A briefing dedicated to the elimination of illegal use of drinking water supply

Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency "Azersu" OJSC held a briefing on efficient and economical use of drinking water, elimination of illegal water supply, requirements of the legislation in this field and awareness measures.

Head of the Public Relations Department of “Azersu” OJSC, Anar Jabrayilli, said that global climate changes and drought have led to a decrease in water resources in the world in recent years, in Azerbaijan as well. "Action Plan for ensuring efficient use of water resources" was approved by the decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. In accordance with the Action Plan, important measures are being taken to prevent water loss and wastage.

Starting from May of this year, measures against illegal water lines have been strengthened. During the last period of May, about 1,500 large water consumers were inspected and defects were found in 23 percent of them, and consumption of about 180,000 cubic meters was restored. At the same time, 431,000 damages were calculated to 1,865 population subscribers due to illegal water supply, and 140,000 AZN of that amount have already been paid.

Nofal Bagyrzadeh, Deputy Head of the Legal Department of "Azersu" OJSC, informed about the requirements of the legislation in the field of water supply and the cases of its violations. He said that it is considered illegal to connect to the water supply and sewage system without the consent company. When such cases are detected, the water supply enterprise must immediately disconnect the illegal line from the water supply system and stop the supply of water and demand compensation from that person.

Responsibility for wasteful use of water and theft of water through illegal connection is provided for by Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code. According to the rules of water use, when cases of illegal connection to the water supply system are detected, the illegal water supply should be stopped immediately and compensation for the damage should be demanded. Illegal and wasteful users of water sometimes try to prevent these measures. Certain fines are provided in the Code of Administrative Offenses against those who commit such cases.

Then the questions of media representatives were answered.