Water Resources Protection

The water management system covers all Gazprom Group facilities that draw on any type of water source. All production facilities of the Gazprom Group assess the significance of environmental aspects related to water use. This includes evaluating the amount of water withdrawn from natural sources, the quantity and quality of wastewater discharged into natural water bodies, and the types of water sources and recipient waters. Water use risks are evaluated during design and construction of new facilities. At existing facilities, wastewater treatment equipment is repaired, upgraded, and replaced. Operational environmental monitoring programs include regular tracking of wastewater and natural water quality, both at water sources and recipient water bodies. Operational environmental control at the construction and operation sites ensures compliance with environmental, land, and water regulations. When problems and long-term risks in water use are identified, appropriate measures are developed and implemented to address them.

The Gazprom Group reconstructs and modernizes water supply and wastewater discharge systems at its facilities every year with a view to increasing water use efficiency.

PJSC Gazprom’s subsidiaries and entities maintain active dialog with stakeholders on water use and take measures to ensure high water quality in their regions of operation. Projects undergo public hearings ahead of state expert review, and stakeholder expectations are analyzed and taken on board, including by incorporating them in water use disclosures.

The Gazprom Group entities function as water suppliers in a number of Russian regions, providing water to local communities and other users. In certain cases, they also receive and discharge third-party wastewaters, which makes them accountable for discharges not linked to their own production activities.

The Gazprom Group maintains strict compliance with water use legislation, secures necessary permits in a timely manner, and keeps records and reporting.

Water is withdrawn from surface and subterranean sources in accordance with the effective water use agreements and licenses, without causing any significant impact on the environment.

Natural sources account for 88% of the Gazprom Group’s water withdrawal, with the shares of surface water bodies and underground water sources at 98% and 2%, respectively.

The Group’s water consumption structure by types of sources depends upon specific features of production operations and location of the facilities.

The Gazprom Group implements numerous environmental protection measures annually to boost the efficiency of water use for production and utility purposes and improve the wastewater treatment quality.

Key activities performed by the Gazprom Group entities under environmental protection programs:

• constructing new treatment and water intake facilities, pumping stations, engineering communications;
• reconstructing and modernizing existing treatment and water intake facilities, water supply and wastewater system pipelines (replacing steel pipes with polyethylene ones), recycled water supply;
• conducting overhauls and adjustments of existing treatment and water intake facilities, pumping stations, absorption wells, water supply and wastewater system pipelines;
• monitoring treatment facility efficiency for production and stormwater runoff, conducting hydrological studies, performing regular chemical, bacteriological, and radiological water analysis;
• performing maintenance and routine repairs of equipment at treatment and water intake facilities, pumping stations, water supply and wastewater pipelines, cleaning and applying corrosion-resistant coating to tank equipment and structures.