"The possibilities of obtaining clean water for the population of the lowlands are zero"

According to a report titled "Water Map of the World" prepared by Yale University, Azerbaijan has been identified as having the poorest drinking water quality in the region. The report utilized a 100-point scale to assess water quality, assigning Azerbaijan a score of 46.5 points. In comparison, Armenia received a score of 61.7 points, Russia scored 55.8 points, Georgia scored 52.3 points, Iran scored 48.8 points, and Turkey scored 47 points.

Residents in Azerbaijan, such as Elman Mehtiyev from the balakan district, have reported severe issues with their drinking water. Mehtiyev stated that whenever it rains, mud flows from the taps, and even during dry periods, untreated water is supplied directly from the river. He added that in the summer, water is provided on a scheduled basis.

The State Water Resources Agency informed Turan, a news agency, that Azerbaijan has been developing a new standard for drinking water since May. The "Drinking Water. The State Standard" hygienic requirements and quality control standard, AZS 929:2023, has been implemented. The formulation of this standard took into account recommendations from the European office of the World Health Organization, the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe directive on water quality for human consumption.

Until now, drinking water quality control in Azerbaijan has been based on the GOST 2874-82 standards adopted during the Soviet era.

Ilgar Huseynli, the chairman of the public union for Social Strategic Studies and analytical studies, told Radio Azadlig that water pollution in Azerbaijan is significantly higher compared to other countries. He explained that 70% of Azerbaijan's water supply comes from transboundary rivers, which become polluted as they pass through other countries. The Araz River, for example, receives radioactive waste discharge from the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. In contrast, Armenia and Georgia rely on inland mountainous water sources for their water supply.

Huseynli attributed the issue to two factors. Firstly, he mentioned the impact of transboundary pollution, and secondly, he pointed to internal management concerns. He questioned whether the German companies responsible for cleaning the Jeyranbatan water basin are employing devices that fully meet international standards.

Huseynli further noted that in some cases, the Central Lowland region in Azerbaijan uses diluted water from the Araz River, implying that the population in this area has limited access to clean water. He mentioned that modular devices have been installed, but they still rely on chlorination, a practice abandoned by many countries globally.

According to Huseynli, investing in water infrastructure is crucial, but corruption poses a challenge in Azerbaijan. He argued that the funds spent on seaside villas owned by certain officials could instead be utilized to install water treatment facilities in 20 locations across Azerbaijan, in accordance with modern standards.