Introduction
Azerbaijan has been grappling with a severe water resource shortage for several years, a challenge that, according to both local and international experts, demands immediate action. The country generates only 30% of its water resources domestically, with the remaining 70% flowing in from neighboring countries such as Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and Iran. In recent years, Azerbaijan has increasingly felt the impact of climate change. In 2022, Azerbaijan’s water reserves dropped to 17 billion cubic meters, a significant decline from the previously recorded 30 billion cubic meters. This reduction resulted from decreased atmospheric precipitation across the region, affecting not only Azerbaijan but its neighbors as well.
The accumulated water stress is further confirmed by data from the World Resources Institute, which classifies Azerbaijan as a country facing medium to high water stress risk (20-40%). In the latest report from the Institute, Azerbaijan ranks 59th out of 164 countries expected to face water shortages by 2050. Projections outlined in Azerbaijan’s National Report to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change suggest that this trend will worsen. Depending on various scenarios, water resources could decrease by 5-15% by 2040 and by 10-25% by 2070.
National Strategy
To mitigate the effects of water resource depletion, Azerbaijan has developed an ambitious “National Strategy for the Rational Use of Water Resources.” Approved on 10 October 2024 by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev, the strategy aims to eliminate fragmentation between various government agencies and address the country’s water scarcity problem. Azerbaijan’s water resources are notably limited, with a total of 26.2 billion cubic meters of renewable freshwater, of which 13.2 billion cubic meters are transboundary waters, making water management a critical issue for the country.
The coordination of activities outlined in the National Strategy has been entrusted to a commission established by presidential decree No. 1986, dated April 15, 2020, titled “On Measures to Ensure the Efficient Use of Water Resources.” The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan has appointed the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication to monitor and assess the implementation of the strategy. Given the importance of effective water management, the country also aims to improve water accounting and control measures, particularly for the 10,000+ artesian wells in operation, of which accurate water usage monitoring is a challenge.
As part of this strategy, by 2030, Azerbaijan plans to construct 13 new reservoirs, reducing its reliance on transboundary water resources and significantly improving water security. The strategy also calls for the improvement of irrigation systems and the enhancement of water use efficiency in agriculture, where currently 50% of irrigation water is lost before reaching the end-users. Through the adoption of new technologies, including modern irrigation systems, these losses could be reduced by 42% by 2027. In addition, by 2028, the country aims to provide drinking water to 85% of the population, with the goal of achieving 100% water coverage by 2040.
Additionally, significant attention will be given to reducing water losses in supply systems, where 37% of drinking water is currently lost due to aging infrastructure. According to government plans, these losses will be reduced to 33% by 2027. The strategy also envisions the active adoption of alternative water sources, such as desalination and water reuse technologies. By 2040, Azerbaijan plans to fully integrate alternative sources, including new reservoirs, desalination, and waste recycling technologies, to ensure a sustainable water supply for its growing population and industrial needs.
A key milestone in Azerbaijan’s international cooperation on water security will be hosting the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). This event will provide the country with a unique opportunity to lead global discussions on water security and propose global initiatives for the protection and sustainable use of water resources. Experts anticipate that COP29 will focus on new commitments and concrete goals to improve global water management, with Azerbaijan playing a pivotal role in these discussions. With 140+ reservoirs already in place, including the Mingachevir Reservoir with a capacity of 15.7 billion cubic meters, Azerbaijan’s experience in managing large-scale water infrastructure will be a crucial part of its contributions to these global efforts.
The strategy also aligns with Azerbaijan’s goals in sustainable development, focusing on mitigating the effects of climate change, addressing extreme weather risks, and ensuring water and energy security by integrating modern technologies like digital water management systems and smart irrigation.
Prospects for Seawater Desalination
As part of the National Strategy for the Rational Use of Water Resources for 2024-2040, comprehensive measures are outlined to ensure effective water resource management, prevent pollution, and utilize alternative sources of water. A significant focus is placed on seawater desalination, a key area of development that began in the early 2010s.
In 2012, a water desalination facility was constructed to treat water from the Shirvan collector, with an initial capacity of 2,500 cubic meters per day. By 2016, a second facility was added, doubling the capacity to 5,000 cubic meters per day. These plants are equipped with reservoirs and storage tanks to ensure a steady supply of water, crucial for meeting the increasing demand in the region.
In 2013, a desalination plant was built in the village of Khydyrly in the Salyan district, utilizing reverse osmosis technology to purify seawater to drinking water standards. As demand for fresh water increased, this plant became a pilot project, aiming to gain experience in using alternative sources of fresh water in a country with limited natural reserves of this resource. Initially, the plant was equipped to produce 1,000 cubic meters of fresh water daily. By 2016, the plant’s capacity was doubled to 2,000 cubic meters per day, without requiring additional construction. This marked an important step in Azerbaijan’s efforts to develop alternative water sources and address water scarcity challenges.
Building on these early efforts, in 2023, President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree to launch a new pilot project for seawater desalination to improve the water supply for Baku and surrounding areas. As Rashail Ismayilov, Head of the Department at the Scientific Research Institute of Azerbaijan’s Melioration, announced, the desalinated water from the Caspian Sea will be supplied to households on the Absheron Peninsula, including Baku. This initiative is a core part of the National Strategy for 2024-2040, which also outlines the Sustainable Development Goals related to water and sanitation, with 156 specific objectives directly connected to water management and environmental sustainability.
Preparations are already underway for this major desalination project, including the planning of a tender process. The new facility, expected to be located near Sumgayit, will have a production capacity of 100 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually. The project is set to be implemented over 27.5 years, marking a significant long-term commitment to addressing water scarcity in the region. For the first time, this project will employ a public-private partnership model, with the treated water intended for drinking purposes. Ismayilov further noted that the water will undergo complex technological processes and meet all quality standards before reaching the homes of Absheron residents. Though it remains a pilot project, it is anticipated that residents across Baku and nearby areas will benefit from the distribution of desalinated water.
In addition to seawater desalination, the National Strategy includes a project to treat wastewater at the Govsan Aeration Station. After purification, this treated, non-potable water will be used for irrigation and other technical purposes, further optimizing water resource use in the country.
Agreements have already been signed with leading international companies, including the Israeli water operator Mekorot Water Company, and discussions have been held with the Saudi company ACWA Power to provide technical support and implement advanced desalination technologies. Furthermore, in 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the renowned Israeli company I.D.E. Water Assets Ltd and the Azerbaijan Investment Company for cooperation in establishing a desalination plant on the Caspian Sea. A total of 14 foreign private companies, including Swiss firms, are currently involved in the desalination process.
Liberated Territories
Special attention to water resource management in Azerbaijan will be directed towards the liberated territories of the Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions. Plans are underway to construct 28 hydroelectric power stations in these areas, which will not only address water issues but also provide the region with renewable “green” energy. These initiatives are part of Azerbaijan’s broader strategy to rebuild the infrastructure and ensure sustainable development in these territories.
These areas suffered not only from armed conflict but also from severe environmental damage inflicted by Armenian forces during the years of occupation. Significant areas of forest and water resources were either destroyed or heavily polluted. The districts of Kalbajar, Lachin, and Zangilan were particularly affected, with approximately 60,000 hectares of forested land decimated. This large-scale destruction has had long-term impacts on the region’s ecological balance and biodiversity.
Moreover, water resources in Karabakh were weaponized as a political tool. During the occupation, Armenian forces controlled reservoirs and water flows, often cutting off water supply during the crucial summer months, when it was most needed for irrigation, and releasing it in the winter, which caused flooding. This manipulation of water resources created serious challenges for agricultural activities in the surrounding areas of Azerbaijan, leading to the degradation of fertile lands and substantial economic losses. The reconstruction of water infrastructure and sustainable management of these resources is essential for restoring agricultural productivity and revitalizing these regions.
One of the most severely affected areas is the Okhchuchay, a transboundary river that was heavily polluted by Armenian mining operations. The levels of heavy metals such as copper, molybdenum, iron, and zinc in the river far exceeded permissible limits, causing mass fish die-offs, including species like the golden trout. The pollution not only harmed the region’s ecosystem but also affected the water quality in the Araz River, into which Okhchuchay flows.
After Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day war and the liberation of these territories, the country regained the ability to effectively utilize the region’s water resources. It is estimated that the area holds over 2 billion cubic meters of water resources, providing significant opportunities for the development of irrigation systems and water supply infrastructure.
One of the key water infrastructure facilities in the region is the Sarsang Reservoir, located on the Terter River, with a capacity of 560 million cubic meters. This reservoir plays a crucial role in supplying water to Karabakh and the surrounding regions. Its importance was recognized during the Soviet era, and Heydar Aliyev personally attended its opening in 1976. Thanks to the Sarsang Reservoir, more than 96,000 hectares of land in districts such as Barda, Terter, Agdam, Aghjabedi, and Goranboy can be irrigated, making it an essential element of the region’s agricultural infrastructure.
Another important facility is the Sugovushan Reservoir, also built in 1976. After 28 years of occupation, this reservoir was returned to Azerbaijani control, and restoration work is now underway. It holds strategic importance for irrigating the same 96,000 hectares of land in neighboring districts, contributing to the revival of agriculture in the region.
The reconstruction of reservoirs and irrigation systems continues, significantly improving agricultural conditions and promoting the development of the liberated territories. According to the State Water Resources Agency, the restoration of five major reservoirs—Khachinchay, Sugovushan, Kendelenchay-1, Kendelenchay-2, and Lower Kendelenchay—is nearing completion. These projects will enable the rational use and storage of water for future needs, supporting sustainable agricultural development and ensuring a stable water supply for these revitalized areas.
How Switzerland Can Support
Years of practice and scientific research confirm that to meet the water needs of the population, it is not only abundant water sources that are necessary but also their rational use through advanced technologies. Azerbaijan, despite facing a 24% reduction in its water resources between 2000 and 2023, still possesses significant reserves. The total volume of renewable fresh water in the country reaches 26.2 billion cubic meters, which includes both surface and groundwater sources. With proper management and technological innovation, these reserves could last for many years.
As mentioned earlier, a substantial portion of these water resources—about 70%—comes from abroad, making Azerbaijan dependent on transboundary water flows. Only 4.6 billion cubic meters are generated within the country, underscoring the critical need for effective and rational water resource management. This is where Switzerland’s expertise and advanced technologies can play a pivotal role.
Switzerland is one of the world’s leaders in water resource management and consistently ranks high in international indices such as the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The country is regularly placed among the top five or ten globally for drinking water quality and environmental management. In the specific category of water resource management and wastewater treatment, Switzerland ranks 8th, with a treatment efficiency rate of 97%. This expertise positions Switzerland as a key partner for Azerbaijan in improving its water resource management systems, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring sustainable water use.
Around 80% of Switzerland’s water resources are used for hydropower generation, making water use not only sustainable but also economically beneficial. At the same time, water losses in Switzerland’s supply system are minimal—less than 10%, significantly below the global average. Such results have been achieved through comprehensive investments in modernizing water infrastructure and implementing automated control systems. These technologies could be adapted and applied in Azerbaijan to improve water use efficiency, especially in light of the country’s reliance on transboundary water sources and the need for more sustainable management practices.
Switzerland’s water resources are not only protected but also rationally managed, thanks to a stringent legislative framework. Swiss water laws regulate water collection, purification, and distribution, ensuring high management standards. A key feature of this system is the multi-level monitoring system, which enables water quality control at the federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. This system allows for the quick identification and resolution of issues within the water supply networks, a model that Switzerland could share with Azerbaijan to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of its water management practices.
Moreover, Switzerland is a global leader in international cooperation on water resource management, which could provide a strong foundation for collaboration with Azerbaijan. Swiss scientific institutions, such as Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for water resource management. These institutions could offer valuable models and expertise that Azerbaijan can leverage to optimize its own water systems, from improving infrastructure to developing new strategies for water conservation and management.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan stands on the brink of addressing one of its most critical challenges—managing water resources amidst growing scarcity. Through focused efforts and large-scale initiatives, such as the National Strategy for the Rational Use of Water Resources, the country is already making significant strides toward ensuring a sustainable water supply. International cooperation, particularly with Israel and Switzerland, whose expertise in water technology and management is highly advanced, plays a crucial role in supporting Azerbaijan’s efforts to enhance its water resource management capabilities.
The liberated territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur hold special significance in achieving water security. The restoration of destroyed infrastructure, including reservoirs and irrigation systems, as well as the development of new hydroelectric power plants, will create the necessary conditions for the rational use of water resources in these regions. These efforts will not only tackle the immediate water supply challenges but also support the revival of agriculture, facilitate economic recovery, and enhance ecological security in the area.
By combining international expertise with national initiatives, Azerbaijan is positioning itself to manage its water resources effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability for the entire country. The integration of advanced technologies and strategic partnerships will be key to overcoming water scarcity and promoting economic and environmental resilience across all regions of Azerbaijan.
