The drinking water in Tsav settlement, Syunik Region, is considered safe for consumption, and its mercury content does not exceed the established maximum permissible level. This was reported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, summarizing the findings of studies conducted by an interagency expert commission. Laboratory tests were carried out both in Armenia and abroad.
It should be recalled that, following an alert raised in early September this year, EcoLur has repeatedly covered concerns about a possible exceedance of mercury levels in Tsav’s drinking water and the need to ensure the safety of the local population.
Below, we present Health Ministry’s official clarification:
“As previously reported, in early September, an alert was received concerning the quality of drinking water in Tsav settlement. During the monitoring conducted in response, a preliminary conclusion indicated that the mercury content exceeded the established maximum permissible level.
Until a final conclusion on water quality could be reached, and in order to prevent potential risks to public health, the settlement’s residents were immediately provided with a safe drinking water supply, and the domestic use of water suspected of being hazardous was restricted.
Over the past month and a half, an Interagency Expert Commission was established to conduct a comprehensive study and in-depth professional assessment of water quality. Under its coordination, an expert group carried out additional investigations to ensure a high level of compliance with established requirements and identify the possible source of the hazard.
The expert group conducted new water sampling and sample preparation, followed by a series of laboratory tests at various laboratories operating both in the Republic of Armenia and abroad.
The results of the studies conducted under the coordination of the Interagency Commission established that the mercury content in the drinking water does not exceed the established maximum permissible level.
In view of the above, based on its mercury content, the water in Tsav settlement is considered safe for drinking and domestic use.
Monitoring of the drinking water will continue on an ongoing basis,” the Ministry stated.
November 02, 2026 at 14:51