The use of underground waters in Armenia is in need of ecological regulation, according to Tigran Gabrielyan, the Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia. He addressed this issue during a parliamentary session on World Water Day, specifically focusing on the second and final sections of the water resources management package. The package includes measures to monitor the use of underground water resources in the Ararat Valley, the sole source of centralized water supply in Armenia. It also restricts groundwater extraction and sets penalties for unauthorized use of water resources. The aim is to protect water sources such as the Sevana Lake and control excessive exploitation of these resources.

During the parliamentary session, Mr. Gabrielyan highlighted that out of over 700 sources, more than 250 sources were found to be closed. The package proposes the legal regulation of opening these closed sources and requires increased accountability from local administrations regarding the opening of new sources. Several papers have discussed this issue, highlighting cases of excessive water use, unauthorized water connections to physical and legal entities, and involvement of local communities in water resource management. The violation of the groundwater extraction ban, exceeding 150 thousand drams, is categorized as a serious offense in the package, carrying penalties in line with environmental legislation requirements.

Overall, the introduction of ecological regulation for the use of underground waters in Armenia aims to safeguard vital water resources and combat unauthorized and excessive water extraction. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to protect the Ararat Valley as the primary source of centralized water supply in the country and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.