Apr-Oct, 2026 – Decentralized Wastewater Treatment for a Healthier Lake Sevan

The Gavar community in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region is taking a vital step to protect the environment and public health. The local kindergarten in the village of Gegharkunik, which serves 30 children and is expanding to accommodate 60, currently discharges its untreated wastewater into a tributary of the Gavaraget River, which flows directly into Lake Sevan-the largest freshwater reservoir in the South Caucasus.

To address this, the Urban Foundation, in partnership with the Gavar municipality and Czech experts from Vodní energie, is implementing a decentralized wastewater treatment facility at the kindergarten. The project involves a series of interlinked activities, including signing a formal agreement with the municipality, conducting wastewater tests, installing and commissioning the treatment facility, and constructing necessary pipelines and power connections. The municipality has committed to co-financing infrastructure works and ensuring long-term operation and maintenance.

A model

Expected Results:

  • Annual treatment of approximately 2,000 m³ of wastewater.
  • Significant reduction of pollutants, including ~3,500 g BOD and ~3,000 g suspended solids annually.
  • Safe separation of large particles (~250 kg/year) and safe disposal of sludge.

This initiative will create immediate and long-term benefits by improving sanitation for 30-60 children and up to 15 staff, reducing pollution in Lake Sevan, and strengthening local institutional capacity. As a pilot for decentralized wastewater treatment, the project provides a sustainable and replicable model for other communities across Armenia, demonstrating a cost-effective solution that protects both public health and the region’s most precious ecological treasure.

Funding: The Embassy of Czech Republic in Armenia

Implementation: The Urban Foundation (Armenia), Vodní Energie (Czech Republic)

Beneficiaries: 30-60 kindergarten children, 15 kindergarten staff, village of Gegharkunik, Gavar Municipality.

CategoryIntegrated community development