The current state and dynamics of the water economy in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation on the territory of the White Sea basin

• Published in: Arktika, ėkologii͡a︡ i ėkonomika no. 4(40); pp. 19 - 33
• Main Authors: Filatov, N.N., Litvinenko, A.V., Bogdanova, M.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2020
• ISSN: 2223-4594; 2223-4594
• DOI: 10.25283/2223-4594-2020-4-19-33

Based on the analysis of statistical information, the authors consider the water economy development in three constituent entities of the Russian Federation that have the greatest impact on the ecosystem of the White Sea — the Republic of Karelia, Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions — in conjunction with the socio-economic conditions for the development of the region. The authors estimate the current scale and dynamics of total water consumption and its components (industrial, communal, agricultural and fishery) for the period 2010—2017. They outline that the main water consumer remains the industry, with a minimal development of agriculture, and note that the development of the region is taking place against the background of a constant decrease in the population (by 28% over the period under review), which also determines a decrease in the volume of water consumption, both total (by 10%) and, especially, household water (by 37%). In addition, there is a constant decrease in the volume of agricultural water consumption. Surface water bodies are the main source of water resources. Groundwater accounts for only 8%. Seawater is also used to a small extent, and its share has dropped significantly in recent years. The provision of renewable water resources (river runoff) is high and exceeds the national average with a low utilization rate. Currently, the water bodies of the region are under heavy pressure from various industries, as well as water transport and other water users. The volume of wastewater disposal and the degree of purification during the period under review remains practically stable. However, about 35% of the total volume of wastewater discharged annually is contaminated and insufficiently treated, which determines the threat of serious risks to the freshwater and marine ecosystems of the region.