Norm Deviations in Drinking Water: 'EcoLur'

The Health and Labor Inspectorate of Armenia has detected norm deviations in two samples of drinking water from the Taronik community in the Armavir region and one out of six samples from the Hayanist community in Ararat province. This was reported by 'EcoLur.'

The Inspectorate also found that two artesian wells supplying water to the Artashar community in Armavir do not have sanitary protection zones. No issues were detected in the Sayat Nova community. This information was shared in a letter responding to an inquiry from EcoLur, written by the head of the Inspectorate, Hakob Avagyan.

It’s noteworthy that 'EcoLur' has sent a letter to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan concerning the water issues faced by residents of Taronik, Artashar, Hayanist, and Sayat Nova communities, along with a petition for the restoration of the infringed rights of these residents regarding water access.

Based on these letters, the Health and Labor Inspectorate initiated administrative proceedings in the communities, the results of which were communicated to EcoLur.

The head of the Inspectorate stated in the letter: 'Under the initiative of the Health and Labor Inspectorate, administrative proceedings have been initiated in the communities of Hayanist, Sayat Nova in Ararat province, and Taronik, Artashar in Armavir province to verify compliance with the hygienic requirements for drinking water quality, as set forth in Order No. 876 of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia dated December 25, 2002, and Order No. 803 dated November 11, 2002.' These proceedings have been accompanied by sampling of drinking water for laboratory testing.

The laboratory tests were conducted by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Armenia's Ministry of Health. In the Artashar community of Armavir province, the two artesian wells supplying water are lacking sanitary protection zones, which is a violation of sanitary norms and regulations. An order was issued on August 27, 2019, requiring the rectification of these violations. Currently, work on establishing sanitary protection zones is underway.

Within the framework of the proceedings, laboratory samples of drinking water did not reveal deviations in microbiological, organoleptic, and contamination indicators. An administrative proceeding is expected to be initiated in November to verify compliance with the tasks outlined in the order.

In the Taronik community of Armavir province, water is not provided for drinking purposes to the population, instead being allocated for one hour a day for domestic use due to the lack of a water usage permit from the Ministry of Environment. Laboratory tests on two drinking water samples collected during the proceedings revealed deviations in microbiological indicators according to norms N 2-III-A2-1. The initiated administrative proceedings were closed on the grounds of absence of an administrative violation.

For the Sayat Nova community in Ararat province, water supply is available round the clock. No deviations were detected in the four laboratory samples collected for testing. Since the water is also used for irrigation, it is managed by the Water Supply Organization. The Sayat Nova community administration does not operate the water supply system, therefore the initiated administrative proceedings were closed due to the absence of an administrative violation.

In the Hayanist community of Ararat province, out of six samples of drinking water collected for laboratory tests during the proceedings, one showed deviations in microbiological indicators according to norms N 2-III-A2-1. The Hayanist community administration does not operate the water supply system, hence the initiated administrative proceedings were closed due to the absence of an administrative violation.

Additionally, it is noted that the Minister of Territorial Development and Infrastructure was informed of the proceedings on September 12, 2019, through letter No. 01/8136-19, and was suggested to instruct the relevant divisions to resolve the issues raised by the Health and Labor Inspectorate.