We are in solidarity with Turkey on this issue: Head of the Water Committee

The Head of the Water Committee, Vahagn Gevorgyan, spoke to MediaHub about the state of our reservoirs this year and whether we have sufficient water reserves. Last year was considered a water-scarce year, creating certain challenges. This year, Gevorgyan stated that, much to the delight of our farmers, businesses, and all of us, our water supplies are in much better shape compared to the previous dry year.

“We currently have a significant amount of water stored in our reservoirs, and in Armenia, we have reservoirs where we are already releasing excess water. For instance, at Lake Arpi. I am pleased to report that in the next couple of days, we will also be releasing water from the Azat reservoir. Another positive news is that if last year, on this same date, we had withdrawn 30 million cubic meters of water from Lake Sevan, this year we have not opened it at all,” said Gevorgyan.

When asked what has contributed to this improvement, whether it was due to abundant rainfall or management issues that have been resolved, he replied: “You see, last year being a water-scarce year, we can say that due to effective management and the right water circulation, we achieved smooth irrigation. This year, we should simply note that there has been considerable rainfall, and we currently have no issues with opening Lake Sevan. I must also mention that the level of Sevan has already risen by +10 cm compared to last year.”

“We have a reservoir at the border with Turkey that we use jointly. How does that cooperation with the Turks work? Is there ever a situation where they take more water from us, or vice versa?”

“On this issue, we have been in solidarity with them since the 1920s-30s. I want to say that we are conducting daily operational work, and during the summer season, there are also meetings on both the Armenian and Turkish sides, and, one can say, such issues do not arise due to cooperation.”

“Is there a situation where depending on the season, we ask them for water, or they ask us for water?”

“Of course, there are times. For example, during the summer heat in August, we need much more water in the Armavir region than they do. But for them, it is similarly the case in October when they mainly withdraw water for corn, barley, or other crops.”

“In any case, the 50/50 balance stipulated by the contract is maintained throughout the year.”

“So in the summer, we take water from them, and in the autumn, they take from us?”

“Yes, but in any case, the 50/50 balance is essentially maintained throughout the year.”

“When was the last time you met with the Turkish side?”

“I met with them last year on their side. Negotiations are primarily conducted by the closed joint-stock company 'Water Resources' along with their specialists.”

“Are there any reservoirs at risk along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border that could become part of the risk zone as a result of the delimitation process, potentially passing partially or completely to Azerbaijan?”

“We have no reservoirs at risk; we only have the Joghaz reservoir in the Tavush region. At this moment, I cannot say how the delimitation will occur, but since the times of the Soviet Union, it has been on the Azerbaijani side; only the pump station part was in our territory. In the period following independence, one can say that the reservoir was not utilized, but if it is used, it must still be used jointly.”