Baku: All rainwater systems in Baku were converted into sewerage collectors in the 1990s, stated Zaur Mikayilov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency. During a meeting focused on water supply in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, Mikayilov presented critical insights into the city’s water infrastructure, highlighting its challenges and developments.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mikayilov explained that the water supply and sewerage systems in Baku were primarily designed by the late 1980s. Since then, there has been a significant increase in residential areas and population, with settlements growing 2.6 times and the population increasing 2.1 times. The main trunk pipelines, designed to last 40-50 years, have surpassed their operational lifespan, and the existing monitoring systems do not meet current standards.
Mikayilov noted that the conversion of rainwater drainage systems into sewerage collectors during the 1990s has exacerbated the load on these systems. He pointed out that the limited capacity of the main collectors is insufficient to manage the increased wastewater volume due to population growth and stormwater discharge.
Mikayilov also highlighted the problem of encroachment on the protection zones of trunk pipelines. Recent analyses in Baku revealed over 1,600 residential and other structures interfering with the operation of main sewerage lines. This encroachment has led to the collapse of outdated sewerage systems in some areas, causing damage to residents’ homes.