Return to WSH web site Case Study X* - Moscow Region, Russia X.1 Introduction X.2 Description of the region X.3 Water systems X.4 Water resources assessment ... X.10 References This case study was prepared by V. A. Vladimirov X.1 Introduction The Russian Federation state report "Drinking Water" issued in 1994, highlighted among other things the ongoing deterioration in water quality and in the reliability of the Moscow region drinking water supply (State Report, 1994). Almost all studies undertaken in the region in recent years, have indicated that the inadequate technical and sanitary condition of the water sources could lead to risks to human health for the population in this vast and important area (Anon, 1992). These potential problems with the Moscow region drinking water supply are of great concern to the Government of the Russian Federation, the authorities of Moscow City, Moscow, Smolensk and Tver Oblasts, to the mass media and to non-governmental organisations (NGOs). However, it was recognised that the policy and strategy for improvement of the region's water supplies should be based on a comprehensive and environmentally-sound approach. The Ministerial Conference on Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation "Implementing UNCED Agenda 21" (held in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, March 1993) set forth guiding principles for safe drinking water supply schemes, thereby providing the basis for immediate action by national government and supporting agencies and institutions (UNDP, 1994). In formulating the "Program of Water Quality Improvement in the Sources of Moscow Drinking Water Supply", which was completed in 1994, some efforts were made in the Moscow region to apply those principles in order to attain overall environmental quality and sustainable development objectives. | |
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