Water supply and sanitation in Central and East European countries, New Independent States and Mongolia

Main objectives of the project were to: (1) give an overview on the status of the water supply and sanitation (WATSAN) sector in the area; (2) identify the counterparts in the responsible State agencies and sector institutions of the target countries in view of future cooperation; (3) learn about the ongoing national sector activities; (4) investigate current or planned sector-relevant activities set up in the area; (5) provide for decision-making on the follow-up activities performed by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. The report outlines the methods used to obtain above information. Out of the 26 countries in the project, only 14 were able to provide enough information on their WATSAN status. Data and information obtained were compiled in Country Issue Papers (CIPs) included in this report. The CIPs contain demographic and topographic information; the status of water resources, drinking water supply, sewerage/waste water treatment; institutional and legal framework; main problems, priorities etc. Most waters in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) and the New Independent States (NIS) are seriously contaminated although the overall state of water supply in urban areas, in terms of quantity, is satisfactory. Compared to western figures, water consumption is high due to large water losses. Sewerage in urban areas of CEEC is adequately covered but waste water treatment is generally lacking. Drinking water standards in CEEC and NIS tend to be inadequate. Incidents of diseases linked to poor water quality are reported for a considerable number of CEEC and NIS states.