Water quality in surface sources of drinking water supply to the towns of South Armenia

Hydrochemical observation data on minor rivers Ajibaj, Gyard, Chanakhchi, Vokhchi, Zvar, Lichk and Vahravar that serve as surface sources of drinking water and drinking water supply to urban and rural population of the region, have been summarized. Physico-chemical indices, indices of mineral composition of water, and heavy metals (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Sb, Se, Zn, Hg, Te.) have been determined. It is shown that minor rivers the water of which are taken, are under the impact of a set of manmade factors: active and idle deposits, mining plants, operating and reclaimed tailing repositories, industrial wastewater. Water quality in minor rivers in terms of heavy metals is insufficient for protection of watercourses and the functioning of their ecosystems.