Azerbaijan's Tap Water: Safe For Drinking?

Azerbaijan has a reputation for being an environmental disaster zone, with severe air, water, and soil pollution. The country's water quality is considered poor, with a rating of 3/10. A large percentage of Azerbaijan's citizens lack easy access to drinkable water, and groundwater pollution from oil spillages, pipeline and storage tank leakages, and factory waste dumped into rivers have all contributed to the country's water woes. As a result, it is generally unsafe to drink tap water in Azerbaijan, and bottled water is recommended.

Tap water in Azerbaijan is generally unsafe to drink

The quality of the water in Azerbaijan is also a major issue. Groundwater pollution from oil spillages, pipeline and storage tank leakages, and factory waste dumped into rivers have all contributed to the poor quality of water in the country. The water is so contaminated with petroleum, heavy metals, and possibly radiation that it is unsafe to drink. These contaminants can lead to health complications such as cancer and the transmission of bacterial diseases such as cholera and hepatitis.

Due to these issues, it is recommended to drink bottled water in Azerbaijan.

Water scarcity is an issue in Azerbaijan

Water scarcity is a significant issue in Azerbaijan, with the country facing growing challenges related to its water resources. The problem has been a cause for concern for many years, and despite state promises to address it, shortages persist. Azerbaijan ranks 46th in the world for water scarcity, and the entire region has very low volumes of freshwater. While there have been some efforts to utilise underground aquifers, these are typically advised to be approached with caution.

The water shortage in Azerbaijan is attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a lack of proper water infrastructure, including wastewater treatment and management facilities. This is particularly evident in the northern region of Zaqatala, where outdated infrastructure has likely contributed to water access issues. The growing urban population, driven by internal migration, further exacerbates the strain on water resources. Baku, the capital city, has struggled with water supply issues for years, with residents divided into three categories: those with constant access, those with private access for a few hours a day, and those with no connection at all.

The management of water resources in Azerbaijan is complex, with multiple state institutions involved. The recent establishment of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ASWRA) was intended to centralise water management, but experts argue that this approach is unhelpful. They suggest that responsibilities should be distributed among relevant state institutions to improve efficiency.

The impact of the water scarcity issue is felt most heavily by the local population, especially those in rural areas and farmers. Protests by residents of Saatli over water shortage problems were met with rubber bullets by the government. The climate crisis, excessive agriculture, numerous reservoirs, droughts, pollution, and chronic mismanagement further compound the problem.

To address the water scarcity issue, Azerbaijan is working on creating a National Water Policy and has established a Union of Azerbaijani Universities to increase collaboration on research related to climate change challenges, including water scarcity. However, experts argue that many existing measures are insufficient, and more decisive action is needed to alleviate the problem.

Water quality is poor due to groundwater pollution

Azerbaijan has been facing a growing water shortage, which has been exacerbated in recent years. The country's main water source, the Kura River, has been shrinking due to excessive agriculture, and experts believe it may soon dry up before reaching the Caspian Sea. The second-largest river, the Araxes, has also been affected by shrinking water volume, with the issue worsened by numerous reservoirs taking water from the river. The situation is so severe that it has attracted high-level attention, with President Ilham Aliyev acknowledging the crisis and drought contributing to the problem.

The water supplied to residents, particularly in the capital city of Baku, is often unreliable and unsafe for drinking. Baku residents have long faced serious problems with their water supply, with some areas only receiving water for a few hours a day or not having access to running water at all. The water is described as having a strange smell and containing sand and stones, leading to skin problems for some individuals. While the authorities claim that the water is safe for consumption, the majority of residents prefer to use alternative sources of drinking water, such as boiled water, bottled water, or water filtered through household filters or those placed directly on the water pipe.

The poor water quality and unreliable supply have led to various solutions employed by Baku residents. Some use water filters, while others boil their water before drinking it. In the suburbs, where most residents live in their own houses, people install water tanks in their courtyards or dig up "pools"—underground concrete boxes. Others purchase drinking water, which is brought in by tanker trucks, and fill up tanks for bathing and washing dishes.

The government has recognized the issue and has implemented measures to address the water shortage. The "Action Plan for 2020-2022 on ensuring efficient use of water resources" was approved in July, and the government has commissioned new reservoirs, water pipelines, and irrigation canals. However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures in solving the country's water problems, and the situation remains critical.

The government is trying to improve the situation

Groundwater pollution from oil spillage, pipeline and storage tank leakage, and factory waste dumped into rivers have all contributed to the poor water quality in Azerbaijan. Additionally, the salinity of the water table due to seawater intrusion, rusted water pipes, and obsolete and broken equipment in water treatment plants have further reduced water quality. The government has acknowledged the issue, with Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev describing the situation as "tense" in 2020.

Efforts to improve the situation include the expansion of the centralized water supply system in Baku, the capital. In the last decade, the number of people with access to this system has increased from 1.56 million to 2.366 million. The volume of water supplied from various sources in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula has also increased by 23% in the last ten years, according to U.N. reports. As a result of various projects between 2011 and 2013, 600,000 more people gained access to an uninterrupted water supply.

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has also been installing modular sewage treatment plants in villages along rivers, benefiting more than 200 villages. Looking to the future, it may be possible to acquire drinking water from the Caspian Sea. While there are ongoing challenges, the government's interest in expanding regional water purification facilities and Baku's new water pipeline indicate a desire to bring about positive change in water quality in Azerbaijan.

Bottled water is recommended for drinking

The Absheron Peninsula, where 50% of Azerbaijanis live, is considered by many scientists to be the most ecologically devastated area in the world due to severe air, water, and soil pollution. The poor water quality in the country can facilitate the transmission of bacterial diseases such as cholera and hepatitis, and traces of heavy metals in the water can lead to health complications such as cancer.

While the government has made some efforts to improve the environmental situation and expand access to water, these improvements often come at the expense of environmental sustainability. As a result, it is recommended that visitors to Azerbaijan drink bottled water to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.

If you are travelling to Azerbaijan, it is important to take precautions to ensure your health and safety. In addition to drinking bottled water, make sure to wash your hands frequently and practise good hygiene. It is also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before your trip to get advice on any specific precautions you should take, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Frequently asked questions