Armenia possesses a remarkable wealth of underground water resources that play a vital role in its ecological stability, economic development, and public health. Despite its relatively small size and predominantly mountainous terrain, Armenia is rich in subterranean water reserves, including fresh groundwater, thermal springs, and mineral waters. These underground waters originate from snowmelt, rainfall, and natural infiltration processes, filtering through layers of volcanic rock, limestone, and sediment before emerging as springs, wells, or artesian flows.
One of the most striking aspects of Armenia’s underground water system is its abundance and diversity. Numerous springs and wells throughout the country provide high-quality drinking water that meets or exceeds international standards. Many communities, particularly in mountainous and rural areas, rely heavily on these sources for their daily water supply. The underground waters are known for their purity, often requiring minimal or no treatment, which makes Armenia one of the few countries where tap water is generally safe to drink directly from the source.
In addition to potable groundwater, Armenia is famous for its mineral waters, which have long been valued for their therapeutic properties. These mineral-rich waters, formed deep within the earth, rise to the surface through natural geological processes and are infused with beneficial elements such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, and sulfates. Towns such as Jermuk, Arzni, Hankavan, and Bjni are renowned for their mineral springs, which have become popular spa destinations attracting visitors seeking health and wellness treatments. The healing qualities of these waters have been known since antiquity, and they continue to be bottled and exported, contributing to the country’s economy and international reputation.
Thermal waters also form an essential part of Armenia’s underground water network. Found in regions such as Syunik, Vayots Dzor, and Gegharkunik, these naturally heated waters are the result of volcanic and geothermal activity beneath the earth’s crust. Ranging in temperature and mineral content, thermal springs are widely used for balneological treatments and are believed to aid in the treatment of various health conditions, including joint and skin disorders, circulatory issues, and stress-related ailments. Resorts and sanatoriums have developed around these springs, offering therapeutic services in harmony with the natural environment.
Agriculture, a key sector in the Armenian economy, relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation, particularly in the arid regions of the Ararat Valley and Vayots Dzor. Artesian wells and subterranean channels support crop production and livestock farming, providing a lifeline for communities in areas where surface water is scarce.