AZERBAIJAN: Water Code (Law No. 418-IQ of 1997) (2019 Ed.)

Meta Data
Title in national language: 
Azərbaycan Respublikasının Su Məcəlləsi / Водный кодекс Азербайджанской Республики
Draft: 
No
Revision of previous policy?: 
No
Draft Year: 
1997
Effective Start Year: 
2019
Scope: 
National
Document Type: 
Code, Law
Economic Sector: 
Multi-Sector
Energy Types: 
Hydropower
Issued by: 
Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Source: 
Portal of Knowledge for Water and Environmental Issues in Central Asia (EN)
Portal of Knowledge for Water and Environmental Issues in Central Asia (RU)
e-Qanun (AZ)
File: 
Water Code (Law No. 418-IQ of 1997) (RU)
Water Code (Law No. 418-IQ of 1997) (EN)
Overall Summary: 
The Code establishes an all-encompassing legal framework for the regulation of water resources in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The policy considers environmental dimensions of sustainable development and formulates a sector-specific approach to attaining the objectives of protection and conservation of the environment. Among priority areas specifically addressed by the Code are sustainability issues in the energy-water nexus. ---- It is stipulated that internal waters of the Azerbaijan Republic and the Azerbaijan Sector of the Caspian Sea (Lake) are the national wealth of the people of Azerbaijan used and protected by the state. Water resources are considered essential for the existence of flora and fauna. ---- The policy was enforced by the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan №418-IQ of 26 December 1997.
Environment
Energy-water nexus: 
Art. 22. The policy articulates the need for enhancing the integrated systems of water resources management, elaborates on the system-wide change to pursue environmentally conscious development path. Comprehensive schemes for the use and protection of water resources – including hydropower - shall be developed by a relevant regulatory body. ---Chapter 9 regulates the utilization of water resources for industrial purposes, additionally, concentrates on hydropower generation. The policy aims to strengthen norms on water utilization, it thereby states that the established rules, technical norms and standards must be respected by consumers. Art. 59 provides for the conservation of water resources, imposes restriction on discharge of sewage waters. With a view to foster sustainable industrial development, the regulatory document proposes measures to accelerate water-related technologies and improve water supply mechanisms. ---- Art. 63 focuses on the issues of hydropower generation. The policy forges an integrated approach to the management of water resources based on due consideration of economy-wide priorities. In response to the issue of water scarcity, complex solutions are foreseen to be developed to ensure conservation of water resources in thermal power generation, extraction of chemicals, etc. ---- As provided by art. 10, lands of the water fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan include areas under hydrotechnical installations and water sector facilities, meliorated areas.