The Price of Water

The Price of Water Village Khorenia

This is a village of Khorenia in Akhalkalaki Region. There has not been drinking water here for many years. Currently, 110 families live in the village. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture and farming.

This is the water source that serves the whole village. Studies have proven that the water coming from it is not drinkable and is harmful to health. People use this water by risking their health because there is no other choice. The well was built in 1956 and up to present is considered to be the only water source for the village.

This well is the only source of water in the village, it is located in the outskirts of the village. The source of the well is the River Paravani.

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How is Artesian Water Formed? Springs become artesian when the water flows to the surface naturally without the aid of a pump. These types of springs seem to defy gravity but in reality, the water is being forced out by the pressure that is created between two impermeable surfaces.

People from the village have to carry water home every day. Karine is one of those who take water to their houses on a daily basis. She has to walk 650 meters with 2 water piles on her shoulders and with her working bag in her hand to take water home.

Young people also help the family with carrying water.

11 year-old Garik carries water with his bicycle.

Robert carries water by hand - he’s 17 years old and he is in last year at school. He likes sports and fishing. Almost every day he goes to the Paravani river to catch fish and he sometimes plays football in the village stadium. He doesn’t have a permanent job, but he does do seasonal work in the village, such as moving potatoes or storing hay for cattle. But before he does all of this, the first thing he does each day is bringing water home. This is how a village boy’s morning begins.

A few people know what this equipment is for. They are a kind of wash-hand stands. Almost all villagers have it. They use it for washing face and hands since there are no faucets here.

In Winter it becomes even harder. Icy ground and cold are serious challenges for people.

There are other wells in the village which belong to individuals. But the rest of the villagers cannot use them.

Wells are draining as the water level decreases year by year.

Wells are 35-40 meters’ deep holes in the earth's crust. The water coming out of it is not liable to drink either, but people still do that. Not everyone can afford a well because it’s expensive.

62 villages of Akhalkalaki Region are provided with drinking water except Khorenia. In total there are 63 villages and only one of them is deprived of normal drinking water. The water supply system in all 62 villages was installed in Soviet time. The map shows one red and 62 green dots – they are Akhalkalaki villages.

The lack of drinking water is considered to be one of the main causes of migration. Those who have a chance to leave the village, and those who don't stay with a hope that one day their problems will be solved. Annually 1-2 families leave the village.

The houses shown in red are empty. Their owners moved to Russia. There are 19 abandoned houses in the picture, but it shows only small area of the village.

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The Price of Water Village Khorenia

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