Azerbaijan is exposed to water shortage conditions with the average annual water consumption index exceeding 53.1%. The average annual dependence rate of Azerbaijan on external water flows is calculated as high (78%). On average, about 11,500 million m ³  of water is used annually to meet the water needs of various economic sectors, of which 6.8% is used for household purposes.

The water supplied to households is mainly used for drinking, cooking and hygiene, including basic needs for personal and household cleaning, as well as for washing cars, watering the garden and lawn, etc. is used for

As a result of investments in the water supply network, the population connected to water supply increased by 9.3% from 2005 (41.6%) to 2017 (50.9%). During that period, per capita water use decreased by 32.5%. The increase in the total number of the population of Azerbaijan and the periodic decrease in water use per capita indicate the disappearance of absolute proportionality between population and water use. However, 49% of the population has to meet their water needs by self-supply and is still not connected to the water supply system. This keeps Azerbaijan far from the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 6.1, achieving universal and equal access to safe and affordable drinking water for everyone by 2030.

In 2019, daily per capita water withdrawal for households was calculated at an average of 310.6 l/capita per day. 

Pointer designation

The amount of water used to meet the utility needs of households and related populations through water supply industry and self-supply.

Units

The total volume of water used by households is measured in million cubic meters and per capita in cubic meters.

Justification

Rationale for indicator selection

The indicator is important for determining the level of development of water management services and the degree of access to water to meet all household needs of the population. The indicator also helps identify trends in domestic water use in individual countries.

Scientific references

• Howard, G. and Bartram, J., 2003.  Domestic Water Quantity, Level of Service and Health. World Health Organization, WHO/SDE/WSH/03.02, Geneva, Switzerland.

• UNECE, 2011. Azerbaijan - Second Environmental Performance Review, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Environmental Performance Review Series No. 31, e-ISBN 978-92-1-117035-1, New York and Geneva.

• UNECE, 2018.  Guidelines for the Implementation of Environmental Indicator, description of C4: Domestic water use per capita.
• UNECE, 2018.  Guidelines for Environmental Indicator Implementation, Glossary – C4: Domestic water use per capita.

A description of the context

National political context

Azerbaijan is a signatory to numerous conventions and partnerships relevant to the water and sanitation sector, including the Helsinki Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes and the Water and Health Protocol of that Convention.

International political context

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to "ensure access to water and sanitation for all". Goal 6.1 of SDG 6 aims to "achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030". Similarly, target 6.2 aims to “ensure access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, with a particular focus on the needs of women and girls and the vulnerable, and end public toilets”.

Targets

No specific target has been identified.

Relevant political documents

Water Code of the Republic of  Azerbaijan, 1997. Adopted by the Law No. 418-IQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 26, 1997.

Sustainable Development Goals. UN (2016).  Sustainable development goals, sustainable development agenda.