Veolia Water: Water Cuts and Residents' Complaints in Parts of Yerevan

Dozens of citizens from Yerevan have contacted the Aurora News editorial office, complaining about the operations of Veolia Water. Residents from the Nor Nork, Nor Marash, Kanaker-Zeitun, Malatia-Sebastia, Erebuni, and Shengavit administrative districts have reached out to the media.

Regarding the complaints, we spoke with a representative of the company. Veolia Water specifically stated, “Due to the unprecedented high temperatures recorded in the country, as well as peak water consumption, some parts of Yerevan are experiencing violations of the water supply schedule. The most vulnerable areas are particularly the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 9th districts of Nor Nork, certain parts of Nor Marash and Kanaker-Zeitun districts, and the village of Jrvezh.

The issue is that water consumption volumes have sharply increased recently, with drinking water being used for irrigation purposes coinciding with a decrease in the flow of water from sources. It should be noted that the aforementioned districts are supplied exclusively from the “Katnaghbyur” water main, and due to the characteristics of the terrain, it is technically impossible to supply water to these areas from other sources.

We assure you that Veolia Water recognizes the seriousness of the situation and takes full responsibility. The team is working around the clock, conducting daily operations to prevent water losses and integrate that water volume into the system. Every individual is in their place, all resources have been mobilized, and what can be described as the entire water volume is being channeled from the sources. We ask for your understanding and assure that the current situation is temporary, and everything possible is being done to restore water supply to the aforementioned areas as soon as possible.

Veolia Water also informs that for years, the water supply in certain communities of the Masis region of Ararat has been carried out exclusively from the Ararat deep wells, which were initially designed to ensure the water supply for that area. Since January 2017, after assuming responsibility for water supply throughout the territory of Armenia, Veolia Water has sought to improve the water supply for this and adjacent areas by introducing certain technical solutions, beginning to supply water here from the Garni and Arzakan springs, which differ from deep well water in their sensory indicators.

During the summer months, due to an increase in water demand related to hot weather, consumption increases, and the water from Garni and Arzakan springs is simply insufficient to ensure the water supply for the respective area. Therefore, in certain communities of the Masis region, and parts of Yerevan's Malatia-Sebastia, Erebuni, and Shengavit districts, water supply is being conducted from the Ararat deep wells.

It is true that the quality of the water from these deep wells lags behind the water from mountain springs in its sensory and physico-chemical properties, but it fully meets the requirements of sanitary rules and regulations.

At the end of the summer, alongside a reduction in the volume of water consumption, a transition back to water supply from Garni and Arzakan sources will occur. We also inform that during this period, water from Garni and Arzakan springs is regularly added to the Ararat water source at the very first opportunity.

For Veolia Water, drinking water quality is one of the primary concerns, and every possible step is taken to maintain it in accordance with the sanitary norms and regulations in force in Armenia.