Surface water
The Center for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring carries out quantitative and qualitative monitoring of surface and underground waters. The surface water monitoring network includes 79 hydrological observation points, including 68 on rivers, 2 on canals, 5 on reservoirs, and 4 on Lake Sevan. Surface water quality monitoring observation network includes 151 observation points of 6 water basin management areas (Northern, Akhuryan, Hrazdan, Arpa, Sevan basin and South water basin management areas): rivers, reservoirs, Vorotan-Arpa, Arpa-Sevan aqueducts and Lake Sevan. Water quality is characterized by 40-65 physicochemical indicatorsr.
Groundwater
The groundwater freshwater monitoring observation network includes 119 groundwater sources within the Republic’s 6 river basin management areas (Northern, Akhuryan, Hrazdan, Sevan, Ararat and Southern), comprising 25 flowing artesian boreholes, 47 non-flowing boreholes and 47 natural springs.
Measurements of discharge, water level (pressure) and temperature are carried out 6 times per month at these monitoring points.
Groundwater quality monitoring is also conducted twice a year at 55 water sources, with approximately 40 indicators determined at each source, including major anions and cations, metals, and salinity related parameters.
Atmospheric Air Quality
Ambient air quality monitoring is carried out in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Alaverdi, Hrazdan, Ararat, Tsaghkadzor, Charentsavan, Kapan and Kajaran.
The observation network includes 15 stationary active sampling stations and 214 mobile passive sampling stations in the above-mentioned settlements.
Land Cover
To study soil contamination with heavy metals, observations are carried out in both background areas, where anthropogenic impact is absent or minimal and in mining areas.
Waste Disposal Site Research
Research is being conducted to assess the current condition of landfills, as well as to collect data on the volume of waste accumulating at these sites.
Forest and Biodiversity Monitoring
Forest monitoring activities are aimed at conducting comprehensive observations and studies for the conservation and expansion of forest ecosystems. For this purpose, assessments are carried out on the condition of forests and forest lands (including forests located within specially protected natural areas), as well as on quantitative and qualitative changes therein, forest restoration and afforestation processes, forest use, the spread of diseases and pests, forest fires, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors on forests and forest lands, including illegal transport, trade and other harmful activities.
Bulletins on Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of the Republic of Armenia