CARE 4 SEVAN Lake Sevan problems

Start of Problems Since WW II until mid 60s, Lake Sevan was the main source of electrical energy for national economical growth Water level dropped almost 20 m (60 ft) in 20 years The volume of water fell by more than 40%

Lake’s Level and Outflow

Lake Sevan: Blue Gem or Dying Lake? Water temperature has been going up as a result of lowering water level Pollution causes algae growth which then reduces oxygen in the water Until few years ago Sevan used to turn green and smell in the summer Fish and marine life cannot survive in such conditions

Arpa Sevan Tunnel 21 km 48.3 km

Sources of Pollution Only 7% of sewage from towns and villages is being treated and remainder flows into the lake Fertilizer and cattle waste find their way into the lake via rivers Heavy metals from industrial enterprises Yearly 1,440 tones of nitrogen and 180 tones of phosphorus enter the lake

Trees in the Water Raising lake’s level during recent years has caused trees around Lake Sevan and specially man made forest on the south shore to go under water Rotting trees are cause of another pollution