Delineation Report_Armenia_March 2013
”Environmental Protection of International River Basins”
Activity 2.2: Water body identification and typology
AKHURYAN PILOT BASIN, ARMENIA
March 2013
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................5
1. Criteria and Procedure of Delineation of Surface Water Bodies....................................................................5
1.1 Summary of the methodology for identifying surface water bodies .......................................................5
1.2 Coding of the Water Bodies in Akhuryan Basin Management Area ........................................................6
2. Identification and delineation of Surface Water Bodies ...............................................................................7
3. Typology of Delineated Water Bodies ............................................................................................................8
4. Identification of Heavily Modified and Artificial Surface Water Bodies .........................................................9
4.1 Identification of Artificial Surface Water Bodies ......................................................................................9
4.2 Identification of Heavily Modified Surface Water Bodies………………………………………..12
5. Identification of Surface Water Bodies “at risk” ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6. Water Bodies within Protected Areas ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7. Mapping of Delineated Water Bodies ......................................................................................................... 20
References ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Annex I. List of Delineated Surface Water Bodies in Akhuryan BMA .............................................................. 23
Annex II Methodology for Identification, Delineation and Classification of Surface Water Bodies...24
Page 1 of 38
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AMD
Armenian Dram
ASH
Armenian State Hydro-meteorological and Monitoring Service
AWB
Artificial Water Body
BOD
Biological Oxygen Demand
CIS
Common Implementation Strategy
CJSC
Closed Joint-Stock Company
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand
CWME
Country Water Management Expert
EC
European Commission
EIMC
Environmental Impact Monitoring Center
EPIRB
Environmental Protection of International River Basins Project
ERICA
European Rivers and Catchment Areas coding system
EU
European Union
GIS
Geographic Information Systems
ha
Hectare
HGMC
Hydro-Geological Monitoring Center
HMWB
Heavily Modified Water Body
HPP
Hydro-Power Plant
IDC
Identification, delineation and classification
IWRM
Integrated Water Resources Management
JSC
Joint Stock Company
km
Kilometer
MAC
Maximum Allowable Concentration
MNP
Ministry of Nature Protection
RA
Republic of Armenia
RB
River Basin
RBD
River Basin District
RBMP
River Basin Management Plan
SWC
ToR
State Water Cadastre
Terms of reference
WB
Water Body
WBMA
Water Basin Management Area
WFD
Water Framework Directive
WRMA
Water Resources Management Agency
Page 2 of 38
Definitions
Term
Explanation
Artificial water body
A body of surface water created by human activity.
Bad status
Large portions of biological communities normally associated with the
surface water type under undisturbed conditions are absent.
Baseflow
The usual, reliable, background level of flow in a river, maintained generally
by seepage from groundwater storage, but also by interflow, which means
that the river can maintain the base flow during dry periods. With
prolonged drought, baseflow itself will diminish.
Competent authority
The authority or authorities identified by the Member States for the
application of the rules of the Water Framework Directive within each
River Basin District lying within their territory.
Deep flow
Deep flow is part of the groundwater flow, which through penetrating deep
horizon flows outside of a given basin to other basin or flows in from other
basin to a given basin.
Driver
An anthropogenic activity that may have an environmental effect.
Ecoregion
A recurring pattern of ecosystems associated with characteristic
combinations of soil and landform that characterize that region, within
which there is spatial coincidence in characteristics of geographical
phenomena associated with differences in the quality, health, and integrity
of ecosystems.
Good Status
Slight changes compared to the natural condition: The values of the
biological quality elements for the surface water body type show low levels
of distortion resulting from human activity, but deviate only slightly from
those normally associated with the surface water body type under
undisturbed conditions.
Heavily modified water
body
A body of surface water which as a result of physical alterations by human
activity is substantially changed in character.
High status
Little or no sign of anthropogenic disturbance.
Impact
The environmental effect of the pressure (e.g. fish killed, ecosystem
modified).
Interflow
The lateral movement of water that occurs in the unsaturated zone.
Interflow is the part of stream flow that has infiltrated the ground but has
not entered the zone of saturation.
Lake
A body of standing surface water that is not linked to an ocean.
Moderate status
Moderate changes compared to the natural condition.
Point source of pollution
A point source of pollution is a single identifiable source of air, water,
thermal, and noise or light pollution.
Pond
An artificial body of surface water, created by damming in the water with
the help of dykes or by turning off the water flow, used for fish growing or
irrigation etc, with a volume of water, at the normal retention level, up to
one million m3.
Poor status
Biological communities deviate substantially from those normally associated
with the surface water type under undisturbed conditions.
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Term
Explanation
Pressure
The direct effect of the driver for example, an effect that causes a change
in flow or a change in the water chemistry.
Reference condition
Type specific biological reference conditions shall be established,
representing the values of the biological quality elements at high ecological
status for each surface water body type.
Reservoir
An artificial body of water, which constitutes a reserve of water, with
possible use for different purposes, with a volume of water, at the normal
retention level, over one million m3.
Response
The measures taken to improve the state of the water body (e.g.
restricting abstraction, limiting point source discharges, developing best
practice Guidance for agriculture).
River basin
The area of land from which all surface run-off flows through a sequence of
streams, rivers and, possibly, lakes into the sea at a single river mouth,
estuary or delta.
River Basin District
The area of land and sea, made up of one or more neighboring river basins
together with their associated ground waters and coastal waters.
River Basin Management
Plan
The River Basin Management Plan summarizes and presents the analysis,
characterization, monitoring results and program of measures in one
document, which can be used for the dialogue with the stakeholders
(including the public information and consultation).
Significant Pressure
Any pressure that on its own, or in combination with other pressures, may
lead to a failure to achieve the specified objective.
State
The condition of the water body resulting from both natural and
anthropogenic factors (i.e. physical, chemical and biological
characteristics).
Status
The biological or ecological behavior of a water body supported by
hydromorphological and chemical data from the water body.
Sub-basin
An area of land within a river basin district from which all surface runoff
flows through a series of streams, rivers and lakes to a particular point in a
water course within that river basin district.
Surface water
All water standing and/or flowing on the surface of the land other than
groundwater.
Surface Water Body
A discrete and significant element of surface water such as a lake, a
reservoir, a stream, river or canal, part of a stream, river or canal, transitional
water or a stretch of coastal water.
Topology
For each surface water category, the relevant surface water bodies within
the river basin district shall be differentiated according to type.
Water Body
A coherent sub-unit in the river basin (district) to which the environmental
objectives of the directive must apply. Hence, the main purpose of
identifying “water bodies” is to enable the status to be accurately
described and compared to environmental objectives.
Water body “at risk”
A water body that is identified as being at risk of failing the environmental
quality objectives based upon the characterization as specified in article 5
of the WFD and results of operational monitoring as specified in article 8 of
the WFD.
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Page 5 of 38
Introduction
The present report is prepared by the EPIRB Project key experts Tatjana Kolcova and Michael Jackman with
cooperation of Aram Gevorgyan, “Environmental Policy Analysis” NGO and with the assistance of Vahagn
Tonoyan, EPIRB project Country Water Management Expert (CWME) for Armenia. The technical
implementation was made by “Environmental Policy Analysis” NGO under the contract for providing GIS
services for Water Body Identification and Typology and preliminary classification of water bodies in
Akhuryan pilot basin of Armenia. The following local experts dealing with hydromorphological and hydrochemical monitoring have been assisting in collecting information: Hamlet Melkonyan (ASH) Levon Azizyan
(ASH), Hermes Tadevosyan (ASH), Edgar Misakyan (ASH), Seryan Minasyan (EIMC).
Akhuryan pilot basin covers the Armenian part of the trans-boundary Akhuryan River and its basin and
Metsamor River and its basin except tributary Qasakh River. The Akhuryan pilot basin is located in Western
Armenia on the territory of the Akhuryan Water Basin Management Area (WBMA). Information on the
Turkish part of the Akhuryan River Basin is not available on this stage of the project.
River Basin Analysis for Akhuryan WBMA has been completed in December 2012 as a result of which the
baseline information on geographic, social and economic situation was presented, and pressure-impact
analysis of human activities was carried out. Identification, delineation, typology and preliminary
classification of the water bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin have been implemented based on the mentioned
analysis. To achieve this goal, the following specific activities were carried out:
(1) Identification of surface water bodies in Akhuryan WBMA based on the results of anthropogenic
pressure-impact analysis and hydromorphological assessment;
(2) Determination of typology of identified surface water bodies;
(3) Delineation and mapping of surface water bodies, including water bodies “at risk” (WBR), artificial water
bodies (AWB), heavily modified water bodies (HMWB) and other natural water bodies;
(4) Preliminary classification of the surface water bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin.
The technical implementation of the above-described activities was based on practical application of
elements of the WFD and CIS (Common Implementation Strategy) documents, particularly the CIS Guidance
Document #2 “Identification of Water Bodies” and CIS Guidance Document #4: "Identification and
Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies".
The outcomes of this activity will serve as a foundation for the next steps of development of the River Basin
Management Plan for Akhuryan WBMA.
1. Criteria and Procedure of Delineation of Surface Water Bodies
1.1 Summary of the methodology for identifying surface water bodies
According to EU WFD, Surface Water Body is defined as a discrete and significant element of surface water
such as a lake, a reservoir, a stream, river or canal, part of a stream, river or canal, which differ from each
other in specific natural characteristics, the nature of the impact of human activity, or any other significant
and distinguishable parameters.
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The process of identifying and delineating surface water bodies can be applied only for rivers (tributaries)
with a catchment area of over 10 km2 and lakes (reservoirs) with a surface area over 0.5 km2. Smaller water
object are not subject for delineating into as separate surface water bodies.
The surface water bodies within the river basins were identified as falling within either one of two surface
water categories: “rivers” or “lakes”. In addition, artificial water bodies (mainly canals and ponds) and
heavily modified water bodies (mainly reservoirs) were identified. For each surface water body category,
the relevant surface water body within the river basin was differentiated according to type. These types are
defined using the system A of the WFD in accordance with the ToR of EPIRB Project. (Tab. 1).
Table 1. System A: Rivers and Lakes
Fixed
typology
Ecoregion
Type
RIVERS
Descriptors
LAKES
Descriptors
24 (Caucasus)
Altitude typology
 high: >800 m
 mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m
 lowland: <200 m
Size typology based on catchment area
 small: 10 to 100 km2
 medium: >100 to 1 000 km2
 large: >1 000 to 10 000 km2
 very large: >10 000 km2
Geology
 calcareous
 siliceous
 organic
24 (Caucasus)
Altitude typology
 high: >800 m
 mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m
 lowland: <200 m
Size typology based on surface area
 0.5 to 1 km2
 1 to 10 km2
 10 to 100 km2
 >100 km2
Depth typology based on mean depth
 <3 m
 3 to 15 m
 >15 m
Geology
 calcareous
 siliceous
 organic
For artificial and heavily modified surface water bodies the differentiation was undertaken in accordance
with the descriptors for whichever of the surface water categories most closely resembles the heavily
modified or artificial water body concerned.
The additional criteria while identification and delineation include (1) human influence on the physical
status of water bodies (“at risk”); and (2) stricter protection requirements established for protected areas.
1.2 Coding of the Water Bodies in Akhuryan Water Basin Management Area
The approach used for the coding of water bodies in Akhuryan BMA are in line with the methodology of
European Rivers and Catchment Areas (ERICA) coding system. According to the mentioned system, each
delineated water body in the Akhuryan BMA obtains a unique identifier using the following format:
XXXXX – Y – WB ZZ [R]
where
XXXXX is a river code assigned according to ERICA coding system (see the table below)
Y is the consecutive number of the given water body for the given river
ZZ is the consecutive number of water bodies in Akhuryan Water Basin Management Area
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[R] is an optional suffix added only if the given water body is identified as a Water Body “at risk”
Table 2. Water body code identification scheme for Akhuryan Basin Management Area
System
1 = Araks
River basin
0 = Rivers flowing
outside of the
basin or into Lake
Arpi
First level tributary
Second level tributary
Third level tributary
1 = Karakhanget River
2 = Karmrajur River
3 = Yeghnajur River
4 = Ellarget River
5 = Dzknaget River
1 = Akhuryan River
1 = Gijget River
1 = Tsaghkashen River
2 = Ghukasyan River
1 = Khazanchi River
3 = Hartajur River
4 = Chair River
5 = Gtahsen River
6 = Kumayri River
7 = Haykavan River
8 = Mantash River
1 = Geghadzor River
2 = Saralanj River
3 = Artikjur River
4 = Metsdzorijur River
1 = Chlkan River
5 = Jajur River
1 = Jrarat River
2 = Karmrakar River
3 = Aygabats River
2 = Metsamor
River
Seasonal tributaries: non-coded
For example if the second water body on Jrarat River is identified as water body “at risk” than ist unique
identifier is 11851-2-WB31R.
The rivers in Metsamor river basin, namely Selav-Mastara, Selav-Getap, Selav-Shamiram, Ashnak,
Katnaghbyur and Sasnashen are of seasonal (temporary) nature and could not be designated as surface
water bodies.
The next sections of the report present the process of identification and delineation of surface water
bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin in more details.
2. Identification and delineation of Surface Water Bodies
The surface water bodies have been delineated according to criteria, mentioned in EU WFD CIS Guidance
Document #2 on "Identification of Water Bodies". Thus, the following factors were taken into
consideration:
 hydro-morphological characteristics;
 hydrological characteristics;
 having a status of protected area;
Page 8 of 38

being located adjacent to state border.
A methodological problem for water management regulation is the large number of identified river bodies
and the consequent large volume of work required for studies, monitoring and surveillance. Aggregating
and grouping river bodies, in particular, should be considered in the future to reduce administrative
burden.
The Methodology used for WB identification and delineation is mentioned in Annex II.
In total 70 water bodies have been delineated in Akhuryan WBMA out of which:
 50 are the water bodies in natural conditions;
 13 are AWBs, including 12 canals and one group of ponds;
 7 are HMWBs (canals).
The following criteria are used for delineation into separate water bodies:
 Being a river section with a catchment area of over 10 km2 for the surface water bodies.
 Being a canal of more than 10 km in length for AWBs;
 Being a pond (or a group of ponds) with total surface area more than 0.5 km2 for AWBs;
 Being an artificial lake or reservoir with surface area more than 0.5 km2 for HMWBs;
Out of 70 surface river water bodies delineated in Akhuryan pilot basin, 62 are of “River” type and 8 are of
“Lake” type. One artificial lake and six reservoirs in the Akhuryan pilot basin have been identified as
HMWBs and 1 group of ponds in the Metsamor RB have been identified as an AWB (refer to tables 3 and 4
below for statistics)
Table 3. Number and total length of “River” water bodies of the Akhuryan pilot basin
Natural river bodies
Artificial water bodies
Heavily modified water bodies
Number
Length, km
Number
Length, km
Number
Length, km
50
1279.78
12
410,45
-
-
Table 4. Number and total area of “Lake” water bodies in the Akhuryan pilot basin
Natural lakes
Artificial water bodies
Number
Area, km
-
-
2
Heavily modified water bodies
Number
Area, km
1
6,90
2
Number
Area, km
7
73.53
2
3. Typology of Delineated Water Bodies
On the basis of the ecoregion, altitude and geology factors, the 62 “River” type water bodies delineated in
Akhuryan pilot basin belong to one single type, however they fall into the following three groups by the size
of catchment area:
 Type I includes 22 water bodies with the small catchment area less than 100 km2;
 Type II includes 27 water bodies with the medium catchment area from 100 to 1000 km2;
 Type III includes 13 water bodies with the large catchment area 1000 to 10,000 km2.
Table 5. Typology of “river” water bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin
Descriptors
I
Types
II
III
Page 9 of 38
Ecoregion
Altitude
Geology
Catchment size, km2
<100
24 (Caucasus)
>800 m
Siliceous
100-1000
1000-10 000
Typology for 8 “lake” water bodies is also based on geographical and morphological properties. On the
basis of the ecoregion, altitude and geology factors, all lake water bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin belong to
one single type, meanwhile by the surface area size and the depth lakes fall into the following four groups:
 Type I includes 4 reservoirs (Mantash, Kaps, Tavshut, Vardakar) and the Metsamor ponds with surface
area from 0.5 to 1 km2 and depth from 3 to 15 m;
 Type II includes 1 reservoir (Karnut) with surface area from 1 to 10km2 and depth from 3-15 m
 Type III includes 1 lake (Arpi) with surface area from 10 to 100 km2 and depth from 3-15 m;
 Type IV includes 1 reservoir (Akhuryan) with surface area from 10 to 100 km2 and depth >15m.
Table 6. Typology of “lake” water bodies in the Akhuryan pilot basin
Descriptors
Ecoregion
Altitude
Geology
Area size, km2
Depth, m
I
Types
II
0.5-1
3-15
24 (Caucasus)
>800 m
Siliceous
1-10
3-15
III
IV
10-100
3-15
>15
4. Identification of Heavily Modified and Artificial Surface Water Bodies
According to EU WFD, “Heavily modified water body” and "Artificial water body" means a water body that
can be designated only if it meets the following criteria:
1) Changes in the hydromorphological properties of the water body, which would be required to achieve a
good ecological status, would have a significant negative impact on (a) the environment in general; (b)
activities for which the water is abstracted, such as fisheries or irrigation; and (c) water regulation,
protection against floods, or drainage.
2) Due to limited technical resources or excessive costs, the benefits resulting from the artificial nature of
the water body would not be achievable through alternative methods, which would be more favorable
for the environment.
The initial identification of AWBs should include the surface water bodies with a catchment area (or area
under irrigation) of more than 10 km2.
4.1 Identification of Artificial Surface Water Bodies
According to the River Basin Analysis report, total 43 canals are currently operational in Akhuryan BMA. In
Aghstev river basin the irrigation is carried out through 20 big and small canals, total irrigated area of which
makes about 28,600 hectares (ha). In Metsamor river basin the irrigation is implemented through 23 canals
with the total irrigation area reaching approximately 41,225 ha.
The largest canals in Akhuryan river basin include Shirak Canal, with an irrigation area of 9,817 ha, Kaps
canal (or Akhuryan right bank canal) – 4,230 ha, Aygabats Canal – 2,668 ha, and Akhuryan Canal – 2,826 ha.
These 4 canals were identified as artificial water bodies in Akhuryan river basin.
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Armavir Canal is the largest canal in Metsamor river basin, which amounts to 50 m 3/sec, and irrigation area
accounts for almost half of the total irrigation area - 19,538 ha. Other large canals include Talin Canal with
its distribution branches - 9,755 ha, Aknalich Canal - 1,325 ha, Jrarat Canal - 1440 ha, Bazmabed canal – 130
ha and Metsamor canal – 350 ha. These 6 canals were identified as artificial water bodies in Metsamor river
basin.
In addition to the mentioned 10 canals, the section of Arzni-Shamiram canal (29.2 km in length) and the
section of Lower Hrazdan canal (31.8 km in length) pass through the Akhuryan BMA and are also
considered as artificial water bodies. The last artificial water body identified in the basin is the group of 4
fish farm ponds near Metsamor, which are considered as a separate single AWB. (Refer to Tab. 7 and Fig. 1
below).
Table 7. List of Artificial Surface Water Bodies in Akhuryan BMA
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
WB Code
11-1-AWB01
11-2-AWB02
11-3-AWB03
11851-1-AWB04
11-4-AWB05
1-1-AWB06
10-1-AWB07
10-2-AWB08
12-1-AWB09
12-2-AWB10
12-3-AWB11
12-4-AWB12
12-5-AWB13
Name
Akhuryan main canal
Kaps canal
Shirak main canal
Aygabats canal
Talin main canal with its distributary branches
Armavir main canal with its distributary branches
Section of Arzni-Shamiram canal
Section of Lower Hrazdan canal
Bazmaberd canal
Aknalich canal
Metsamor canal
Jrarat canal
Metsamor ponds
Length (km)
2
Area (km )
27.87
12.46
26.86
16.51
103.29
108.74
29.23
31.75
11.57
11.45
16.08
14.64
6.9
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Figure 1. Artificial Water Bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin
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4.2 Identification of Heavily Modified Surface Water Bodies
According to WFD, Heavily modified water body (HMWB) means a body of surface water which as a result
of physical alterations by human activity is substantially changed in character.
On this stage of the project the HMWBs were desined preliminary. The HMWB designation process aims at
justifying the reason of why the pre-designated HMWB should be finally classified as HMWB and therefore
should have less stringent objectives in terms of ecological status improvements.
The HMWB designation process consisted of the following steps:
1. Pre-designation: identification of the location, size, etc. of the water body, description of the
hydromorphological changes and ecological alteration(s);
2. Characterization of the user(s) benefiting from the changes (subject or users that would benefit from the
changes);
3. Identification of measures to restore good ecological status of the water body (hydromorphological
characteristics);
4. Description of the impacts of the measure(s) on the user(s) and on the wider environment;
5. Test: Are the impacts significant?
6. Identification of potential alternative means for the user to achieve the same function;
7. Test: Are these alternatives feasible technically, economically and environmentally?
In Akhuryan pilot basin 7 HMWBs are identified. The largest is Lake Arpi, which has been transformed into a
lake-reservoir in 1951. The surface area of the reservoir increased from 5.0 to 22.1 km 2, volume of water –
from 5 to 90 million m3. Waters of the reservoir are used for irrigation purpose and for Gyumri hydropower
plant.
The largest reservoir in the basin, as well as in Armenia is Akhuryan Reservoir, which was constructed in
1975-1982. The total volume of the reservoir is 525 mln. m3, the water surface area is 41.8 km2, the average
depth is 46 m, and the width is 5.5 km. The length of the reservoir is about 20 km. The dam of the reservoir
is concrete with a height of 59.1 m.
In addition, 5 small reservoirs with a surface area of more than 0.5 km 2 were identified as HMWBs as well
(see Tab. 8 and Fig. 2).
Table 8. List of Heavily Modified Surface Water Bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin
ID
WB Code
Name
2
Area (km )
1
10-1-HMWB01
Lake Arpi
20.59
2
11-1-HMWB02
Akhuryan reservoir
48.39
3
118-1-HMWB03
Mantash reservoir
0.94
4
11851-1-HMWB04
Karnut reservoir
1.64
5
11-2-HMWB05
Kaps reservoir
0.78
6
111-1-HMWB06
Tavshut reservoir
0.58
7
118-2-HMWB07
Vardakar reservoir
0.57
5. Identification of Surface Water Bodies “at risk”
The WB category “at risk“ means a risk not to achieve the “good” status of water till 2015 due to significant
influence of the human activities. This category is the additional criteria for division of the WBs, which differ
from natural water bodies owing to the impact of human activities. Within the pilot river basin the main
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pressures that have been identified and the associated risks of not achieving good status on a physicochemical basis, are the following:
Page 14 of 38
Figure 2. Heavily Modified WBs in Akhuryan pilot basin
1) Urban Waste Water, which can affect the oxygenation levels and increase the nutrient
concentrations, usually from point source discharges.
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2) Food industry wastewater, which can affect the oxygenation levels and increase nutrient
concentrations from point discharge sources.
3) Cattle breeding, this can affect the oxygenation levels and increase nutrient concentrations usually
from diffuse sources.
4) Extraction of construction materials which can affect certain physical parameters e.g. turbidity, total
suspended solids (TSS) and liberate many non -priority specific pollutants e.g. sodium, magnesium,
potassium, calcium, bromine, manganese, strontium, molybdenum, antimony, sulphate and chloride
usually causing diffuse pollution.
5) Solid Waste can leach acid and heavy metals affecting the levels concentration of non-priority
specific pollutants e.g. SO4, and also priority pollutants such as Pb and Cd causing diffuse pollution.
6) Overgrazing can lead to soil erosion, reducing the clarity of the water resulting in high turbidities and
high concentrations of total suspended solids.
7) Fish farming can affect the oxygenation levels and increase the nutrient levels, which can be from a
point source or from a non-point source.
In the category of rivers, water bodies “at risk“ are those which are significantly affected by water
abstraction, HPP, and water quality problems caused by anthropogenic pollution.
- Water bodies “at risk due” to water abstraction are those which can undertake significant changes of the
hydrological regime during low water, furthermore these low flows can reduce the dilution factor and self
cleaning processes, and raising the concentrations of pollutants. As a threshold the e-flow should be used
for the comparing of flow up – and downstream of water abstraction point.
This category of water bodies “at risk” could include all WBs downstream of irrigation canals on Akhuryan
and Metsamor rivers but the physico /chemical analyses of water on these river reaches has not been done
and the hydro-biological data is absent.
- There are no water bodies “at risk” due to HPP within the Akhuryan pilot basin. Evidently, HPP has a
significant impact on the hydrological regime of rivers. However, no river affected by the HPP is regarded a
water body “at risk” when monitoring data indicates good status of biological quality elements.
The risk factors which determine the assignment of river water bodies in the Akhuryan pilot basin to the
risk group are given in Table 9 below.
Table 9. Water bodies “at risk” in the category of rivers in the Akhuryan pilot basin and risk
(Factors “1” indicates a risk)
Risk factors
Water quality problems
River
HMWB
Water
Causes are
Basin
HPP
Point
Diffuse
Abstraction
not
pollution
pollution
differentiate
Akhuryan
Metsamor
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
Number
of WB
Length,
km
4
1
Water bodies “at risk” due to water quality problems include 5 water bodies (8% of 62 river WBs):

Akhurian River reach from the confluence of Kumayri River to Akhurian Reservoir (WB22) has the
significant impact from urban and food industry waste water discharge to the river. The main
physico-chemical indicators of such pollution pressures are high nutrient loads and oxygenation
conditions e.g. Biochemical Oxygen Demand & physical parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS).
Page 16 of 38

Karmrakar River with its tributaries (WB 27) has the significant impact of urban and food industry
waste water discharge to the river. The main physico-chemical indicators of such pollution
pressures are high nutrient load and disturbed oxygenation conditions e.g. Biochemical Oxygen
Demand & physical parameters such as Total Dissolved solids (TDS).

Artikjuir River downstream Artik town (WB 41) has the significant pressure of extraction of
construction materials and can release many non -priority specific pollutants e.g. sodium,
magnesium, potassium, calcium, bromine, manganese, strontium, molybdenum, antimony,
sulphate and chloride and can also affect the clarity of the water producing high turbidities and TSS.

The main physico-chemical indicators of such pollution pressures are specific pollutants e.g. Mg, Ca,
and physical parameters e.g. TDS and Total Suspended Solids (TSS).

Metsdzorijur River downstream Maralik town to the confluence with Chlkan River (WB 44) has the
significant impact of urban and several industries waste water discharge to the river and impact of
the cattle breeding and overgrazing. The main physico-chemical indicators of such pollution
pressures are nutrients and oxygenation conditions e.g. Biochemical Oxygen Demand & physical
parameters such as Total Dissolved solids (TDS).

Metsamor River downstream of confluence with Kazakh River (WB 50) has certain impact on
quality of the water resources. The volume of pollution is impossible to differentiate by sources.
The main pressures are: urban water discharge, including wastewater pits, wastewaters of food
industry, fish-farming, cattle breeding and overgrazing and solid wastes. The main physicochemical indicators of such pollution pressures are high nutrients loads and disturbed oxygenation
conditions e.g. Biochemical Oxygen Demand,& non –priority specific pollutants such as Cu, &. SO4,
priority substances e.g. Pb & Cd physical parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
This information in summarised in Table 10 which also includes the tentative values for the parameters that
could be the upper concentration limits of the individual parameters., when the river is under normal flows,
and excludes turbulent flood conditions. Unfortunately there is insufficient data available to accurately
define these values, so these values are a basic starting point for an iterative approach. When the joint field
survey is completed more data should be available to refine these results.
Table 10. List of Water Bodies “at risk” in Akhuryan BMA
ID
WB_Cod
e
River name
22
11-7WB22R
Akhuryan
27
11852-1WB27R
Karmrakar
Description
Area, km
Akhurian River
section from the
confluence of
Kumayri River to
Akhuryan
reservoir
Karmrakar river with
its tributaries
913.11
Discharge
Point (P)
Diffuse(D)
D&P
60.18
D&P
2
Pollutant
Pressure
Urban
Wastewater.
Food industry
waste water.
Urban
Wastewater.
Food industry
waste water.
Pollutant Physico/
Chemical
Indicators
BOD,(>5) Total N,
NO3,(>2.5) PO4( >
0.1),Total P (>0.2),
Cl,(>300), NH4
(>0.4), & TDS
(>800)
BOD,(>5) Total N,
NO3,(>2.5) PO4( >
0.1),Total P (>0.2),
Cl,(>300), NH4
(>0.4), & TDS
(>800)
Page 17 of 38
41
1183-2WB41R
Artikjur
Artikjur River after
Artik settlement up
to the Vardakar
reservoir
71.92
D
Extraction of
construction
materials
44
1184-2WB44R
Metsdzorij
ur
Metsdzorijur River
after Maralik
settlement to the
confluence with
Chlkan River
168.89
D&P
Urban
Wastewater.
Industrial
waste water.
Cattle
Breeding.
50
12-2WB50R
Metsamor
Metsamor River
after confluence of
Qasakh River up to
the confluence to
Araks River
3631.31
D&P
Urban
Wastewater.
Food industry
wastewater.
Fish Farming.
Cattle
Breeding.
Over grazing .
Solid waste.
Na,(>300),
Mg,(>100),K
Ca,(>100), Mn
(>0.5),Sr, Mo,
Sb(>0.05) SO4
(>300), & Cl (>300)
TDS (>800), TSS,
(>30)
Turbidity(>100).
BOD,(>5) Total N,
NO3,(>2.5) PO4( >
0.1),Total P (>0.2),
Cl,(>300), NH4
(>0.4), & TDS
(>800)
BOD,(>5) Total N,
NO3,(>2.5) PO4( >
0.1),Total P (>0.2),
Cl,(>300), NH4
(>0.4), SO4 (>300),
Pb(>0.05),
Cd(>0.005) & Cu (>
1)
6. Water Bodies within Protected Areas
The purpose of protecting various areas is to preserve and protect the environment in certain regions from
the negative impact of human activities to preserve the people’s immediate living environment and a viable
natural environment as a whole.
In the territory of Akhuryan pilot basin two protected areas, namely “Arpilich” national park a “Vordan
Karmir” state sanctuary are located.
"Arpilich" national park includes the Lake Arpi itself, two small lakes Ardenis and Akna, as well as the basins
and floodplains of the left tributaries of upper Akhuryan River. The territory of the park also includes the
aspen forests of Ashotzq, ecosystems of Kaputan and wetlands of northern Armenia. The total area of the
national park is about 62,000 ha. There are total four river water bodies (WB ## 2, 3, 4, 5) and one lake
water body (HMWB 1) within the protected area. The national park includes also a part of WB #6.
“Vordan Karmir” State Sanctuary is located in Ararat valley in Metsamor river basin. The territory of the
sanctuary includes a small portion of halophyte ecosystem with a total area of 219.85 ha. Two artificial
water bodies (AWB 9 and AWB 12) pass near the boundaries of the sanctuary.
Page 18 of 38
Figure 3. Water Bodies “at risk” in Akhuryan pilot basin
Page 19 of 38
7. Mapping of Delineated Water Bodies
The mapping of the delineated surface water bodies of Akhuryan pilot basin has been implemented
according to the provisions and recommendations of EU WFD CIS Guidance Document #9: “Implementing
the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) of the Water Framework Directive”.
The maps are designed under ArcGIS 10 environment. A base map of scale 1:25,000 is used. All the
shapefiles are assembled into a single Geodatabase. The maps are constructed using standard
GCS_WGS_1984 projection (Geographic Coordination System of the World Geodetic System) of the UTM
coordinate system (Universal Transverse Mercator), Zone 38N.
The following GIS vector layers and raster images were used during the implementation of activity:
 Boundary of Akhuryan WBMA
 Hydrological boundaries of Akhuryan RB and Metsamor RB
 Point and polygon layers with settlements in Akhuryan BMA
 River network of Akhuryan BMA – coded using ERICA system
 Catchment areas of all river streams more than 5km in length – coded using ERICA system
 Lakes and reservoirs of Akhuryan BMA
 Canals of Akhuryan BMA
 Protected areas
 Digital Elevation Model of Akhuryan BMA
 Satellite images of Akhuryan BMA
The following GIS layers were generated as a result of activity:
 Surface water bodies of Akhuryan pilot basin
 Artificial surface water bodies of Akhuryan pilot basin
 Heavily modified surface water bodies of Akhuryan pilot basin
 Water bodies “at risk”
 Seasonal (temporary) rivers and streams of Akhuryan pilot basin
Figure 4 below is presented a general delineation of surface water bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin
Page 20 of 38
Figure 4. Delineated Surface Water Bodies in Akhuryan pilot basin
Page 21 of 38
REFERENCES
EU Water Framework Directive, (2000/60/EC), European Communities, 2000
EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Common Implementation Strategy, Guidance Document #2:
"Identification of Water Bodies", European Communities, 2003
EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Common Implementation Strategy, Guidance Document #4:
"Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies", European Communities,
2003
EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Common Implementation Strategy, Guidance Document #9:
“Implementing the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) of the Water Framework Directive”, 2003.
Methodology for Identification, Delineation and Classification of Surface Water Bodies, MCA-Moldova
THVA Project - Irrigation Sector Reform Activity, 2012
River Basin Management Plan for Akhuryan Water Basin Management Area, Component A: River Basin
Analysis, “Geoinfo” LLC, EPIRB Project, 2012
Page 22 of 38
ANNEX I: LIST OF DELINEATED SURFACE WATER BODIES IN AKHURYAN BMA
ID
WB_Code
River name
Basin
1
101-1-WB01
Karakhanget
2
102-1-WB02
Karmrajur
Flowing out of
basin
Lake Arpi
3
103-1-WB03
Yeghnajur
Lake Arpi
4
104-1-WB04
Ellarget
5
105-1-WB05
6
Description
2
Area (km )
Type
Karakhanget River with its tributaries
115.89
2
Karmrajur River from river source to Lake Arpi
29.59
1
Yeghnajur River from river source to Lake Arpi
83.31
1
Lake Arpi
Ellarget River from river source to Lake Arpi
17.08
1
Dzknaget
Lake Arpi
Dzknaget River from river source to Lake Arpi
32.39
1
11-1-WB06
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhuryan River section from Lake Arpi to confluence of Gijget River
248.24
2
7
111-2-WB07
Gijget
Akhuryan
Gijget River from the confluence of Tsaghkashen River to river mouth
117.63
2
8
1111-1-WB08
Tsaghkashen
Gijget
Tsaghkashen River with its tributaries
83.89
1
9
111-1-WB09
Gijget
Akhuryan
Gijget River from river source to the confluence of Tsaghkashen River
28.82
1
10
11-2-WB10
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhuryan River section between Gijget and Ghukasyan Rivers
371.17
2
11
1121-1-WB11
Khazanchi
Ghukasyan
Khazanchi River with its tributaries
48.18
1
12
112-1-WB12
Ghukasyan
Akhuryan
Ghukasyan River from river source to the confluence of Khazanchi River
138.62
2
13
112-2-WB13
Ghukasyan
Akhuryan
Ghukasyan River from confluence of Khazanchi river to river mouth
187.76
2
14
11-3-WB14
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhuryan River section between Ghukasyan and Hortajur rivers
620.11
2
15
113-1-WB15
Hortajur
Akhuryan
Hortajur River from river source to the confluence with Akhuryan River
30.83
1
16
11-4-WB16
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhuryan River section between Hortajur and Chair rivers
673.06
2
17
114-1-WB17
Chair
Akhuryan
Chair River with its tributaries
69.59
1
18
11-5-WB18
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhuryan River section between Chair river and Kaps reservoir
767.53
2
19
115-1-WB19
Gtashen
Akhuryan
Gtashen River to Kaps reservoir
14.48
1
20
11-6-WB20
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhurian River section betveen Kaps reservoir and confluence of Kumayri River
835.32
2
21
116-1-WB21
Kumayri
Akhuryan
Kumayi River with its tributaries
62.44
1
22
11-7-WB22R
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhurian River section from the confluence of Kumayri River to Akhuryan reservoir
913.11
2
23
117-1-WB23
Haykavan
Akhuryan
Haykavan River with its tributaries
42.89
1
24
118-7-WB24
Mantash
Akhuryan
Mantash River section from the confluence of Jajur River to Akhuryan reservoir
1011.1
3
25
1185-4-WB25
Jajur
Mantash
Jajur River section from confluence of Aygabats River to River mouth
400.56
2
26
1185-3-WB26
Jajur
Mantash
Jajur River section between Karmrakar and Aygabats Rivers
357.43
2
27
11852-1-WB27R
Karmrakar
Jajur
Karmrakar river with its tributaries
60.18
1
*
Page 23 of 38
ID
WB_Code
River name
Basin
Description
2
Area (km )
Type
28
1185-2-WB28
Jajur
Mantash
Jajur River section between Jrarat and Karmrakar Rivers
296.2
2
29
1185-1-WB29
Jajur
Mantash
Jajur River from the river source to the confluence of Jrarat River
48.68
1
30
11851-1-WB30
Jrarat
Jajur
Jrarat River section from Karnut reservoir to the confluence with Jajur River
133.75
2
31
11851-2-WB31
Jrarat
Jajur
Jrarat River fror river source to Karnut reservoir
86.22
1
32
11853-1-WB32
Aygabats
Jajur
Aygabac River with its tributaries
42.08
1
33
118-6-WB33R
Karkachun
Akhuryan
606.94
2
34
118-5-WB34
Mantash
Akhuryan
332.22
2
35
118-4-WB35
Mantash
Akhuryan
249.65
2
36
118-3-WB36
Mantash
Akhuryan
186.01
2
37
1181-1-WB37
Geghadzor
Mantash
Karkachun river: section between Metsdzorijur and Jajur Rivers
Mantash River section from Vardakar reservoir up to the confluence of Metsdzorijur
River
Mantash River section from the confluence of Saralanj River up to the Vardakar
reservoir
Mantash River section from the confluence of Gegharot River to the confluence of
Saralanj River
Gegharot River with its tributaries
113.8
2
38
118-2-WB38
Mantash
Akhuryan
Mantash River from Mantash reservoir to the confluence of Gegharot River
66.89
1
39
118-1-WB39
Mantash
Akhuryan
Mantash River from river source up to Mantash reservoir
27.01
1
40
1182-1-WB40
Saralanj
Mantash
Saralanj River with its tributaries
53.53
1
41
1183-2-WB41R
Artikjur
Mantash
Artikjur River after Artik setllement up to the Vardakar reservoir
71.92
1
42
1183-1-WB42
Artikjur
Mantash
Artikjur River from river source to Artik setllement
65.5
1
43
1184-3-WB43
Metsdzorijur
Mantash
Metsdzorijur River from the confluence with Chlkan to the river mouth
260.48
2
44
1184-2-WB44R
Metsdzorijur
Mantash
Metsdzorijur River after Maralik settlement to the confluence with Chlkan River
168.89
2
45
1184-1-WB45
Metsdzorijur
Mantash
Metsdzorijur River from the river source to Maralik settlement
101.41
2
46
11841-1-WB46
Chlkan
Metsdzorijur
Chlkan River with its tributaries
87.5
1
47
11-8-WB47
Akhuryan
Araks
Akhuryan River section from Akhuryan reservoir to confluence with Araks River
2595.87
3
48
1-1-WB48
Araks
Kura
Araks River section between Akhuryan and Metsamor Rivers
2726.43
3
49
12-1-WB49
Metsamor
Araks
Metsamor River from the river source up to confluence of Qasakh River
2173.73
3
50
12-2-WB50R
Metsamor
Araks
Metsamor River after confluence of Qasakh River up to the confluence to Araks River
3631.31
3
1
11-1-AWB01
Akhuryan canal
Akhuryan
Akhuryan main canal
27.87
2
11-2-AWB02
Kaps canal
Akhuryan
Kaps canal
12.46
3
11-3-AWB03
Shirak canal
Akhuryan
Shirak main canal
26.86
4
11851-1-AWB04
Aygabats canal
Jajur
Aygabats canal
16.51
*
Artificial Water Bodies
2
2
2
2
Page 24 of 38
ID
WB_Code
River name
Basin
Description
2
Area (km )
Type
5
11-4-AWB05
Talin canal
Akhuryan
Talin main canal with its distributary branches
103.29
6
1-1-AWB06
Araks
Armavir main canal with its distributary branches
108.74
7
10-1-AWB07
Arzni
Section of Arzni-Shamiram canal
29.23
3
8
10-2-AWB08
Hrazdan
Section of Lower Hrazdan canal
31.75
3
9
12-1-AWB09
Armavir canal
Arzni-Shamiram
canal
Lower Hrazdan
canal
Bazmaberd
canal
3
3
Metsamor
Bazmaberd canal
11.57
10
12-2-AWB10
Aknalich canal
Metsamor
Aknalich canal
11.45
11
12-3-AWB11
Metsamor canal
Metsamor
Metsamor canal
16.08
12
12-4-AWB12
Jrarat canal
Metsamor
Jrarat canal
14.64
3
3
3
3
Akhuryan
Lakes Water Bodies
Lake Arpilich - the source of Akhuryan River
20.59
3
Akhuryan
Akhuryan River Basin
48.39
4
Akhuryan
Akhuryan River Basin
0.94
1
Akhuryan
Akhuryan
Akhuryan River Basin
Akhuryan River Basin
1.64
0.78
2
1
Akhuryan
Akhuryan River Basin
0.58
1
Akhuryan
Akhuryan River Basin
0.57
1
Metsamor
Metsamor River Basin
0,69
1
1
10-1-HMWB01
2
11-1-HMWB02
3
118-1-HMWB03
4
5
11851-1-HMWB04
11-2-HMWB05
6
111-1-HMWB06
7
118-2-HMWB07
8
12-5-AWB13
Lake Arpilich
Akhuryan
reservoir
Mantash
reservoir
Karnut
reservoir
Kaps reservoir
Tavshut
reservoir
Vardakar
reservoir
Metsamor
ponds
*
Page 25 of 38
ANNEX II: Methodology for Identification, Delineation and Classification
of Surface Water Bodies
February 2013
Table of contents
1. Introduction ............................ .....................................................................................................................27
2. GIS................................................................................................................................................................ 27
3. Method for identification and delineation .................................................................................................. 27
4. Identification and delineation using system-A ............................................................................................ 28
4.1 Defining the boundaries of ecoregions ................................................................................................. 28
4.2 Definition of the categories of surface water ....................................................................................... 29
4.3 Altitude typology .................................................................................................................................. 32
4.4 Geology typology .................................................................................................................................. 32
4.5 Depth typology based on mean depth (for lakes and reservoirs)......................................................... 32
4.6 Size typology based on catchment area (for rivers) and surface area (for lakes)................................. 32
4.7 Others critera for the identification and delineation............................................................................ 32
5. Classification............ .................................................................................................................................... 35
5.1 Principles for classification .................................................................................................................... 35
6. Coding of surface water bodies ................................................................................................................... 35
Page 26 of 38
Definitions
Artificial waterbody - a body of surface water created by human activity;
Body of surface water - a discrete and significant element of surface water such as a lake, an reservoir, a
pond, a stream, river or canal or part of a stream, river or canal or transitional water;
Ecoregion – a recurring pattern of ecosystems associated with characteristic combinations of soil and
landform that characterise that region, within which there is spatial coincidence in characteristics
of geographical phenomena associated with differences in the quality, health, and integrity of
ecosystems;
Heavily modified water body - a body of surface water which as a result of physical alterations by human
activity is substantially changed in character;
Lake - a body of standing surface water that is not linked to an ocean;
Point source of pollution - a point source of pollution is a single identifiable source of air, water, thermal,
noise or light pollution;
Pond - an artificial body of surface water, created by damming in the water with the help of dykes or by
turning off the water flow, used for fish growing or irrigation etc, with a volume of water, at the
normal retention level, up to one million m3;
Reservoir- an artificial body of water, which constitutes a reserve of water, with possible use for different
purposes, with a volume of water, at the normal retention level, over one million m3;
River basin - the area of land from which all surface water run-off flows through a sequence of streams and
rivers and possibly lakes into the sea at a single river mouth, estuary or delta, delimited by the
water outline;
Sub-basin - an area of land within a river basin district from which all surface runoff flows through a series
of streams, rivers and lakes to a particular point in a water course within that river basin district;
Surface water - all water standing and/or flowing on the surface of the land other than groundwater
List of Abbreviations
AWB
artificial water body
EU
European Union
GIS
geographic information system
HMWB
heavily modified water body
IDC
identification, delineation and classification
RBDMP River Basin District Management Plan
Page 27 of 38
Methodology for identification, delineation and classification of surface water bodies
1. Introduction
This part describes the methodology for identification, delineation and classification (IDC) of surface water
bodies. The document is based on the material on the Methodology of identification and classification of
water bodies, developed under the Project “Irrigation Sector Reform Activity” «Methodology for
Identification, Delineation and Classification of Surface Water Bodies», September 2012.
2. GIS
The methodology presumes theavailability of asupporting
(GIS);development of such a GIS is not part of this methodology.
geographic
information
system
3. Method for identification and delineation
The method is elaborated in accordance with the requirements specified in Annex II of the EU Water
Framework, based on the typology.
Identification and delineation with the typology-based approach implies that surface water bodies can be
classified in accordance with:
 type-specific reference conditions;
 type-specific criteria for physico-chemical, hydrobiological and hydromorphological
parameters, in order to assess the chemical and ecological status of surface water bodies.
The surface water bodies within the river basin district/sub-basin shall be identified as falling within either
one of the following surface water categories —rivers, lakes, or transitional waters— or as artificial surface
water bodies or heavily modified surface water bodies.
For each surface water category, the relevant surface water bodies within the river basin district/sub-basin
shall be differentiated according to type. These types are those defined using either system A (EPIRB) or
system B. Application of system B involves similar steps as described for system A, but also involves
additional steps and iterations in the case of additional factors characterizing water bodies.
The criteria to be applied under the system-A typology for rivers and lakes are summarised in
Table 1.
For artificial and heavily modified surface water bodies the differentiation shall be undertaken in
accordance with the descriptors for whichever of the surface water categories most closely resembles the
heavily modified or artificial water body concerned.
Table 1 System A: Rivers and lakes
Fixed
RIVERS
typology
Descriptors
Ecoregion Ecoregions shown in Figure 11
Altitude typology
Type
 high: >800 m
 mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m
 lowland: <200 m
Size typology based on catchment area
 small: 10 to 100 km2
 medium: >100 to 1 000 km2
LAKES
Descriptors
Ecoregions shown in Figure 11
Altitude typology
 high: >800 m
 mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m
 lowland: <200 m
Size typology based on surface area
 0.5 to 1 km2
 1 to 10 km2
Page 28 of 38


large: >1 000 to 10 000 km2
very large: >10 000 km2
Geology
 calcareous
 siliceous
 organic
 10 to 100 km2
 >100 km2
Depth typology based on mean depth
 <3 m
 3 to 15 m
 >15 m
Geology
 calcareous
 siliceous
 organic
Surface water, as defined and delineated in accordance with the method based on a typology that will not
make much difference in river basin management planning without verification of type and criteria for
chemical and ecological status of surface water bodies. In addition (in this case), to assess the status should
be available compatible monitoring data.
4. Identification and delineation using system A
4.1 The ecoregion boundary
Moldova and Ukraine are situated inside two ecoregions, as shown in Figure 11:
 16: Eastern plains
 12: Pontic province
Belarus is located within 16 ecoregion (Eastern plains), Caucasus countries – within 24 ecoregion
(Caucasus).
For inclusion in the GIS, the boundaries of the ecoregions are defined in the (ZIP compressed) shape file
(vector data, polygon):
wfd_shp_ecoregions.zip, which can be downloaded from
http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/ecoregions-for-rivers-and-lakes.
Figure 1. Ecoregions for rivers and lakes
Page 29 of 38
In case the ecoregion boundary crosses a water body, this leads to dividing it into two separate water
bodies, as illustrated in the next two figures.
Water body 1 Water body 2
Water body 3
Water body 4
Water body 5
Figure 2.Water bodies without ecoregion
Water body 1 Water body 2
Water body 3
Water body 4
Water body 5
Water body 6
Ecoregion 12: Pontic province
`
Ecoregion 16: Eastern planes
Figure 3.Water bodies with ecoregion.
4.2 Designation of the surface water category
A surface water body can comprise only one (and thus cannot overlap with) one of the following surface
water categories:
 river;
 lake;
 reservoir;
 pond.
Step 1: Define the boundaries of water bodies
Figure 4 shows an example of a lake that is situated inside the course of a river, thus resulting in three
separate water bodies. The same situation applies when a reservoir or pond has been created inside the
river’s course.
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Figure 4.The boundaries to the categories of surface water create boundaries to water bodies
Following these principles, surface water bodies are designated in the sub-basins and along the main
streams, in accordance with the corresponding categories.
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs with a surface area less than 0.5 km2 (<0.5 km2) will not be identified as
separate surface water bodies, in order to avoid an endless subdivision of surface water bodies.
Nevertheless, they will have to be addressed by the corresponding RBMP.
Step 2: Physical characteristics that are important in the delineation of water bodies
The confluence of a tributary may lead to a sub-division into three water bodies as illustrated in Figure 55:
the main stream upstream of the confluence point, the tributary itself, and the main stream after the
confluence of the tributary.
Figure 5.Example of the sub-division of a river based on physical features – in this case a river confluence
In order to avoid an endless subdivision of surface water bodies, in sub-basins the confluence of a tributary
will only be used for distinguishing separate surface water bodies if the length of this tributary is equal to or
larger than 10 km (≥10 km). As a consequence, tributaries with a length less than 10 km (<10 km) will not
be identified as separate surface water bodies. Nevertheless, they will have to be addressed by the
corresponding RBMP.
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In particular cases, the identification and delineation of surface water bodies along the main stream, the
confluence of a tributary will only be used for distinguishing separate surface water bodies if the length of
this tributary is equal to or larger than 100 km (≥100 km).
The lake can be divided into more than one water body, if part of it is different from the rest of the physical
characteristics of the lake (Fig. 6).
Figure 6. Example of the sub-division of a lake based on the typology
Step 3. Identification of Heavily modified and artificial water bodies
In principle, the boundaries of heavily modified water bodies are primarily delineated by the extent of
changes to the hydromorphological characteristics that is a result from physical alterations by human
activity and prevent the achievement of good ecological status.
See Step 1 for an example with a lake in the middle of the river, leading to the three surface WBs, and
similarly, this applies to the ponds and reservoirs which are HMWB or AWB.
In the next example, part of the river has been straightened (thus being ‘heavily modified’), rendering this
stretch into a separate heavily modified water body.
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Figure 7.The establishment of water body boundaries through the identification and subsequent designation of
heavily modified water bodies
4.3 Apply the altitude typology
The altitude criteria are mentioned in
Table 1.
The next two figures show how the altitude typology can result in different water bodies. The figures
represent a river running downhill, with two lakes (reservoirs) inside its course.
Figure 8.Water bodies before applying the altitude criterion (‘longitudinal view’)
Figure 1.Water bodies after the applying altitude criterion (‘longitudinal view’)
4.4 Apply the geology typology
The geology criteria are mentioned in
Table 1.
4.5 Apply the depth typology (lakes, reservoirs, ponds)
The depth criteria are mentioned in
Table 1 and applied to natural lakes, as well as ponds and reservoirs.
4.6 Apply the catchment/surface area criteria
The catchment and surface area criteria are mentioned in
Table 1. The surface area criteria are applied to natural lakes, as well as ponds and reservoirs.
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4.7 Other criteria for the water bodies delineation
4.7.1 Pressures and status of water
The location of discharge of wastewater from a point source of pollution (such as a municipal wastewater
treatment plant, an enterprise or the outlet of untreated municipal sewage) forms a boundary for further
differentiation in surface water bodies. The section downstream of the wastewater discharge will be
distinguished as a separate water body, as illustrated in Error! Reference source not found.10 and Figure
11.
Water body 1 Water body 2
Water body 3
Water body 4
Water body 5
Figure 10.Water bodies without a wastewater discharge
Figure 11.Water bodies with a wastewater discharge
The major changes in the status of surface water should be used to delineate surface water body
boundaries. If there is no sufficient information to accurately define the status of
waters, the analysis on pressures and impacts should be used as a surrogate for status. As understanding of
status improves, the boundaries of water bodies can be adjusted.
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Figure 12: Identification of water bodies according to differences in status
4.7.2 Protected areas
The boundaries of water bodies and protected areas will, in most cases, not coincide because both
geographical areas are being defined for different purposes on the basis of different criteria. In case a water
body would not fully be inside or outside a protected area, it may be considered to sub-divide the water
bodies into two parts so that the boundaries coincide.
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4.7.3 Wetlands
In relation to wetlands, this means that those wetlands must be associated with a “water
body”, which are directly influencing the status of the related “water body”. The boundaries of such
wetlands must be identified in a pragmatic way in order to meet the requirement of a “discrete and
significant” element.
5. Classification
5.1 Principles for classification
The identified and delineated surface water bodies will be classified in accordance with the provisions of
the WFD CIS Guidelines No.13 “Overall Approach to the Classification of Ecological Status and Ecological
Potential” using the data of the biological, physical, chemical and hydromorphological monitoring.
If no surface water quality monitoring data are available for the surface water body itself, the following
approaches could be considered.
a) In case the surface water body is situated between two monitoring sites, its classification might be
interpolated from the monitoring data for both sites, while applying expert judgements and
knowledge about the actual situation in the field. The latter includes for example the
presence/absence of wastewater discharges between the two monitoring locationsand/or other
factors affecting the surface water quality along this stretch.
b) In case no downstream monitoring site exists, its classification might be inferred from the data of
the nearest upstream monitoring site, while applying expert judgements and knowledge about the
actual situation in the field. The latter includes for example the presence/absence of wastewater
discharges, the inflow of tributaries inside this stretch, the distance between the surface water
body and the monitoring site, et cetera.
c) In case the surface water body cannot be reasonably linked to monitoring sites, it could be
classified:
a. Provisionally by inference from surface water bodies situated in other parts of the subbasin or other sub-basins with presumed comparable characteristics and overall settings.
This requires expert judgements and a clear description of the arguments used for
inference. Furthermore, it should be clearly indicated that it concerns a provisional
classification.
b. As “unknown”, implying that it cannot be addressed in the RBMP for example in terms of
plans of measures.
The Guidelines distinguishes five classes. In order to show the results of classification of surface water
bodies in maps either when highlighting results in tables, the following colours will be used:
(Use) Class I
(Use) Class II
(Use) Class III
(Use) Class IV
(Use) Class V
unknown
blue
green
yellow
orange
red
no colour
6. Coding of surface water bodies
The system for coding the identified and delineated surface waters will have to be developed in harmony
with the structure and contents of the State Water Cadastre.
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Examples of elements for coding identified and delineated surface water bodies are included in Table 2. It
should, however, be noticed that the choice for a coding system will partially also depend on the selection
of the method for identification and delineation of surface water bodies.
Table 2 Examples of elements for coding surface water bodies
Descriptor
COUNTRY
RIVER BASIN
Elements
Possible codes
 Georgia
 Chorokhi
 Adjaristskali
all defined sub-basins




ECOREGION
 12 - Provincia pontică
 24 - Caucasus
 12
 24
CATEGORY












ALTITUDE+GEOLOGY
 lowland: <200 m
 mid-altitude: 200 to 800
m
 calcareous
 siliceous
SUB-BASIN
SEQUENCE NUMBER
river
lake
reservoir
pond
HMWB
AWB
GE
Cho
Adj
The first three letters of
the name of the sub-basin
RIV
LAK
RES
PON
HMWB
AWB
 AG1: lowland + siliceous
 AG2: mid-altitude +
siliceous
 AG3: lowland + calcareous
 AG4: mid-altitude +
calcareous
Remarks
IDC of water
bodies has to be
done separately
for the main
stream, so
additional codes
have to be
defined for these
rivers
The eco-region
will not be
determined
during STAGE-I,
but acts a
placeholder for
future
developments
placeholders for
future use of
‘artificial water
body’ and ‘heavily
modified water
body’ should be
considered
for the time
being, only two
generic types of
geology are
relevant: siliceous
(dominating) and
calcareous at
some locations
Numbering
convention should
be sufficiently
flexible to allow
for addition of
more surface
water bodies in
the future as well
as chances in the
definition of
existing water
bodies
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