Surface and Groundwater Resources of the South Caucasus

In the ratings of the world regions by water resources availability the South Caucasus looks quite satisfactory. The total volume of surface waters, including mostly the mixed-fed rivers, is comparable to the underground and artesian water reserves some of which feature unique mineral composition and organoleptic properties. However, the distribution of water resources in the region is rather uneven. The water use infrastructure was established in this region by the end of the twentieth century within the framework of a single state – the USSR. The borders of the most important water basins, including the largest Kura-Araks, do not coincide mostly with the state borders of modern states – Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. This urges to enhancement of transboundary cooperation in the water sphere.