Azerbaijan's Water Reform: A Regional First

Azerbaijan is poised to revolutionize its water management system in 2026 with a comprehensive, digital, and climate-adaptive framework, considered a regional first for the Caspian area. This initiative marks a significant departure from siloed sectoral approaches, establishing a unified system that integrates water security with economic strategy, climate change adaptation, and urban development. Dr. Rovshan Abbasov highlights that moderate water scarcity and dependence on transboundary sources necessitate this accelerated reform.

The new national framework uniquely combines infrastructure upgrades with governance reforms and advanced digital technologies. Unlike neighboring countries focusing on traditional methods or basic reservoir management, Azerbaijan is integrating digital monitoring, flood and drought forecasting, and policy changes into a cohesive national strategy. This approach addresses immediate infrastructure needs and deeper structural vulnerabilities.

Significant improvements are already noted in water supply, sanitation, and climate risk management, including reduced drought impacts and enhanced urban drainage, especially in flood-prone areas like Baku. The State Program for Improving Water Supply, Rainwater and Wastewater Systems in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula (2026-2035) is central to this transformation. It involves rehabilitating infrastructure, reducing water losses, expanding wastewater services, and improving stormwater management in its first phase.

The second phase focuses on long-term resilience through new reservoirs, pumping stations, and diversified water sources, including treated wastewater reuse and desalination. A major seawater desalination plant on the Absheron Peninsula, expected in 2028, aims to supply over 300,000 cubic meters daily. National targets include 95% continuous water supply, under 20% water loss, full consumer metering, 28 new reservoirs, and nine wastewater treatment plants, positioning Azerbaijan as a leader in climate-adaptive water governance.