI >100 (861.02; 302.22) 2 0

The types and general description of all water bodies in Sevan basin are presented for each one separately in Description of WB see Annex 1.

5.2 Summary description of types of river and lake in the Hrazdan RBD

All river water bodies in WBMA of Hrazdan by ecoregion, altitude and geology is the same type, according to Annex 2 of WFD (see Section 1.2.1. Rivers): Ecoregion is Caucasus 24, altitude - > 800m, geology – siliceous. The types of river WB delineated in WBMA of Hrazdan are presented in Table 3. As can be seen from data of Table 3, all river water bodies in WBMA of Hrazdan are three types – small, medium and large.

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Table 3. The typology of delineated water bodies in Hrazdan RBD. Rivers.

Type River catchment area, km2 WB WBR I, small <100 32 5 II, medium 100-1000 13 8 III, large 1000-10000 1 10

All water bodies of lake in WBMA of Hrazdan by ecoregion, altitude and geology is the same type, according to Annex 2 of WFD (see Section 1.2.2. Lakes): Ecoregion is Caucasus 24, altitude - > 800m, geology – siliceous. The types of Lake WB delineated in WBMA of Hrazdan are presented in Table 4. As can be seen from data of Table 4, by the size of surface of lake, all lake WB are two types: I (WB by medium depth – small) and II (WB by medium depth – medium).

Table 4. The typology of delineated water bodies in Hrazdan RBD. Lakes (reservoirs).

provisional Type Surface area, km2 HMWB I, depth 3-15 m 0.5-1 6 II, depth 3-15 m 1-10 2 III, depth 3-15 m 10-100 0 IV, depth>15 m 10-100 0

The types and general description of all delineated water bodies in WBMA of Hrazdan are presented for each one separately in Description of WB (Annex 1). Currently, there is no biological quality monitoring of surface waters, particularly rivers, in the territory of Republic of Armenia. There are no data of biological quality and indicators are not clearly defined. By the results of the implamented programs (for example, EU, TASIS, Eptisa.“Trans Boundary River Management for the Kura River basin Phase II (2008-2011) and Phase III (2012-2013) –Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia”) in pilot basins as indicator indexes for the rivers were proposed by priority - the species composition of macroinvertebrates on floor, macrophytes, zoobenthos. By the non-monitoring regime, mainly by the Institute of Hydro-Ecology and Ichthyology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, are carried out studies on Lake Sevan ecosystem (mainly the original lake), including biological quality indicators. As a quality indicators, by priority, are used the concentration of phytoplankton, the species composition of macroinvertebrates on floor, the macrophytes, the zoobenthos and the fish populations. According to the publications of Institute of Hydroecology and Ichthyology of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the lake from oligotrophic state has passed to the mesotrophic state, and in some parts is observed eutrophication.

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6 SIGNIFICANT ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURES ON SURFACE WATER BODIES AND ASSOCIATED POTENTIAL CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS

All potential pressures, from point and diffuse sources, were analysed and assessed in previous sections, as well as water quality measurements were generalized, in order to assess impacts on water bodies of the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs. The water quality classification was made according to the provisions of RA Government Decree №75‐N “On establishing the norms for assuring water quality of each Water Basin Management District, depending upon local peculiarities” enacted 27 January 2011. The classification was based on average annual concentration values of indicators of the period of 2013‐2017.The list of monitoring sites and the results of assessment of Chemical Status in the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs are given in Table 5 to Table 7.

6.1 Assessment of Chemical Status of Sevan BMA. Monitoring

The water quality in the Sevan basin is monitored in 11 rivers (and Arpa-Sevan tunnel) at 21 sampling sites. According to the monitoring results, in the upper section of the rivers the water quality corresponds to the “good” (II) class. In the lower sections of the rivers near the mouths, the water quality is characterized by “moderate” (III) and “poor” (IV) status. The rivers are being polluted with the point and non- point discharge of untreated domestic wastewater and diffuse pollution from agriculture. Most polluted rivers are Gavaraget, Masrik, Vardenis and Martuni.

Table 5. The Chemical Status of waters in Monitoring sites in the Sevan BMD

Main indicators (Water Location of sam- Water quality pa- pling sites (Number Number of quality rameter Cause of main River of sampling sites), water body class class) pressure Dzknaget 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-001 Good (II) - No significant the village Se- pressure myonovka (#60) River mouth (#61) WB 4-003 Good (II) - No significant pressure Masrik 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-036 Good (II) - No significant the village Verin pressure Shorja (#62) River mouth (#63) WBR 4-041 Moderate Phosphate Domestic (III) (III) Antimony wastewater and (III), diffuse sources Vanadium from agriculture, (III) diffuse pollution from mining industry Sotq 1.5km upstream of WB 4-032 Good (II) - No significant the viliage Sotq (#64) pressure

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Main indicators (Water Location of sam- Water quality pa- pling sites (Number Number of quality rameter Cause of main River of sampling sites), water body class class) pressure River mouth (#65) WBR-031 Moderate Nitrate (III), Domestic (III) SS (III), wastewater, dif- Antimony (III) fuse pollution from mining industry

Karchagh- 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-043 Good (II) - No significant byur the village Akhpradzor pressure (#66) River mouth (#67) WB 4-047 Good (II) - No significant pressure Arpa-Sevan 0.7 km upstream of AWB 4-100 Moderate Nitrate (III), Influence of un- tunnel the village Tsovinar (III) Arsenic (III) derground water (#68) Vardenis 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-051 Good (II) - No significant the village Vardenik pressure (#69) River mouth (#70) WBR 4-052 Poor (IV) Nitrite (III), Diffuse pollution Phosphate from domestic (III), Ammo- wastewater and nia (IV) agriculture Martuni 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-056 Good (II) - No significant the village Geghhovit pressure (#71) River mouth (#72) WBR 4-058 Poor (IV) Phosphate Domestic (III), Ammo- wastewater and nia (IV) diffuse sources from agriculture Argichi 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-061 Good (II) - No significant the village Lernahovit pressure (#73) River mouth (#74) WBR 4-065 Good (II) - No significant pressure Shoghvak River mouth (#75) WBR 4-073 Moderate Phosphate Domestic (III) (III) wastewater and diffuse sources from agriculture Bakhtak River mouth (#76) WBR 4-069 Moderate Phosphate Domestic (III) (III) wastewater and diffuse sources from agriculture Gavaraget 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-074 Good (II) - No significant the village Tsa- pressure ghkashen (#77)

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Main indicators (Water Location of sam- Water quality pa- pling sites (Number Number of quality rameter Cause of main River of sampling sites), water body class class) pressure River mouth (#78) WBR 4-082 Poor (IV) Phosphate Domestic (IV), Ammo- wastewater and nia (III), diffuse sources TP (III), from agriculture, Nitrate (III) Lichq 0.5 km upstream of WB 4-066 Good (II) - No significant the village Lichq pressure River mouth WB 4-066 Good (II) - No significant pressure Source: Environmental Monitoring and Information Centre, SNCO of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia, 2017 Some rivers being negligible impacted by domestic wastewater and diffuse pollution from agriculture and also due to the self‐purification thus lowering the impacts of the anthropogenic pressures. Karchagh- byur, Lichq, Argichi and Dzknaget rivers belong to the rivers remaining in good quality from source to mouth. The Sotq and Masrik rivers are impacted by mining activities. The water quality of Sotq and Masrik rivers after the influence of gold mining corresponds to "moderate" (III) class. Due to the point and noin point influence of domestic wastewater and diffuse sources from agriculture the content of nutrients in rivers as well as in the RBD are increased and finaly is discharged to the Lake Sevan, together with direct discharges from coastal settlement. The list of Surface water bodies at risk determined based on chemical quality of the monitoring data of Sevan BMA are presented in Table 5. 1) Masrik River from the confluence of the Sotq River to river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of mining industry, agriculture, non-point and point pollution from domestic wastewater. As an impact of diffuse pollution of mining industry the contents of heavy metals such as antimony (III class) and vanadium (III class), have been increased comparing to the water quality objectives specific for Masrik River Basin. The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “moderate” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #63 Masrik River. (WBR 4-041) 2) Sotq River downstream Sotq gold mine to river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of mining industry. As an impact of diffuse pollution of mining industry the contents of antimony (III class), aluminum (III class), iron (III class), vanadium (III class) and suspended solids (III class), have been increased. The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “moderate” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #65 Masrik River. (WBR 4-031). 3) Vardenis River from Vardenik village to the river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of domestic wastewater and agriculture. As a result, the contents of nitrogen and phosphorus have been increasing. The concentrations of nitrite and phosphate were assessed in moderate class (III class), and ammonia - poor class (IV class). The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “poor” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #70 Vardenis River. (WBR 4-052). 4) Martuni River from the village of Geghovit to river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of domestic wastewater and agriculture. As a result, the contents of nitro-

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gen and phosphorus have been increasing. The concentration of phosphate was assessed in in moderate class (III class), and ammonia - poor class (IV class). The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “poor” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #72 Martuni River. (WBR 4-057, WBR 4-058). 5) Bakhtak river from the village of Tsakqar to river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of domestic wastewater and agriculture. The concentrations of phosphate were assessed in moderate class. The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “moderate” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #76 Bakhtak River. (WBR 4-069). 6) Shoghvak river from the Dzoragyugh village to river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of domestic wastewater and agriculture. The concentrations of phosphate were assessed in moderate class. The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “moderate” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #75 Sho- ghvak River. (WBR 4-073). 7) Gavaraget river from the Gavar town to river mouth: This stretch of the river faces significant pressures by diffuse pollution of domestic wastewater and agriculture. The concentrations of nitrate, ammonia and total phosphorus were assessed in moderate class (III class). The concentration of phosphate was assessed to the poor class (IV class). The water quality has been assessed to be at risk to fail the RA environmental objectives due to “poor” chemical status at the EMIC’s Sampling point #78 Gavaraget River. (WBR 4-082). The content of nutrient in the water of the Lake Sevan during the year varies considerably. The data for three seasons (spring-May, summer-July, autumn-October) of Lake Sevan's water quality monitoring in 2017 are summarized in the Table 6.

Table 6. Nutrients in Lake Sevan, 2017.

Nitrate Number of Characterization Surface, Sampling Phosphate ion, Ammonia Water Body of WBR m2 date ion, mg/L mg/L ion, mg/L

HMWB 4-088 Big Sevan 861.02 May 0.128 0.037 0.238 (provisional) July 0.056 0.041 0.293 October 0.056 0.043 0.361

HMWB 4-089 Small Sevan 302.22 May 0.097 0.038 0.103 (provisional) July 0.066 0.020 0.253 October 0.107 0.020 0.323

WBR 4-084 Lake Sevan, from 16.30 May 0.098 0.037 0.061 Lchashen to July 0.048 0.015 0.205 Tsovazard October 0.010 0.034 0.309

WBR 4-085 Lake Sevan, From 7.31 May 0.106 0.050 0.134 Gavaraget estuary July 0.033 0.041 0.239 to Noratus October 0.029 0.088 0.230

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Nitrate Number of Characterization Surface, Sampling Phosphate ion, Ammonia Water Body of WBR m2 date ion, mg/L mg/L ion, mg/L

WBR 4-086 Lake Sevan, from 7.90 May 0.123 0.022 0.285 the Noratus Penin- July 0.068 0.037 0.307 sula to the end of the community October 0.133 0.020 0.391 border Noratus

WBR 4-087 Lake Sevan, from 66.90 May 0.120 0.054 0.218 Yeranos to Poqr July 0.062 0.039 0.326 Masrik October 0.071 0.014 0.337

Source: Environmental Monitoring and Information Centre, SNCO of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia, 2017

As shown in Table 6, the nutrient content in the Lake Sevan is high, which contributes to the intensifica- tion of biogenic processes, the development of eutrophication and to the decrease of water quality in the lake. Monitoring data show that there is additional pressure on water quality of the water bodies of Lake Sevan, identified based on hydromorphological characteristics, and water quality is pure. 8) Great Lake Sevan. The isolated section of the Great Sevan, which has been separated as a HMWB (provisional), occupies an area of 861.02 km2, and its average depth is approximately 32 meters. It is located at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level. The nutrient content is high (Table 6). In 2018, intensive growth of algae and eutrophication were observed, (HMWB 4-088). 9) Small Lake Sevan. The small Sevan part is separated by the HMWB (provisional) occupying 302,22 km2 and the average depth is approximately 75 m. It is located at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level. The nutrient content is high (Table 6). In 2018, intensive growth of algae and eutrophication were observed, (HMWB 4-089).

6.2 Assessment of Ecological Status of Sevan BMD. "Pressure-impact" assessment

The surface water bodies at risk identified on the basis of Sevan's BMA "pressure-impact" assessment, due to chemical and, as a consequence, poor biological quality (Lake Sevan). The separation of WB was based on the "pressure-impact" assessment. The assessment was based on the available data on the chemical quality of the water, the biological quality of the water, the intensity of life-sustaining processes, the presence of waterlogged forests in the coastal zone and the hydromorphological changes of the coast. 10) Lake Sevan coastline, from Lchashen to Tsovazard settlement. It has been separated according to expert estimates based on available data on the chemical quality of water, the biological quality of water, the intensity of life-sustaining processes, the presence of waterlogged forests in the coastal zone and the hydromorphological changes of the coast. The nutrient content is high (Table 6). Eutrophication has also been seen over the last 5 years. The surface area of water body is approximately 16.3 km (WBR 4-084).

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11) Coastal part of Lake Sevan, surroundings of Gavaraget River, from Gavaraget estuary to Noratus. It has been separated according to expert judgment based on the available data on the chemical and the biological quality of the water, the intensity of life-sustaining processes, the presence of waterlogged forests in the coastal zone and the hydromorphological changes of shores. This coastal part of the lake is under significant pressure from the polluted waters of the Gavaraget River, which flows into the lake. This part of the lake also faces significant pressure by intense diffuse pollution of domestic wastewater and agricultural water. The nutrient content is high (Table 6). Eutrophication has also been observed over the last 5 years. The surface area of water body is approximately 7.31 km2 (WBR 4-085). 12) Coastal part of Lake Sevan, from the Noratus Peninsula to the end of the community border Noratus. It has been separated according to expert estimates based on available data on the chemical quality of water, the biological quality of water, the intensity of life-sustaining processes, the presence of waterlogged forests in the coastal zone and the hydromorphological changes of the coast. The nutrient content is high (Table 6). Eutrophication has also been observed over in the last 5 years. The surface area of water body is approximately 9.6 km2 (WBR 4-086). 13) Coastal part of Lake Sevan, from Yeranos settlement to Small Masrik settlement. It has been separated according to expert estimates based on available data on the chemical quality of water, the biological quality of water, the intensity of life-sustaining processes, the presence of waterlogged forests in the coastal zone and the hydromorphological changes of the coast. The nutrient content is high (Table 6). Eutrophication has also been observed over the last 5 years. The surface area of water body is approximately 66.9 km2. (WBR 4-087). The high content of nutrients in Lake Sevan is conditioned by a number of factors: the discharge of domestic wastewater, livestock wastewater from the entire basin population, diffusive wastewater infil- tration into the lake's water, presence of 4000 hectares of waterlogged forests in coastal zones, and several tens of kilometers of waterways. Watershed forests and roads are a spatial and permanently active source of diffuse dissemination of nutrients and organic materials and lake pollution. In 3 water bodies at risk separated from Lake Sevan, during the past 5 years, they have been viewed as an ether. Comment on delineating the littoral zone from the main water body of Lake Sevan: Although separating the littoral zone of a large deep lake as a separate water body is not fully in line with the requirements of the CIS Guidance, this zone is of utter importance for the lake due to its unique history (water level reduction and raising). Identifying separate SWB along the shore helps both in water management and nature protection, especially during the phase of sefining measures for improving the ecological status. It is intended to merge the four water bodies in the littoral zone of Lake Sevan with the main water bodies (Small and Big Sevan) again, as soon as the impact of factors that are the basis for such a separation will be reduced. In addition, the measures as defined for the four shore water bodies can then be included in the list of general management measures of the lake.

6.3 Assessment of Chemical Status of Hrazdan BMA. Monitoring

The list of Surface water bodies at risk determined based on chemical quality of the monitoring data of Hrazdan BMA are presented in Table 7.

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Table 7. The Chemical Status of waters in Monitoring sites in the Hrazdan BMA.

Location of sampling sites (Number Number Water Main indicators of sampling of water quality (Water quality pa- Cause of main pres- River sites) body class rameter class) sure Qasakh 0.5 km above Good (II) - No significant pres- the city Aparan sure (#43)

0.5 km bellow WBR 3- Bad (V) BOD5 (III), TP (IV), Untreated domestic the city Aparan 045 COD (III), TIN (IV) wastewater and dif- (#44) Nitrite ion (III), Iron fuse sources from (III), Ammonia (V) agriculture 1 km above the WBR 3- Moder- Phosphate (III), Untreated domestic city Ashtarak 063 ate (III) Vanadium (III) wastewater and dif- (#45) Aluminium (III) fuse sources from Iron (III) agriculture 3.5 km bellow WBR 3- Moder- Phosphate (III), Untreated domestic the city Ashta- 064 ate (III) Vanadium (III) wastewater and dif- rak (#46) DO (III) fuse sources from agriculture River mouth WBR 3- Poor (IV) Phosphate (III), Untreated domestic (#47) 069 TIN (III), COD (III), wastewater and dif- Vanadium (III), Ni- fuse sources from trite (III), Ammonia agriculture (III), Nitrate (IV), TDS (IV) Gegharot 0.5 km above WBR 3- Bad (V) Zinc (III), Iron (III), Geological and geo- the village Ara- 058 Boron (III), Alumi- chemical peculiari- gats (#48) num (III), Manga- ties, impact of natural nese (V), Cobalt (V) acid water River mouth WBR 3- Moder- Iron (III) Geological and geo- (#49) 059 ate (III) chemical peculiarities, impact of natural acid water Shagh- 0.5 km bellow WB 3-066 Moder- Phosphate (III)? Untreated domestic vard the village ate (III)? TP (III)? wastewater and dif- Parpi (#50) fuse sources from agriculture ? Hrazdan Near the vil- WB 3-013 Moder- Iron (III), Untreated domestic lage ate (III) Manganese (III), wastewater and dif- Geghamavan Vanadium (III), fuse sources from (#51) Aluminum (III) agriculture 0.5 km bellow WBR 3- Poor (IV) Phosphate (III), Untreated domestic the village 017 Iron (III), wastewater and dif- Qaghsi (#52) Manganese (III), fuse sources from Vanadium (III), agriculture Aluminium (IV) 0.5 km bellow WBR 3- Poor (IV) Phosphate (III), Untreated domestic the village 020 Iron (III), wastewater and dif- Argel (#53) Manganese (III), fuse sources from Vanadium (III), agriculture Aluminium (IV)

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Location of sampling sites (Number Number Water Main indicators of sampling of water quality (Water quality pa- Cause of main pres- River sites) body class rameter class) sure 0.5 km bellow WBR 3- Bad (V) Phosphate (III), Untreated domestic the Arzni HPS 025 Manganese (III), wastewater and dif- (#54) Vanadium (V) fuse sources from agriculture 9 km bellow the WBR 3- Bad (V) Cobalt (III), Iron Untreated domestic city Yerevan, 032 (III), Sodium (III), wastewater and non- near the village WBR 3- TP (V)Potassium point diffuse sources Darbnik (#55) 033 (III), Chloride (III), from agriculture TDS (III), SS (III), COD (IV), BOD5 (V), DO (V), TIN (V)Am- monia (V), Phos- phate (V), Manga- nese (V), Vanadium (V) River mouth WBR 3- Bad (V) DO (III), COD (III), Untreated domestic (#56) 034 Nitrate (III), TIN wastewater and dif- (III), TDS (III), Co- fuse sources from balt (III), Sodium agriculture (III), Calcium (III), Chloride (III), Nitrite (IV), TP (IV), Phosphate (IV), Sulphate (IV), Potassium (VI), Manganese (IV), Ammonia (V), Va- nadium (V) Near the vil- WBR 3- Poor (IV) COD (III), Ammonia Untreated domestic lage Geghanist 033 (III), Nitrate (III), wastewater and dif- (#225) WBR 3- TIN (III), TP (III), fuse sources from 034 TDS (III), Sulphate agriculture (III), Chloride (III), Cobalt (III), Sodium (III), Man- ganese (III), Iron (III), Calcium (III), Nitrite (IV), Phosphate (IV), Potassium (VI), Vanadium (IV) Marmarik 0.5 km above WB 3-002 Good (II) - No significant the village pressure Hanqavan (#57)

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Location of sampling sites (Number Number Water Main indicators of sampling of water quality (Water quality pa- Cause of main pres- River sites) body class rameter class) sure River mouth WBR 3- Bad (V) Vanadium (III), TP Untreated domestic (#58) 010 (III), Iron (III), wastewater and dif- TIN (III), fuse sources from Phosphate (IV), agriculture Manganese (IV), Ammonia (V) Getar River mouth WBR 3- Bad (V) COD (III), Nitrate Untreated domestic (#59) 030 (III), TDS (III), Co- wastewater and dif- balt (III), Sodium fuse sources from (III), Potassium (III), agriculture Chloride (III), TIN (IV), Mangan- ese (IV), Sulfate (IV), Nitrite (V), Phos- phate (V), Ammo- nia (V), Vanadium (V) Tan- 0.5 km above WB 3-014 Good (II) - No significant pres- dzaghbyur the city Tsa- sure ghkadzor (#311) River mouth WBR 3- Bad (V) TIN (III), TP (III), Untreated domestic (#312) 015 Manganese (III), wastewater and dif- Vanadium (III) fuse sources from Iron (III), Cobalt agriculture (III), Nitrite (IV), Phosphate (III), Ammonia (V) Aparan Near the reser- HMWB Good (II) - No significant pres- Res. voir dam(#111) 3-075 sure Yerevan Near the reser- HMWB Poor (IV) COD (III), Nitrate Untreated domestic Lake Res. voir dam 3-072 (III), Phosphate wastewater and dif- (#112) (III), TIN (III), TP fuse sources from (III), SS (III), Nitrite agriculture (IV), Ammonia (IV) Source: Environmental Monitoring and Information Centre, SNCO of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia, 2017

The list of water bodies at risk in Hrazdan RBD identified on the basis of the chemical poor quality is given below: 1) The Kasakh River from the city of Aparan to the river Gegharot. Unclean household wastewater, part of which is the Aparan city sewage, which flows into the Kasakh River without any cleaning, down the downtown area. As a result of household wastewater pollution, the water quality of this water body is classified as grade 3, with average quality, due to ammonia and high phosphate ions (according to RA N-75-N decision). This water body is at risk when evaluating the EU WFD approach and complies with the 1st pressure indicator, "Cleaned Wastewater Bidet". (WBR 3-045).

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2) Kasakh River from Ashtarak city to the river mouth. Unclean household wastewater, part of which is also sewage in Ashtarak town, as well as the sewage dump of Ashtarak gorge and restaurant complexes, which, without cleaning, immediately flow into the Kasakh River. In addition to domestic wastewater, the river is polluted in this area by the backward flow of agricultural land in adjacent territories. As a result of pollution, the water quality of this water body is classified as Class 4, insufficient, due to nitrite, nitrate and phosphate ions (according to the RA N-75-N decision). This water body is at risk when evaluating the EU WFD approach and complies with the 1st pressure indicator, "Cleaned Wastewater Bidet". (WBR 3-064, WBR 3-069).

3) Gegharot River from source to the river mouth. Natural pollution caused by geological and geochemical peculiarities,on this footprint of Mount Aragats, impact of natural acid water. There are sources of acid water.After the construction and exploitation of "Gegharot" and "Aragats-1" SHHPs on Gegharot River, there has been increased natural pollution. As a result, the river water is characterized by high content of iron and manganese, according to which the river water is classified in 5th grade, poor quality (according to the RA N-75-N decision). (WBR 3-058, WBR 3-059).

4) Hrazdan River from the city of Hrazdan to the river mouth. The sewerage of Hrazdan, Charentsavan, Yerevan and other dozens of other settlements, sewage dump of Hrazdan gorge and restaurant complexes, which, without cleaning, immediately flow into the Hrazdan River. In addition to domestic wastewater, the river is polluted in this area by the backward flow of agricultural land in adjacent territories. As a result of pollution, the water quality of this water body is classified as 5th grade, poor quality, caused by IBP5, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrite, phosphate ions, manganese, vanadium (according to RA N-75-N decision). This water body is at risk when evaluating the EU WFD approach and complies with the 1st pressure indicator, "Cleaned Wastewater Bidet". (WBR 3-017, WBR 3-020, WBR 3-024,WBR 3-025, WBR 3-028, WBR 3-029, WBR 3-032, WBR 3-033, WBR 3-034).

5) Tsakhkadzor River from the city of Tsakhkadzor to the river mouth. Unclean household wastewater, part of which is the sewage of Tsakhkadzor, which immediately flows into the Hrazdan River. As a result of contamination, the water quality of this water body is classified as 4th grade, inadequate, due to ammonium and phosphate ions (according to RA N-75-N decision). This water body is at risk when evaluating the EU WFD approach and complies with the 1st pressure indicator, "Cleaned Wastewater Bidet" (WBR 3-015).

6.4 Assessment of Ecological Status of Hrazdan BMA. "Pressure-impact" assessment

On the basis of experimental data, the following corrections were made: The Hrazdan RBD identified the following water bodies possibly at risk (WB possibly at risk, WBPR)

6) Halvar River, from the Tukhmanuk gold mine to the bottom of the Meliq village. Mining: The surface water flow in the Tukhmanuk gold mine, filled with high content of ore, fills the Halvar River with significant pressure and polluted with heavy metals. Taking into account the above-mentioned fact, this water body was designated as the WB possibly at risk. (WBR 3-041).

7) Amberd River from the city of Byurakan to theriver mouth. Dry waste water, which is part of the city of Byurakan, the rest houses and camps of sewerage, which immediately flow into the Amberd River, with significant seasonal pressures on river water quality . Taking into account the above- mentioned fact, this water body was designated as the WB possibly at risk. (WBR 3-068).

8) Marmarik River, from the above of Meghradzor village to the above of Aghavnadzor village. Surface water flows formed in the open field of Meghradzor gold mine, with high content of ore, are filled with Marmarik River, with significant pressure and heavy polluting of this part of the river. Taking into

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account the above-mentioned fact, this water body was designated as the WB possibly at risk. (WBR 3- 010).

9) Meghradzor River from the confluence zones with the Tej tributary to the river mouth. This water body was identified because of the high concentrations of high metal concentrations of hazardous wastewater at the risky Meghradzor mineswaters. Taking into account the above-mentioned fact, this water body was designated as the WB possibly at risk.(WBR 3-009).

10) The WBs (WBR 3-017, WBR 3-020, WBR 3-024, WBR 3-025, WBR 3-028, WBR 3-029, WBR 3- 032, WBR 3-033, WBR 3-034) are at risk when evaluating the EU WFD approach and complies with the 1st pressure indicator, "Cleaned Wastewater Bidet".

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7 DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT MONITORING SITUATION WITH AN INVENTORY OF THE EXISTING MONITORING SITES AND ECOLOGICAL/CHEMICAL STATUS

Currently in the RA is implement only quantity and chemical monitoring. No biological monitoring.

7.1 Hydrological monitoring

Quantitative monitoring of water resources in the Republic of Armenia is carried out by Hydro- meteorological Service․Hydrological monitoring observation points are coordinated by 7 hydrological stations.The work of the observation points in the Hrazdan basin is coordinated by the Sevan-Hrazdan Hydrological Station. The work of the observation points in the Qasakh sub-basin is coordinated by the Qasakh-Sevjur Hydrological Station. The hydrological monitoring network in the Sevan basin The hydrological monitoring in the basin of Lake Sevan has started with the studies of Lake Sevan. Currently in the Sevan basin there are 15 hydrological stations, 11 river observation points (Table 8) and 4 observation points on the Lake Sevan (Table 9).

Table 8. The quantity monitoring network in the Sevan RBD.

Distance from Monitoring the river mouth Basin Altitude Opening № River site (km) area km2 /m/ date 1 Drakhtik Drakhtik 0,8 39,2 1920,92 12.08.1926 (05.05.1967 ) 2 Pambak Pambak 1,8 22,5 1994,52 01.11.1928 (11.04.1968 ) 3 Masrik Tsovak 2,8 673 1908,16 15.05.1952 (01.01.1967 ) (01.04.1991 ) 4 Karchaghbyur Karchaghbyur 0,8 116 1904,69 23.10.1913 (27.06.1969 ) (16.09.1990 )

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Distance from Monitoring the river mouth Basin Altitude Opening № River site (km) area km2 /m/ date 5 Vardenis Vardenik 4,1 110 1961,71 20.10.1913 (01.11.1957 ) 6 Martuni Geghovit 7,2 84,5 2049,29 01.06.1954 (28.04.1960 ) 7 Argichi Verin 6,0 366 1947,87 22.09.1926 Getashen (26.08.1936 ) 8 Tsaghkashen Vaghashen 2,3 92,4 2262,00 01.01.1970 (01.01.2004 ) 9 Lichq Lichq 3,0 33,0 1912,60 01.03.1976

10 Bakhtak Tsakqar 6,0 144 1934,85 04.06.1927 (01.01.1960 ) 11 Gavaraget Noratus 7,0 467 1912,70 25.07.1926 (01.01.1948 ) Source: MES Hydrometeorological Service 2018.

Table 9. Water quantity monitoring network in the Lake Sevan.

Area km2 Basin area Water Monitoring km2 Surface Altitude Opening № Basin site area* /m/ date 1 Lake Sevan Sevan 3425 1277 1890,00 20.09.1947 peninsula

2 Lake Sevan Shorja 3425 1277 1890,00 18.11.1950

3 Lake Sevan Karchaghbyur 3425 1277 1890,00 01.06.1957

4 Lake Sevan Martuni 3425 1277 1890,00 01.10.1983

Source: MES Hydrometeorological Service2018.

The hydrological monitoring network in the Hrazdan basin The first hydrological observation points in the Hrazdan basin were opened on the Hrazdan River in the settlement Yelenovka, in 1913. In the Hrazdan basin for different years have been operating 33 hydrological observation points. Today the Hrazdan river basin has 9 observation points, including 8 river observation points and one reservoir observation point (Table 10).

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Table 10. Water quantity monitoring network in the Hrazdan RBD.

Distance from Observation the river mouth Basin Altitude, m Opening № River point (km) area km2 date 1 Hrazdan Hrazdan 113 697 1692,55 10.04.1965

2 Hrazdan Lusakert 79,0 503 1368,54 19.05.1965

3 Hrazdan Yerevan 42,0 2000 903,79 01.11.1977

4 Hrazdan Masis 9,4 2500 822,91 01.02.1944

5 Marmarik Hanqavan 30,0 93,5 1949,66 04.06.1956

6 Marmarik Aghavnadzor 8,0 375 1726,00 06.08.1936

7 Gomur Meghradzor 2,6 101 1764,18 08.11.1935

8 Tsaghkadzor Tsaghkadzor 1,8 23,1 1788.55 01.06.2010

9 Marmarik Artavaz 22.4 153 1860.00 01.01.2015 reservoir Source: MES Hydrometeorological Service 2018.

The hydrological monitoring network in the Qasakh sub-basin The first hydrological observation points in the Qasakh sub-basin were opened on the Qasakh River in the settlement Ashtarak, in 1913. In the Qasakh sub-basin for different years have been operating 10 hydrological observation points. Today the Hrazdan river basin has 6 observation points, including 5 river observation points and one reservoir observation point (Table 11).

Table 11. Water quantity monitoring network in the Qasakh River Sub-basin.

Observation Distance from the Basin Altitude Opening № River point river mouth (km) area km2 /m/ date 1 Qasakh Vardenis 68,0 441 1848,36 01.08.1965

2 Qasakh Hartavan 55,0 656 1785,24 01.06.1966

3 Qasakh Ashtarak 29,0 1020 1078,00 28.08.1913

4 Gegharot Aragats 7,0 43,0 1919,80 23.04.1929 (15.09.2000) 5 Shahverd Parpi 10,6 72,0 1109,43 01.04.1966 (17.12.2001) 6 Aparan reservoir Hartavan 55.5 591 1799.50 01.04.1966թ .

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Source: MES Hydrometeorological Service, 2018.

In the Hrazdan and Sevan basin for different years have been operating 48 hydrological observation points (19 observation points in the Hrazdan basin, 10 observation points Qasakh sub-basin and 19 observation points in the Sevan basin).

7.2 The ecological status of water bodies based on hydrological monitoring data

Hydrological Monitoring and ecological flows data analysis The ecological flows of the water bodies in Hrazdan and Sevan water basin management areas have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia. The ecological flow in the river basins has been determined in the hydrological observations points on surface water bodies. The ecological flows were determined in Sevan RBD in 12 hydrological observations points (Map 4). In Hrazdan RBD, the ecological flows were determined in Hrazdan River basin in 8 hydrological observations points, in Qasakh River basin in 4 hydrological observation points (Map 5). As a result, 3 water bodies at risk and 1 water body possibly at risk were delineated in Qasakh River basin. In Hrazdan River basin 2 water bodies at risk, 4 water bodies not at risk and 2 water bodies possibly at risk were delineated. Finally, 4 water bodies at risk and 8 water bodies at risk were delineated in Sevan lake basin. The results of hydrological monitoring and evaluation (by monitoring sites) are given below. The results are summarized in Table 12. The ecological flows have been determined based on hydrological monitoring data, and the assessment of the ecological status of water bodies (according to Ecological Record Surveillance) has been implemented.

7.2.1 Hrazdan River basin (Sub-basin of Qasakh River)

(WBR 3-045) Qasakh-Vardenis. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long-term average monthly discharges. It is maintained relative to 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges too. But the ecological flow is not maintained relative to minimum average monthly discharges, moreover it is not maintained in all months. This is mainly caused by water intake for irrigation and economic purposes (Water Body at Risk). (WBR 3-063) Qasakh-Ashtarak. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long-term average monthly discharges. It is maintained relative to 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges too. But the ecological flow is not maintained relative to long-term minimum average monthly discharges, moreover it is not maintained in all months. The difference between long-term minimum average monthly discharge and ecological flow is significant in May-October months, i.e. during the most intensive irri- gated period. The ecological flow is violated relative to minimum monthly discharges also in 2017. The ecological flow is maintained compare with minimum average monthly discharge for 2007-2017 periods (Water Body at Risk). (WBR 3-059) Gegharot-Aragats. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long-term average monthly discharges. It is maintained also relative to 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges. But the ecological flow is not maintained relative to long-term and for 2007-2017 period minimum average monthly discharges, moreover the ecological flow is not maintained in June-September

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months. The ecological flow is violated also relative to average monthly and minimum monthly discharges in 2017.The River dried up in the summer months of 2017. This is due to the fact that the irrigation canal is built above the hydrological point and in the irrigation season by that canal carried out water intake. (Water Body at Risk) (WB 3-066) Shahverd-Parpi. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long-term average monthly discharges. It is maintained also relative to 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges. But the ecological flow is not maintained relative to long-term minimum average monthly discharges, moreover the ecological flow is not maintained in July-September months. But the ecological flow compare with minimum average monthly discharges for 2007-2017 periods is maintained (Water body).

7.2.2 Hrazdan River basin (Sub-basin of Hrazdan River)

(WB 3-016) Hrazdan-Hrazdan. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long-term average and 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges. When the ecological flow is compared with long-term minimum average monthly discharges so it is not maintained, moreover the ecological flow is not maintained in January-February and July-September months. The ecological flow relative to 2007- 2017 period minimum average monthly discharges and relative to average monthly and minimum monthly discharges in 2017 is maintained (Water body). (WBR 3-020) Hrazdan-Lusakert. The ecological flow at gauging site have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Annex 2 of Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia and it’s for all months makes up 2.23 m3/s. And the ecological flow is not maintained relative to minimum monthly discharges in August-September months. This is caused by water intake for irrigation purpose (water body at risk). (WBR 3-029) Hrazdan-Yerevan. The flow of the river at hydrological site is fully regulated and it’s almost impossible to restore the natural discharges, due to that fact the ecological flow at gauging site have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Annex 2 of Decision No. 57-N on 25 Jan- uary 2018 of the Government of Armenia and it’s for all months equal to 2.50 m3/s. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long-term average monthly and for 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges. But the ecological flow is not maintained relative to long-term and for 2007-2017 period minimum average monthly discharges. The ecological flow is not maintained relative to average monthly and minimum monthly discharges in 2017, and the violation is observed from May to the end of the year (Water Body at Risk). (WBR 3-033) Hrazdan-Masis. The ecological flow at gauging site have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Annex 2 of Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia and it’s for all months equal to 10.1 m3/s. The analyses for this hydrological site based on observation data until 2005. The comparison of the ecological flow and long-term minimum average monthly discharges is show that here also is observed violation in May-November (Water Body at Risk). (WB 3-003) Marmarik-Hanqavan. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long- term and 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges. The ecological flow is violated relative to long- term and 2007-2017 period minimum average monthly discharges. Moreover, the ecological flow is maintained only in spring months, and in the other months it’s violated (water body possibly at risk). (WB 3-012) Marmarik-Aghavnadzor. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to long- term and 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges. The ecological flow is violated relative to long- term minimum average monthly discharges. The ecological flow compare with average monthly discharges in 2017 is maintained. The ecological flow is maintained also relative to minimum monthly discharges in 2017 (Water body).

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(WBR 3-009) Gomur-Meghradzor. The ecological flow is maintained at gauging site relative to all characteristics (Water body). (WBR 3-015) Tsaghkadzor-Tsaghkadzor. The ecological flow is violated at gauging site relative to long-term and 2007-2017 period minimum average monthly discharges. The ecological flow is violated also relative to average monthly and minimum average monthly discharges in 2017. This is caused by the development of tourism in river basin and by water intake for drinking-economic purposes, and as a result the ecological flow is maintained only two months in spring (Water Body at Risk).

7.2.3 Sevan BMA

(WB 4-003) Dzknaget-Tsovagyugh. The ecological flow is violated at gauging site relative to long-term minimum average monthly discharges. But when we compare it with minimum monthly discharges in 2017, then it’s fully maintained (Water body). (WBR 4-006) Drakhtik-Drakhtik. The ecological flow is violated at gauging site relative to long-term minimum average monthly discharges. The ecological flow is maintained relative to long-term, 2007- 2017 period average monthly, and 2017 average monthly discharges (Water body at risk). (WB 4-019) Pambak-Pambak. There is no violation of ecological flow at gauging site (Water body). (WBR 4-041) Masrik-Tsovak.There is no violation of ecological flow at gauging site (Water body). (WB 4-047) Karchaghbyur-Karchaghbyur. The ecological flow at gauging site have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Annex 2 of Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia and it’s for all months equal to 0.46 m3/s. The ecological flow violation is viewed at gauging site only in case, when it is compared with long-term minimum average monthly discharges. But the ecological flow is fully maintained at gauging site relative to long-term, 2007-2017 period and in 2017 average monthly and minimum monthly discharges (Water body). (WB 4-051) Vardenis-Vardenik.There is no violation of ecological flow at gauging site (Water body). (WBR 4-057) Martuni-Geghhovit. The ecological flow is violated at gauging site. The comparison of ecological flow with minimum monthly discharges in 2017 is show that the ecological flow is not maintained in June-September period. It is caused by water intake for irrigation (Water Body at Risk). (WBR 4-065) Argichi-Verin Getashen. The ecological flow is violated at gauging site. It is not maintained compare with 2007-2017 period average monthly discharges, the ecological flow is not maintained also compare with average monthly discharges in 2017. The ecological flow is not maintained in June-November months, and it’s caused by water intake for irrigation and economic purposes (Water Body at Risk). (WB 4-060) Tsakhkashen-Vaghashen. The ecological flow slight violation is seen at gauging site relative to minimum average monthly discharges in 2017, and the ecological flow also is not maintained compared with long-term minimum average monthly discharges (Water body). (WB 4-066) Lichq-Lichq. The ecological flow at gauging site have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Annex 2 of Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia and it’s for all months equal to 0.87 m3/s. There is no violation of ecological flow at gauging site. (Water body). (WBR 4-069) Bakhtak-Tsakqar. The ecological flow is violated at gauging site. The ecological flow is violated when we compare it with long-term and 2007-2017 period minimum average monthly discharges. The ecological flow is violated also relative to minimum monthly discharges in 2017. The violation is viewed in summer months (Water Body at Risk). (WBR 4-082) Gavaraget-Noratus.The ecological flow at gauging site have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Annex 2 of Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government

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of Armenia and it’s for all months equal to 1.92 m3/s. The ecological flowviolation is seen at gauging site relative to long-term minimum average monthly discharges and minimum monthly discharges in 2017. The ecological flow is violated in July-September period (Water Body at Risk).

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Table 12. Revelation of water bodies using ecological flow as indicator (by operated hydrological sites).

№ River-observation point Water body Hrazdan River basin (Sub-basin of Qasakh River) WBR 3-045 Qasakh-Vardenis Water body at risk WBR 3-063 Qasakh-Ashtarak Water body at risk WBR 3-059 Gegharot - Aragats Water body at risk WB 3-066 Shahverd - Parpi Water body possibly at risk Hrazdan basin WB 3-016 Hrazdan-Hrazdan Water body WBR 3-020 Hrazdan-Lusakert Water body possibly at risk WBR 3-063 Hrazdan-Yerevan Water body at risk WBR 3-033 Hrazdan-Masis Water body WB 3-003 Marmarik-Hanqavan Water body possibly at risk WB 3-012 Marmarik-Aghavnadzor Water body WBR 3-009 Gomur-Meghradzor Water body WBR 3-015 Tsaghkadzor-Tsaghkadzor Water body at risk Sevan basin WB 4-003 Dzknaget-Tsovagyugh Water body WBR 4-006 Drakhtik- Drakhtik Water body WB 4-019 Pambak-Pambak Water body WBR 4-041 Masrik-Tsovak Water body WB 4-047 Karchaghbyur-Karchaghbyur Water body WB 4-051 Vardenis-Vardenik Water body WBR 4-057 Martuni-Geghhovit Water body at risk WBR 4-065 Argichi-Verin Getashen Water body at risk WB 4-060 Tsakhkashen-Vaghashen Water body WB 4-066 Lichq-Lichq Water body WBR 4-069 Bakhtak-Tsakqar Water body at risk WBR 4-082 Gavaraget-Noratus Water body at risk

7.3 Surface Water Quality Monitoring in the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs

The monitoring of surface waters quality in Armenia is conducted by the Environmental Monitoring and Information Centre (EMIC), which is a state non‐commercial organization at the Ministry of Nature Pro- tection of Armenia.

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In the Republic of Armenia, since 2005, surface water quality monitoring has been conducted in 43 rivers, Arpa-Sevan tunnel, Yerevan Lake, Lake Arpi, Akhuryan, Aparan, Azat, Kechut reservoirs and Lake Sevan at 131 sampling sites. During the year sampling is carried out 6-12 times. The comprehensive list of water quality parameters was defined in accordance with the corresponding decision of the Government of RA (Decision #75-N, dated 27 January 2011, “On Approving the Norms of Water Quality Assurance in each River Basin District, Depending on Local Characteristics”). That list contains 103 hydrochemical and 2 hydrobiological parameters (these two hydrobiological parameters have not been monitored yet). The list of hydrochemical parameters includes the 33 primary pollutants described in the WFD (the organic micro contaminants), as well as 8 specific polluting substances and 62 other chemical and physico-chemical indicators. Currently 45‐60 out of total 105 hydrochemical parameters are traceable for surface waters. The capacity for laboratory tests of the remaining parameters is in the phase of installation and shall come into application in the near term future.

7.3.1 Surface water quality monitoring in the Sevan RBD

In the Sevan Basin, surface water quality monitoring is performed in Lake Sevan, Arpa-Sevan tunnel outlet and 9 main rivers flowing into the Sevan: Dzknaget, Masrik (with its tributary Sotq), Karchaghbyur, Vardenis, Martuni, Argichi, Tsakqar, Shoghvak and Gavaraget. Number of Sampling Sites 19. List of Surface Water Monitoring Sites in the Sevan RBD is given in Table 5 (Chapter 4), location is shown in Map 4.

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Map 4. The locations of Surface Water Quality Monitoring and hydrological Monitoring sites in the Sevan BMA.

7.3.2 Surface water quality monitoring in the Hrazdan RBD

In the Hrazdan Basin, surface water quality monitoring is performed in Hrazdan and Qasakh rivers, in 5 tributaries (Gegharot, Shahverd, Marmarik, Getar and Tandzaghbyur) and in two reservoirs (Yerevan Lake and Aparanreservoirs). Number of Sampling Sites 19. List of Surface Water Monitoring Sites in the Sevan RBD is given in Table 8 (Chapter 4), location is shown in Map 5.

Map 5. The locations of Surface Water Quality Monitoring and hydrological Monitoring sites in the Hraz- dan BMA.

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8 DETAILED DOCUMENTATION OF THE APPLIED METHODOLOGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STEPS AND CONSIDERED INFORMATION (INCLUSION OF REFERENCES AND LITERATURE)

To identify and delineate the surface water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan RBD, the following steps were taken: (1) Determination of typology of surface water bodies; (2) Identification and delineation of the surface water bodies at risk to achieve environmental objectives based on the results of anthropogenic pressure‐impact analysis/risk assessment; (3) Identification and delineation of surface water bodies possibly at risk to achieve environmental objectives; (4) Identification and delineation of artificial water bodies and heavily modified water bodies; (5) Identification and delineation of other water bodies not at risk; (6) The preparation of the layers and datasets including full metadata; (7) The mapping of the delineated water bodies. The preparation of the QGIS maps of SWB with indication of types, pressures and existing monitoring network.

8.1 Criteria and procedure for the delineation

According to the EU WFD, a Surface Water Body means a discrete and significant element of surface water such as a lake, a reservoir, a stream, river or canal, part of a stream, river or canal, transitional water or a stretch of coastal water which differ from each other by specific natural characteristics, the nature of human pressure and other essential parameters. The main objectives of water body delineation include: 1. Elaboration of necessary measures for improving the water status (only for water bodies at risk). 2. Elaboration of a WFD compliant monitoring program. Surface water identification and delineation can be applied for rivers (tributaries) having 10 km2 and bigger catchment areas, as well as for lakes (reservoirs) having 0.5 km2and bigger catchment. Smaller water bodies, as well as temporary (seasonal) flows are not subject for delineating into as separate surface water bodies. In addition, “One‐out, All‐out” principle is applied for determination of the overall status of water bodies based on the lowest assessed biological, chemical and hydromorphological parameter. The surface water bodies within a basin belong to one of two classes of surface water bodies, namely to “rivers” or “lakes” category. In addition to these classes, water bodies at risk, artificial and heavily modified water bodies are identified. The rest of the Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs natural surface water bodies are characterized as not being at risk, according to the following standards of the EU WFD CIS Guidance Document No 2 (Identification of Water Bodies).

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Small rivers and tributaries of surface water can be identified as part an of the body surface water category of the same type or main rivers, as a single body of water. Small rivers: (a) belonging to the same type, (b) influenced by the same pressure category and level and (c) having an influence on another well delimited water body, may be grouped into one water body. In addition, in certain cases, also the following factors were taken into consideration:

 Hydro-morphological characteristics;  Hydrological characteristics;  The fact of being a confluence of rivers, being located adjacent to water bodies at risk or artificial water bodies, or being located between artificial water bodies or water bodies at risk;

 Having a status of protected area;

 Being located adjacent to state border. The first step has been the collection of the relevant full information in the requested content and format.

8.2 Data collection

 Collection of topographic-geodesic and thematic maps of Sevan and Hrazdan basin areas, other graphic data.

 Collection of the vector data of infrastructures within catchment basins and the boundaries of river basins located in Sevan and Hrazdan basin areas;

 Collection of the vector data of surface water bodies: rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs, wetlands, Creating of thematic files:

 Creating of thematic files and layers, preliminary processing of the GIS environment based on the collected data (forest, land, road network, water bodies, etc.);

 Creation of the database of surface water bodies, rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs, wetlands, in Armenian and English.

 Each layer's table is contain columns of the corresponding artifacts of the objects according to the technical task. For example, the object's name, length, surface, perimeter, geographical coordinates, quantity and quality of water. Each layer's the database created in the Armenian and English languages.ööö The data (of the monitoring and scientific research) collection and study Data on hydrological monitoring and ecological flow for the period of 2007-2017 have been obtained and analyzed from "Armenian State Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Service" SNCO MES (ASHMS). Historical data on today's non-functioning monitoring sites have been obtained and analyzed from the ASHMS for their working periods also. Data on reservoirs, canals, irrigation ditches, water abstraction for irrigation, drinking-household and hydropower generation and drainage have been obtained from the ASHMS and the Water Committee of Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources RA (WC MEINR) and analyzed. Data on hydrochemical monitoring and ecological status were obtained from the “Environmental Moni- toring and Information Center” SNCO MNP (EIMC MNP) and analyzed for the period 2011-2017. His- torical data on today's non-functioning monitoring sites have been obtained and analyzed from the EMIC MNP for their working periods also.

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Data on water abstraction for irrigation, drinking-household and hydropower generation and drainage in Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs have been obtained from the Water Resources Management Agency MNP and analyzed. The annual and monthly publications (bulletins, reports) on the ecological/chemical status of Lake Sevan of the "Armenian State Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Service" SNCO MES and EMIC MNP were collected and studied. The scientific publications about the ecological/chemical status of Lake Sevan of the Institute of Hydroe- cology and Ichthyology of NAS was collected and studied. The research data, investigative monitoring reports and scientific publications about the ecological/chemical status of Hrazdan, Qasakh and Sevan RBDs were collected and studied. This information has been used for the delineation, estimation and “pressure-impact” analysis of water bodies, as the majority of water basin management areas are not monitored and no relevant data is available. The research data was used for identifying and delineation of water bodies at risk of Lake Sevan, Qasakh and Hrazdan river basins. The list of used literature and information sources is provided below. All collected data after studied has been carried out selected, systemated, encrypted and sent to the corresponding format. Databases and metadata are provided with specific structure and format presented in Appendix 3 (An- nex 3: Specifications for datasets, metadata and maps production). In the data collection process, the team's experts have collaborated with the with the EUWI + local representative, with the water-related authorities of Armenia ("Armenian State Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Service" SNCO MES, Water Committee MEINR RA, “Environmental Monitoring and Infor- mation Centre” SNCO MNP). The team's experts, in the data collection process, has been discussion about data with the implementing teams of EUWI + projects “Development of Draft River Basin Management Plan for Hrazdan River Basin in Armenia: Part 1 - Characterisation Phase” and “Development of draft River Basin Management Plan for Sevan River basin in Armenia: Part 1 - Characterisation Phase”. Databases and metadata will be provided with specific structure and format presented in Appendix 1 (Annex 1: Specifications for datasets, metadata and maps production).

8.3 Identification of water bodies. Methodology

The technical implementation of the Identification of Water Bodies activities was based on practical application of elements of the WFD and CIS (Common Implementation Strategy) documents. Methodology on delineation and characterisation of surface water bodies The delineation of surface water bodies in the Sevan and Hrazdan River basin areas has based on the provisions laid down in the WFD and the methodologies given in the following guidance documents of the EU Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) for the WFD:

 CIS Guidance Document No. 2 on “Identification of Water Bodies”;  CIS Guidance Document No. 3 on “Analysis of Pressures and Impacts”;  CIS Guidance Document No. 4 on “Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies”;

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 CIS Guidance Document No 5 on “Transitional and Coastal Waters. Typology, Reference Condi- tions and Classification Systems”;

 CIS Guidance Document No. 9 on “Implementing the Geographical Information Systems (GIS)”. Revealing artificial and heavily modified water bodies According to EU WFD, Artificial water body is means a body of surface water created by human activity, where no water has existed before (Article 2). A water body can be designated as artificial water body only if it meets the following criteria:

 Changes in the hydromorphological properties of the water body, which would be required to achieve a good ecological status, would have a significant negative impact on (a) the environment in general; (b) activities for which the water is abstracted, such as fisheries or irrigation; and (c) water regulation, protection against floods, or drainage.

 Due to limited technical resources or excessive costs, the benefits resulting from the artificial nature of the water body would not be achievable through alternative methods, which would be more favorable for the environment. The category of artificial bodies of surface water includes: means modification of river beds and reservoirs, artificial canals built for hydropower, irrigation, drainage ect., uses, lakes formed in pits, ponds, impounded reservoirs and artificial storage basins fed by transferred water. According to WFD, Heavily Modified Water Body is defined as ‘a body of surface water which as a result of physical alterations by human activity is substantially changed in character’ (Article 2). The artificial and heavily modified water bodies of the Sevan and Hrazdan River basin areas has been carried out identified based on the WFD Guidance Document No. 4 "Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies". Identification of Surface Water Bodies at Risk According to the definition of the EU WFD, a Water Body at Risk is a water body that is identified as being at risk of failing the WFD environmental objectives (Article 2). This is based on the results of basin characterization (Article 5) and pressure-impact analysis and/or operational monitoring (Article 8). Water bodies possibly at risk to fail the EU WFD environmental objective is a water body for which datasets are insufficient to apply risk criteria. Based anthropogenic pressure‐impact analysis for the Sevan and Hrazdan RBD, the pressure indicators and risk criteria proposed in the “Guidance Document on addressing hydromorphology and physico‐ chemistry for a Pressure‐Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment according to the EU WFD”, were applied to assess the risk with further identification of water bodies at risk and water bodies possibly at risk. The identification of water body types in the Sevan and Hrazdan River basin areas has been carried out done based on the CIS Guidance Document No. 3 on “Analysis of Pressures and Impacts” by identifying hydromorphological, biological and anthropogenic pressures.

8.4 Pressure and impact analysis

The need for conducting analysis of pressures and impacts for the river basin planning is formulated in Article 5 of the EU WFD. Following Article 5 and the EC CIS Guidance Document No. 3 on the Analysis of Pressures and Impacts, the Driver‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Reponses (DPSIR) approach has been implemented within this RBMP to identify significant pressures and to analyse related impacts. In addition, the EPIRB Guidance document on “Addressing hydromorphology and physico‐chemistry for a Pressure‐Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment according to the EU WFD” (2014) was used.

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As the first step, the following drivers have been identified as relevant for the Sevan and Hrazdan RBD: agriculture, fish farming, hydropower generation, water abstraction for water supply and irrigation, industry, services, tourism, transport, and future infrastructure development. Pressures stemming from these drivers, such as change in the flow regime and discharge and/or chemistry of waters, are analysed according to the following types of pressures:

 point source pollution,  diffuse source pollution,  abstraction,  hydromorphological alterations in the Hrazdan & Sevan RBD. Chemical and hydromorphological status of the surface water bodies of the Hrazdan and Sevan RBD were assessed, and surface water bodies were classified based on the results of the assessment. As- sessment of the chemical status was conducted based on ecological norms of water quality in the Hraz- dan and Sevan RBD that was approved by Government Resolution №75‐N in 2011. Assessment of the hydromorphological status was conducted based on ecological flows norms that was approved by RA Government Decree № 57-N on 25 January 2018. The biological status of biological quality elements was not assessed (no data). In addition, the “Guidance Document on Addressing Hydromorphology and Physico‐Chemistry for a Pressure‐Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment according to the EU WFD” prepared under the framework of the EPRIB Project was applied for the assessment, based on data availability. To analyse pressures from municipal wastewater discharge, the Pressure Indicator 1 of the “Guidance Document on Pressure/Impact Analysis (Risk Assessment) adapted in the EPIRB Project Pilot Basin” and simplified model of point source pollution has been applied. This approach was used for assessment of impact of municipal wastewaters on the quality of water resources in the the other RBM plans (Akhur- yan, Debed, Aghstev and Araratyan) in Armenia. The impact of wastewater was considered as a point source pressure in Sevan and Hrazdan RBD, and the assessment of the impact was conducted based on the number of population and wastewater discharge. Domestic wastewater has characterized by the following parameters, presented in Table 13.

Table 13. Domestic wastewater characterisation.

Person equivalents Parameter gram/capita*day

BOD5 60 Suspended solids 90 Phosphorus 3 Nitrogen total 15.5 Ammonium 10.3 Source: Novotny V., “Water Quality, Diffuse Pollution and Watershed Management”, 2003

Subsequently, having the discharge of wastewater, the concentrations (mg/l) of the above mentioned components in wastewater can be calculated. Having the inflow rate of the aforementioned components in wastewater, as well as the value of minimum river flow, it is possible to calculate the expected concentration of each component in the river water, using the simplified model. Pollutant concentration (C) in the location of the point pressure in river water was calculated by using the following formula:

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C = (Q0C0+Q1C1)/(Q0+Q1). where Q0 is the river discharge before the source pressure point. C0 is the pollutant concentration in the same point of the river water. Q1 is the volume of wastewaters discharged in the location of pressure, C1 the pollutant concentration in wastewaters. Following the same logic, the concentration of pollutants penetrated into the river flow through water discharge was calculated, which were viewed as a quantity of point pressure:

C=Q1C1/(Q0+Q1). In order to assess the pressure of municipal wastewater discharge, an approach taking into account the number of population was used. Weather is a variable included to calculate the BOD5 value. According to the Water Quality Guidelines Memorandum #1 of 1978. 1mg/l of BOD5 is considered as a maximum permissible amount in summer low water conditions and any exceedance is viewed as a significant pressure. Based on the well-known standard, according to which the BOD5 load discharged by wastewaters is calculated to be N*60g/day, where N is the number of population, the concentration (C) of this pollutant was calculated at the point of discharge in river water by the following formula:

C=((60*N*1000)/ (24*60*60)) / Q0 mg/l

8.5 Risk assessment

Impacts of the pressures and their possible risks on water status have been assessed by using the following data available:

 Hydromorphological monitoring data;

 Physico‐chemical and chemical monitoring data: Results of chemical‐physical monitoring from 54 sampling sites in Sevan RBD including Lake Sevan and 23 sampling sites in Hrazdan RBD of the Environmental Monitoring and Information Centre of the MNP. The overall approach has been based on the “Draft Guidance Document on Addressing Hydromorphol- ogy and Physico‐Chemistry for a Pressure & Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment According to the EU WFD”, (2014), which have been adapted taking into consideration data availability in Armenia. The detailed methodology of Risk Assessment (Annex 6). Main pollution sources were assessed using the following indicators:

 Two pressure indicators for pollution from municipal wastewater sources (including industrial wastewater sources as far as possible),

 Two pressure indicators for diffuse agricultural pollution sources.

Pressure Indicator 1: Untreated wastewater This pressure indicator describes the untreated wastewater load in relation to the annual minimum flow. Pressure Indicator 2: Likelihood for diffuse pollution (Driver: Agriculture) This indicator describes the likelihood of diffuse pollution including typical agricultural contaminants, such as nutrients from fertilisers, pesticides and other plant protection products. The indicator uses a general variable for the quantification of agricultural activities. Therefore, not only general physic‐chemical influences are covered but also other impacts that may go along with agriculture, such as pollution with agriculture related priority substances. Pressure Indicator 3: Likelihood for diffuse pollution (Driver: Animal livestock)

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This indicator describes the likelihood of diffuse pollution with typical pollutants stemming from animal 4+ - live stocking, such as nutrients (with potentially toxic (e.g. NH ) or chronic effects (e.g. PO 4) that can impact on biological quality elements and organic matter with potentially negative effects on river oxygen regime). Pressure Indicator 4: Total share of wastewater in the river This indicator describes the total share of wastewater that has been discharged to river from its source. It does not specifically show the expected impact on general physico‐chemical parameters but before all it indicates the likelihood of contamination with conservative substances and substances that tend to accumulate in sediment and biota. This pressure indicator gives an overall estimate for the potential contamination with micro pollutants (such as priority substances and specific pollutants). The Risk criteria used for pressure indicators see in the “River basin management plan for Akhuryan basin management area (Akhuryan and Metsamor river basins). Water body at risk report”. Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG, 2014. Environmental Protection of International River Basins Project. Contract No. 2011/279‐666. Funded by the EU. The status of chemical quality elements was assessed based on the analysis of the monitoring data that were collected between 2013‐2017.

8.6 Delineation of water bodies by ecological flow

The ecological flows of the water bodies in Hrazdan and Sevan water basin management areas have been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Decision No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia. The ecological flow in the river basins has been determined for the hydrological observations points on surface water bodies. Therefore, ecological flow was determined in Qas- akh River basin for 4 hydrological observation points, in Hrazdan River basin for 8 hydrological observations points and for 12 hydrological observations points in Sevan lake basin.

8.7 Coding of the water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan WBMA

The ERIKA encoding system for rivers with 5 and more kilometer length was the basis for the delineation of water bodies. ERIKA encoding system codes cannot be used, as these codes have 7 to 15 characters and each river with more than 5 km length has its own code. Besides, in many cases rivers were grouped to form a single surface water body. Therefore, the following coding scheme was chosen and used: The codes of water bodies, delineated in Hrazdan, Sevan water basin management areas, have the following form: WB X-YYY, which is the following: The first digit X of the code represents the serial number of the water basin management area (Table 14), and the next three-digit number YYY indicate the serial number of the water body in the water basin management area.

Table 14. The Water Basin Management areas in Armenia

Number of the WBMA Name of the WBMA 1 Northern

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Number of the WBMA Name of the WBMA 2 Akhuryan 3 Hrazdan 4 Sevan 5 Ararat 6 Southern

The codes of water bodies at risk, delineated in Hrazdan, Sevan water basin management areas, have the following form: WBR X-YYY,

 [R] is an optional suffix added only if the given WB is identified as a Water Body “at risk”.

The codes of Artificial Water Bodies, delineated in Hrazdan, Sevan water basin management areas, have the following form: AWB X-YYY,

 [A] is an optional suffix added only if the given WB is identified as a Artificial Water Body.

The codes of Heavily Modified Water Body (provisional or not provisional), delineated in Hrazdan, Sevan water basin management areas, have the following form: HMWB X-YYY,

 [HM] is an optional suffix added only if the given WB is identified as a Heavily Modified Water Body.

8.8 Notes on completed characterisation templates

Hydrological and hydro morphological characteristics of delineated surface water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan basins were filled by template in Annex 2. All characteristics which were specified in Annex 2 have been completed according to the requirements. At the same time, it should be noted, that:

 As the study area is small, therefore Bioregion or Sub-Ecoregion were not separated. It is the same Ecoregion.  Geographical coordinates WB characteristic was not filled in template because it is not clear the meaning of the line or surface coordinate.

 Altitude of source (rivers) characteristic is given the source/springhead altitude of water body, which is the same for all other water bodies in the downstream of the same river basin.  Distance to the source (rivers) characteristic is not filled in template, because it is necessary to explain that characteristic.

 Length (rivers) characteristic – is given the length of river, only within the borders of the given water body.

 Discharge (rivers) characteristic is given by the average annual value, m3/sec.  In the case of Annual precipitation characteristic is given only the average annual precipitation in the catchment area of water body.

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The uncertainty in the actual status assessment of chemical and ecological status of water bodies were assessed used the method applied in most Member States: low, medium, high confidence categories.

 Low confidence means no information or no data.  Medium confidence means some important parameters missing in our case priority substances.  High confidence means complete information. Source: Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Guidance document No 13.

8.9 Typology of delineated water bodies

Each surface water body has been differentiated according to type using the System A of the WFD (WFD Annex II, System A, System B), as has been be differentiated using System B with obligatory and optional parameters, without specifying class boundaries (for example differentiated geology, valley form, slope, river bed material, etc.). Determination of typology of surface water bodies The surface water bodies within the river basin were identified as falling within either one of two surface water categories: “rivers” or “lakes”. In addition, artificial water bodies (mainly canals and ponds) and heavily modified water bodies (mainly reservoirs) were identified. Each surface water body within the river basin was differentiated by the relevant ecoregions in accordance with the geographical areas. The Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs belongs to the 24th ecoregion (Caucasus). Than the water bodies were differentiated by surface water body types according to the descriptors defined in the system A of the WFD. The typology of the “river” and “lake” water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs is presented in Table 15 and Table 16 below.

Table 15. Typology of “river” water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan BMAs.

Types Descriptors I II III Ecoregion 24 (Caucasus) Altitude > 800m Geology Siliceous Catchment size, km 2 < 100 100-1000 1000-10000 Table 16. Typology of “lake” water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan BMAs. (Types V and IV applies to only for Sevan Lake).

Types Descriptors I II III IV V VI Ecoregion 24 (Caucasus) Altitude > 800m Geology Siliceous Area size, km 2 0.5-1 1-10 10-100 10-100 100- 100- 1000 1000

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Depth, m 3-15 3-15 3-15 > 15 3-15 >15

8.10 Characterisation of the main sub-catchments

Characterisation of the main sub-catchments (grouped SWB) has been performed in text form and attached in Annex 1. Characterisation of all SWB has been completing the template attached in Annex 2. The list of significant surface water-relevant human pressures within the selected RBDs has been com- piled (with support from International office of Water (IOW)). The existing information about the current monitoring situation within the RBDs including information of ecological/chemical status has been summarized.

8.11 Map production

The mapping of the delineated water bodies of Sevan and Hrazdan RBDs has been implemented according to the provisions and recommendations of EU WFD CIS Guidance Document No 9: “Implement- ing the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) of the Water Framework Directive”. The QGIS maps of SWB with indication of types, pressures and existing monitoring network. The maps of Delineated Surface Water Bodies in the Sevan and Hrazdan basin areas has been created at 1: 50 000 scales. Maps has been created in QGIS format. All GIS maps has been provided as shapefile layers. Maps has been carried out produced using the map template A4 or A3 prepared by the project. Maps include only layers and dataset described in the metadata catalogue and having raw data available on ftp. Maps respect the standard GCS_WGS_1984 (Geographic Coordination System of the World Geodetic System) projection or the official projection adopted at national level with its metadata catalog and database. Dashboard presented in the form of GIS files: mxd. Format, as well as TIF files with 300 dpi, which are presented on the basis of the form presented in the technical task.

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9 OPEN ISSUES FOR DATA GAPS TO BE ADDRESSED IN FUTURE

9.1 Delineation

Data on protected areas, which should be included in the delineation as additional criteria, were not available and shall be regarded in the future.

9.2 Monitoring

The current water quality monitoring network in Sevan and Hrazdan basins was approved in 2007. Tak- ing into account the social-economic changes in the basins and changes in national and international requirements towards the monitoring information the current monitoring network and program do not fully reflect the situation in the water sector and does not provide appropriate, targeted information for the planning and management of river basin districts. The water quality monitoring network in the Sevan and Hrazdan basins district needs the modernization. Taking into account the unbalanced situation and continuously changes in water quality of Lake Sevan, the frequency of water quality monitoring in the lake Sevan needs to be increased and the online meas- urement system needs to be introduced. The very few parameters are monitored from the priority substances of the WFD. Part of the pollutants is available for 2016-2017. There are no time-series monitoring data. That's why it is not possible to make estimation. The Water Quality Monitoring Laboratory of EMIC needs equipment with appropriate instruments and supporting materials for the analysis of the priority substances of the WFD. Water quantity monitoring in Sevan and Hrazdan basins districts needs modernization. Water loss in the water basins is 60-80%, but for many years it is not possible to identify the causes and locations of the losses. Without the loss of water, it is not possible to identify and analyze the whole picture, to analyze and detailed inventorisation of water bodies, efficiently plan and manage the river basin. For this purpose, the modernisation of the hydrological monitoring network and monitoring points, the compliance of the hydrological monitoring system with the WFD requirements. Hydrobiological quality monitoring in Armenia is not implemented. Only in Sevan basin some investigative research is carried out by the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ichthyology of NAS RA with limited budget, technical means and specialists. That's why there is a lack of targeted information. The biological quality elements must be monitored in rivers and lake. According to the Water Framework Directive indicates that monitoring of the biological quality elements must be monitored to assess ecological status of water bodies. WFD compliant methods for the analysis of biological quality elements and their assessment had to be applied for the first time, to establish appropriate classification systems and to put these new methods into practice at the national level. For this proposed hydrobiological monitoring program should be establishing and implement in whole Armenia.

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While conducting the pressure-impact analysis, the Consultant we will use the approach outlined in the EU WFD CIS Guidance Document No 3 “Analysis of Pressures and Impacts”. This document aims at guiding experts and stakeholders in the implementation of EU WFD. It focuses on the analysis of pressures and impacts within the characterization of water bodies according to Article 5 of the EU WFD in the broader context of development of integrated river basin management plans as required by the Directive. But, the information on non-point pollution sources in the Hrazdan and Sevan is not well, and most datasets lack level of detail. There is a need to detail the "pressure-impact" analysis and on filling in these data gaps. The above- mentioned datasets and information will serve for the future analysis and in the river basin management planning process. The Consultants of the Project, together with the representatives of Hrazdan and Sevan Basin Manage- ment Authority, will need to work on filling in these data gaps, and all of the above-mentioned datasets and information will serve as main input for the analysis conducted in the planning process. Based on the secondary analysis of pressures and impacts, significant water management issues will be identified, which will serve a basis for most correct identification of water bodies at risk and development of corresponding Program of Measure (PoM) at later stages of the planning process.

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10 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. DIRECTIVE 2000/60/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 October 2000. (WFD).

2. “Draft Guidance Document on Addressing Hydromorphology and Physico‐Chemistry for a Pres- sure and Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment According to the EU WFD”, 2014.

3. EU, TASIS, Eptisa. “Trans Boundary River Management for the Kura River Basin Phase III – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia” (ENPI/2011/281-959)” Project reference: EP 115034. 2012- 2013.

4. EU, TASIS, Eptisa. “Trans Boundary River Management for the Kura River Basin Phase II – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia” (Europe Aid/125284/C/SER/Multi). 2008-2011.

5. EU WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 2 on “Identification of Water Bodies”;

6. EU WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 3 on “Analysis of Pressures and Impacts”;

7. EU WFD CIS Guidance Document CIS Guidance Document No. 4 on "Identification and Des- ignation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies";

8. EU WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 9: “Implementing the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) of the Water Framework Directive”.

9. Guidance for the analysis of Pressures and Impacts in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. 2002.

10. “Guidance Document on addressing hydromorphology and Physico‐chemistry for a Pressure‐ Impact Analysis/Risk Assessment according to the EU WFD”.

11. “Identification, Delineation and Typology of Surface and Groundwater Bodies in the Akhuryan Basin Management Area of Armenia” Report prepared by “Environmental Policy Analysis” NGO, June 2013.

12. Novotny V., “Water Quality, Diffuse Pollution and Watershed Management”, 2003.

13. “Pressure‐impact analysis report for Akhuryan Basin Management Area”, Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG, 2014. Environmental Protection of International River Basins Project. Funded by the EU.

14. RA Government Decree №75‐N “On establishing the norms for assuring water quality of each Water Basin Management District, depending upon local peculiarities” enacted 27 January 2011.

15. RA Government Decree No. 57-N on 25 January 2018 of the Government of Armenia.

16. RA Government Decree № 927‐N (2011) of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, “On Defining Drinking‐Household and Agricultural Water Demand, and Assessing Ecological Flow by River Basin Management Areas of the Republic of Armenia”.

17. “River basin management plan for Akhuryan basin management area (Akhuryan and Mesamor river basins). Water body at risk report”. Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG, 2014. Environmental Protection of International River Basins Project. Contract No. 2011/279‐666. Funded by the EU.

18. River Basin Management Plan for Akhuryan BMA. Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG, 2014.

19. Water Quality Guidelines Memorandum No.1 of 1978.

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20. USAID Clean Energy and Water Program, 2014 (coordinate system WGS, UTM Zone 38N).

21. WFD Annex 2 (sector 1.2.1. River).

22. WFD Annex 2 (sector 1.2.2. Lake).

Collaborating and data presenting organizations

1. "Armenian State Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Service" SNCO MES. 2. Environmental Monitoring and Information Centre, SNCO of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia. 3. Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA 4. Institute of Hydroecology and Ichthyology of NAS. 5. State Committee of Water of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources. 6. Water Resources Management Agency and its Basin Management Organizations of the Minis- try of Nature Protection.

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11 LIST OF ANNEXES

Annex 1. List of Surface Water bodies in Sevan and Hrazdan Basin Management Areas Annex 1.1. Delineation of water body (not at risk) in Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 1.1.1. List of Surface Water bodies in Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 1.2. Delineation of Artificial Water body of Sevan in Basin Management Area Annex 1.2.1. List of Artificial Water bodies in Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 1.3. Delineation of Heavily Modified Water Bodies in Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 1.4. Delineation of Water Bodies at Risk in Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 1.4.1. List of Water Bodies at Risk in Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 1.5. Delineation of water body (not at risk) of Hrazdan Basin Management Areas Annex 1.5.1. List of Water bodies in Hrazdan Basin Management Area Annex 1.6. Delineation of Artificial Water Body of Hrazdan Basin Management Area Annex 1.6.1. List of Artificial Water bodies in Hrazdan Basin Management Area Annex 1.7. Delineation of Heavily Modified water body of Hrazdan Basin Management Area Annex 1.7.1. List of Heavily Modified Water Bodies in Hrazdan Basin Management Area Annex 1.8. Delineation of Water Bodies at Risk in Hrazdan Basin Management Area Annex 1.8.1. List of Water Bodies at Risk in Hrazdan Basin Management Area

Annex 2. Completed characterisation templates for each SWB (Exel.xlsx format) Annex 2.1. Completed characterisation templates for Sevan River basin SWB bodies Annex 2.2. Completed characterisation templates for Sevan River basin AWB bodies Annex 2.3. Completed characterisation templates for Sevan River basin HMWB bodies Annex 2.4. Completed characterisation templates for Sevan River basin WBR bodies Annex 2.5. Completed characterisation templates for Hrazdan River basin SWB bodies Annex 2.6. Completed characterisation templates for Hrazdan River basin AWB bodies Annex 2.7. Completed characterisation templates for Hrazdan River basin HMWB bodies Annex 2.8. Completed characterisation templates for Hrazdan River basin WBR bodies

Annex 3. Overview of produced layers and datasets including full metadata

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Annex 4. QGIS Maps of SWB with indication of types, pressures and existing monitoring network Annex 4.1. QGIS Maps of SWB for Sevan Basin Management Area Annex 4.2. QGIS Maps of SWB for Hrazdan Basin Management Area

Annex 5. Agendas and minutes of all meetings including lists of participants

Annex 6. Methodology of risk assessment

Annex 7. Water quality standards for the rivers of Sevan and Hrazdan Basin Management Area

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