The Deputy Chief of the Water
Board has told our reporter that the work of identifying and counting water
sources in the country, including rivers, lakes, underground reservoirs, and
artisanal wells was progressing on schedule. The exercise is carried out every
four years. The results of the work will determine the quality of the water at
various places and the extent of pollution following mineral resources
exploitation. This will help determine new standards for water use and the
rates to be charged.

The official felt water costs are
too low in Mongolia. Mining companies buy a ton of water for MNT180 but
citizens buy 40 liters for MNT40. The ecological and economic value of water
has to be considered. A working group of the Ministry of Nature, Environment
and Tourism is studying the issue and is likely to recommend an increase in the
price of water used in mining and agriculture. The rates for water used in
households are not to be increased much.