Introduction
It is known that our republic has limited water resources. The cause of so weak country’s water supply of our Republic is unfavorable natural conditions. However, research shows that the potential water resources of our republic can afford the water needs of industry, agriculture and population.
Water resources are 27-31 km3 per year. In many regions, especially in the Absheron the water shortage mainly connected with the improper use of water. The analysis shows that, each year 12 km3 water is taken from water basins and 1,1-1,2 km3 freshwater is taken from underground layers in our republic. The republic's water demand is 11.0 -13.0 km3. 20-25% of transferred water is used for industrial and domestic purposes. Volume of waste water which is thrown into water objects is hesitates about 160-170 million m3.
Efficient use of water resources is based on the principles of proper use of water resources in extreme conditions. So that, water resources assessment should be planned according to drought conditions, especially for agriculture.
Drought is an insidious hazard of nature. It is often referred to as a "creeping phenomenon" and its impacts vary from region to region. Drought can therefore be difficult for people to understand. Its impacts result from the interplay between the natural event (less precipitation than expected) and the demand people place on water supply, and human activities can exacerbate the impacts of drought.
Because drought cannot be viewed solely as a physical phenomenon, it is usually defined both conceptually and operationally.
Materials and methods
According to the Azerbaijan Melioration and Water Management Company OJSC, 6430 million cubic meters of water is spent on irrigation and agricultural supply in Azerbaijan.
In 2014, about a one of third of the water supply was lost while transporting to consumers, and most of these losses are related to the water which used in agriculture. In fact, 89 per cent of the total water which supply in the agricultural sector and about three quarters of lost water can be attributed.
The main reason for the losses is that, there are plenty of soil channels (especially in rural areas), which are less efficient compared to the modern infrastructure.
In order to increase efficiency in water use, rehabilitation of old pipelines in Azerbaijan (pipelines causing large losses during water transportation) will be invested; the soil canals will be cleaned every two or three years to reduce leaks, investments will be channeled to irrigation canals rather than land canals and a development plan will be developed to prevent excessive irrigation in rural areas.
According to the Azerbaijan Melioration and Water Management Company OJSC, capital investments in this field have increased in recent years, the material and technical base of the site has been significantly strengthened, rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of thousands of kilometers of irrigation canals and collector-drainage networks has been carried out in 266,000 hectares irrigated lands, improved reclamation status in 218,000 hectares, 43,000 hectares of new irrigated areas were involved in agriculture, 1493 subartesian wells were drilled, more than 1,000 km of coastal ponds and dams were repaired in Kur, Aras and mountain rivers was held.
Results
If we talk about drought conditions limitations, the water use restriction, which reflected in world practice, should be taken into account. This includes the use of water restrictions in outdoor areas such as water use, fountains, golf courses, pools, and so on. These prohibitions may be of the following form:
• Restraining the water from the lawn
• Planting of pastures, watering of sidewalks and so on.
Such prohibitions can be applied by local authorities. These prohibitions can often be applied to maintaining water for major purposes during drought. These restrictions may be of the following form:
• Single / double system, where single or double numbered addresses are used alone or in pairs on water usage.
• Prohibition of water use can be applied on concrete days of the week
• The use of water can be prohibited in the second half of the day, when the evaporation is more
• Implementation of more prohibition of irrigation by flooding compared to those using the drip irrigation system
Such prohibitions have been used in the practice of many countries. For example, Australia, UK, etc. Some Australian states have been banned by irrigation of lawns, irrigation by water spraying, washing machines, and pools due to lack of water. Due to this trying to be paid to the demand for water.
At the same time, limitation and development of water use in all sectors means agriculture, domestic supply, industry and so on. taking into account the water use restrictions in the water supply, as well as the proper formulation of public consciousness in the field of water use. Particularly, the full application of the water supply system, based on water legislation, promoting a clean production mechanism in the industrial sector, and the assessment of the potential for agriculture in non-irrigation farming is one of the key conditions. At present “Azersu” OJSC is using waste water which cleaned industrial area, thus saving freshwater.
In connection with the adoption of the Law AR No. 759-VQD of June 30, 2017 on Amendments in the Water Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the following measures are taken:
a) Determine the rules for drawing up water economy balances on republican, water basins and administrative territorial units
b) Approval of annual water economy balance in the compiled republic c) determination of water use rules in Azerbaijan
Discussion
It should be noted that one of the most commonly adopted development concepts in the world is the concept of Sustainable Development. In fact, the emergence and adoption of this concept has been linked to the UN's nature protection activities. The essence of the concept of "sustainable development"
is the social, economic and ecologically normal payment of the needs of today's generations, without endangering the lives of future generations. Generally there are two types of tariff estimation methods.
One of them is the tariff method currently used in Azerbaijan. In this method, the price of water is the same for all users. At the same time, various tariffs for agriculture, industry, the private sector and population are defined. This tariff is based on the company's annual maintenance and operating costs.
The user is also paying for the amount of water he / she uses.
This tariff method is applied in Soviet times in Azerbaijan. However, this method is obsolete and ineffective. Currently, this tariff is improved, taking into account the population's financial situation and comparing prices in the regions. This method does not encourage the water supplier to improve quality and performance. Also, this tariff system does not allow the use of spare resources. Thus, the water user charges the amount specified in the industry and household irrespective of the use of water. Therefore, in some countries the differentiated tariff system is used. The principle of scrutiny has improved water use effectively. At present, Azerbaijan uses a similar tariff system for gas and light supply. This tariff is defined by monthly or annual norms.
Advice about professional legal and regulatory rules ought to hear in situation as management application of clean technologies, to live people in healthy natural condition, full using natural resources for the welfare of the world’s population today.Whitin these priorities, application of technologyies which are effective using energy, water and ecologically favorable – “green” technologies are widespread. "Green technology" which is the preparation of facilities that benefit from nature and completely harmless or minimal damage for the environment. Principles of waste water recycling are include this measures, too. Considering this, application of “green” technologies is one of the way to solve problems in some countries.
Environmental policy of Azerbaijan was focused on national features during the years of independence. Azerbaijan is implementing local policy and necessery improvement of the legislation according to decisions of Rio and Johannesburg Palace Summits. There are adobption of some state programs and laws, better management, expansion of specially protected areas, national park networks, perfection of people’s water supply and actions prevention of environmental pollution among them.
Azerbaijan had been signed global sustainable development agenda for years of 2015-2030, with other member states of United National Organization, in september of 2015, in Sustainable Development Summit which held in New York. This summit has approved the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Reference:
1. İmanov F.A., Alakbarov A.B., “Modern water resources change and Integrated water resources Management of Azerbaijan” Baku 2017.
2. F.A.Imanov, V.M. Mammadov, İ.M.Abdullayev, "Hydrology" Baku 2014
3. State Program of socio-economic development of the regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2004-2008). Baku, Nurlan, 2004, 247 p.
4. Strategic Road Map on Production and Processing of Agricultural Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan - Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 6, 2016
5. Strategic Road Map on Development of Communal Services (Electricity and Heat Energy, Water and Gas) in the Republic of Azerbaijan - Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 6, 2016
6. David A. Chin. Water-resources Engineering (Second edition). Pearson education International, USA, New Jersey, 2006.- 572 pp.