In 2010 Parakar’ community was supported by partners from Country Water Partnerships of Armenia initiated and developed a demonstration pilot project for domestic wastewater treatment.
The project implied applying lagoon type of wastewater treatment system for the first time in Armenia, which has a broad application in many countries. This type is relatively cost-effective to build and operate. This technology was adapted for Armenian conditions and the treatment structures were designed in a way that allows treating the domestic wastewater to the quality required for irrigation water and using the treated wastewater for irrigation purposes.
During the project implementation, a special attention was paid to public awareness raising and formation of appropriate attitude of population towards the new wastewater treatment technology.
By means of information leaflets and round tables, the community population was informed about the project goals, the implemented works and the anticipated outcomes. The population was informed as about the positive impacts of the project on the environment, health and social-economic condition. This made a solid base for community approach in complex water solutions that would not be possible without taking IWRM approach.
As a result, the waste water treatment is now operational allowing an use of treated water for irrigation.