YEREVAN, July 4. /ARKA/. All sewage and wastewaters of the Gegharkunik province fall into Lake Sevan, Armenian Environment Minister Erik Grigoryan told journalists on Thursday. He said there are only three mechanical wastewater treatment plants in the region, whose operation does not change the quality of the sewage and wastewaters.

According to the minister, the amount of chemical waste has increased because of the increasing number of washing machines used by local households. He said temperature also plays an important role in changing the lake's ecosystem.

He said this past June has already been officially declared the hottest month in history. Precipitation in May was little in the Sevan region, however, additional 36 million cubic meters of water arrived, while the historically minimum is 33 million," said Grigoryan.

On clean-up work, the minister said it has been decided that shore cleaning could be carried out with the help of local communities.

"The wetland areas have been fully explored – they make about 77 hectares. This year we have already announced a competition for shore cleaning, which should be larger than last year. We plan that this whole area will be cleared in 2020-2201," he said.

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is situated in Gegharkunik province at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level. Its’ basin’s total surface area is about 5,000 km2, which makes up 1⁄6 of Armenia's territory. The lake itself is 1,242 km2. It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. Sevan has significant economic, cultural, and recreational value. Its only island (now a peninsula) is home to a medieval monastery. -0-