The capital is entering a water deficit regime. The discharge of water sources supplying Yerevan has decreased by approximately 24%.
According to Veolia Jur CJSC, a 17-hour water supply schedule will be introduced starting May 1 at a number of addresses across all 12 administrative districts of Yerevan. From May 1 to September 16, water will be supplied daily from 07:00 to 24:00. Water supply restrictions will also apply in the Regions. From January 1 to May 1 and from September 16 to January 1, water supply will operate on a 24-hour basis.
The announcement by Veolia Jur triggered public discontent. In response, the company issued a statement explaining the reasons.
“The published water supply schedule is adjusted throughout the year as necessary, taking into account the addition of tens of thousands of new consumers, changes in weather conditions, the technical capacity of the water supply system, the approximately 24% reduction in the discharge of water sources, and the sharp increase in new consumers resulting from construction. The modification of the water supply schedule also aims to prevent water losses during nighttime hours, thereby helping to ensure regular daytime water supply to consumers,” the company stated.
It should be noted that experts from Ecolur Informational NGO have examined the problems in the capital’s water sector and developed the brief entitled “Management of Yerevan’s Water Resources: New Challenges.”
According to Ecolur’s study, the reserves of some of Yerevan’s drinking water sources are either unconfirmed or require reassessment.
Water demand in Yerevan continues to grow annually due to increasing construction volumes, population growth, and climate change. According to Yerevan’s new Master Plan, demand for drinking and industrial water in the capital is expected to increase in the near future from the current 254,563 thousand cubic meters per day to 330,932 thousand cubic meters per day. Demand for technical-quality water for industrial purposes is projected to rise from 50,889 thousand cubic meters per day to 66,156 thousand cubic meters per day.
Despite these projections, the Yerevan Municipality continues to increase the pace of construction. According to official data published on the Municipality’s website, between 2014 and 2023, 23,995 permits were issued for the construction of new buildings and an additional 14,564 permits for the design of new buildings.
The sharp increase in the number of consumers and the additional demand for water have resulted in a steadily growing water deficit.
February 25, 2026 at 17:08