

In Vayots Dzor, water resources are not being utilized effectively. Only 20% of the region’s water is used for irrigation, covering only 18.75% of arable land. The region faces challenges due to aging infrastructure, climate change, and industrial impact on water quality.
Reservoir Construction
Gegham Margaryan, Head of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Department of Vayots Dzor Regional Municipality, reports ongoing efforts to utilize water from Herher Reservoir for irrigation. Although the reservoir has 26 million cubic meters of water, it fills and empties without irrigating land effectively.
The government planned to construct reservoirs in six villages; however, due to climate change, water availability has decreased by about 50%, making two of the planned reservoirs unfeasible.
Irrigation and Water Supply System Issues
Aging infrastructure exacerbates water losses, with irrigation systems dating back to the 1970s-1980s in disrepair. "Yeghegnadzor" Water Users Association (WUA) can only irrigate about 50% of the designated areas in Yeghegnadzor and Vayk.
Challenges in Yeghegis
Yeghegis village manages its own water resources, including cleaning canals and delivering water. The longest canal, which runs through Artabuynq, faces challenges due to silt and blockages from melting snow. Local administration believes funding is needed for proper maintenance.
Additionally, Yeghegis is reluctant to transfer its drinking water system to "Veolia Water" due to trust issues.
Impact of Mining on Water Resources
Mining operations in Vayots Dzor pose a risk of contamination with heavy metals and toxic substances, particularly from the planned Amulsar gold mine development.
Concerns include potential contamination of 21% of the region’s water, which originates from mining areas, affecting downstream agricultural lands, particularly in Areni, where vineyards are at risk.
Impact of Small Hydropower Plants (SHPPs)
Thirty-four SHPPs operate in Vayots Dzor, with 17 of these impacting rivers in Yeghegis community.
Margaryan notes that reduced water flow due to climate change, along with outdated water usage standards, requires revision. Environmental issues identified include inadequate environmental releases, fish passage disruptions, and cumulative impacts from multiple HPPs operating in cascades without adequate environmental assessment.
The article was produced with the financial support of the Media Initiatives Center within the framework of "Expanding Production of Independent Content" grant project.
October 29, 2024 at 18:48