Water resources and water scarcity in Kazakhstan

Translator's Note:

Extreme hot weather around the world is getting worse, and water will become the most important basic energy source after crude oil. The layout of water resources will become a new strategic basic economy after the carbon economy.

In 2022, 6 reservoirs will be restored in Kazakhstan

In 2022 Kazakhstan will restore six reservoirs

Another 19 - until the end of 2025

There are also 19 – by the end of 2025

This year, 6 reservoirs will be restored in Kazakhstan, another 19 - by the end of 2025. This was announced at a briefing at the Central Communications Service by Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources Dosbol Bekmagambetov, the correspondent of the Kapital.kz Business Information Center reports with reference to the ortcom.kz.

This year Kazakhstan will restore 6 reservoirs and 19 reservoirs by the end of 2025. Dosbor Bekmagantov, vice chairman of the Water Resources Commission, said at a briefing at the Central Communications Agency. Kapital.kz business information center correspondent quoted ortcom.kz report

16 emergency reservoirs out of 41 have already been restored. As a result of this work, the threat of flooding of 16 rural settlements with a population of over 120 thousand people was eliminated.

Sixteen of the 41 reservoirs have been restored. The work eliminated the threat of flooding in 16 rural settlements with a population of more than 120,000 people.

To provide an additional volume of water until 2025, it is planned to build 9 new reservoirs with a storage volume of 1.7 cubic kilometers. In the republican budget for 2022-2024, an amount of 11.3 billion tenge was approved.

In order to provide additional water by 2025, it is planned to build 9 new reservoirs with a storage capacity of 1,700 cubic meters. The Republic budget for 2022-2024 approved 11.3 billion tenge.

"In 2021, construction and installation work was completed, the Kensai-Koskorgan-2 reservoir was put into operation. For the period 2022-2023, it is planned to complete the development of 6 DEDCs. These are the reservoirs of Rgayty, Akmola, Kalguty, Bolshaya Reka, Buzuluk, Karaozek and Malaya Reka, which is 1.6 km m3. In 2023, it is planned to begin construction of these reservoirs. In general, the implementation of these projects will reduce the threat of floods for 70 settlements and 137 thousand people, reduce water dependence on neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia," Said Dosbol Bekmagambetov.

Construction and installation work was completed in 2021, and the "Кенсай-Коскорган-2" reservoir was put into use. Six development plans are planned for the period 2022-2023. These reservoirs are Ргайты, Акмолинское, Калгуты, Dahe, Бузулук, Караозек and small river, 1600 cubic meters. Construction of these reservoirs is scheduled to begin in 2023. Overall, the implementation of these projects will reduce the threat of flooding in 70 settlements and 137,000 people, reducing water dependence on neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia

Water scarcity by 2030 could reach 23 cubic kilometers

By 2030, water scarcity could reach 23,000 cubic meters

East Kazakhstan is the most provided with water resources, central Kazakhstan is the least provided with water resources

Kazakhstan has the most abundant water resources in the east and the least in the central region

The deficit of water resources in Kazakhstan by 2030 may reach 23 cubic kilometers. This was announced at a briefing at the Central Communications Service by Deputy Chairman of the Water Resources Committee Dosbol Bekmagambetov, the correspondent of the Kapital.kz Business Information Center reports with reference to the ortcom.kz.

By 2030, Kazakhstan's water shortage could reach 23,000 cubic meters. Dosbor Beckmagambertov, vice chairman of the Water Resources Commission, said at a briefing at the Central Communications Agency that Kapital.kz. Business Information Center correspondents quoted ortcom.kz report.

According to him, the long-term dynamics of river flow indicates a reduction in water resources due to the small amount of local and transboundary flows.

Changes in river flows over the years have shown that water resources are dwindling due to fewer local and transboundary runoff, he said.

"If in the 2000s the average long-term river flow was 120 cubic kilometers, now it is about 102 cubic kilometers. This is due to climate change and anthropogenic factors. By 2030, a further reduction in river flow to 99.4 cubic kilometers is projected. At the present stage, the deficit of water resources is more than 17 cubic kilometers, which is forcibly covered by the needs of aquatic ecosystems," said Dosbol Bekmagambetov.

"If in 2000 the average annual river flow was 120,000 cubic metres, it is now about 102,000 cubic metres. This is related to climate change and human factors. It is expected that by 2030, the river flow will be further reduced to 99 400 cubic meters. At this stage, water shortages exceed 17,000 cubic metres and are forced to do so at the expense of the needs of the aquatic ecosystem",--, said Dossbor BeckerMagambertov.

In the context of the reduction of water resources and the growth of water use for the needs of the population, economy and ecology, the deficit of water resources in Kazakhstan by 2030 may reach 23 cubic kilometers.

In the context of reduced water resources and increased population, economic and ecological demand for water use, Kazakhstan's water shortage could reach 23,000 cubic metres by 2030.

"This issue is complicated by the fact that the situation with water resources varies greatly from region to region. The eastern region of the country is the most provided with water resources, Central Kazakhstan (Nura-Sarysu basin) is the least provided. The southern and western regions are the most dependent on neighboring countries. Therefore, the projected water shortage has a greater impact on these regions," the representative of the committee explained.

"This issue is compounded by the wide variation in the state of water resources across regions. The eastern part of the continent is the most abundant, while the central region of Kazakhstan (the Nur-Saresu Basin) is the least abundant. The south and west are the regions that are most dependent on their neighbors. As a result, the impact of water scarcity on these areas is expected to be greater," the representative of the committee explained ,--.

According to Dosbol Bekmagambetov, in addition to climatic factors, the great dependence of the southern and western regions on the water policy of neighboring countries has a negative impact on water resources management and water demand. More than half of the population lives in these regions, and their living conditions are directly dependent on water supply. Secondly, the needs of aquatic ecosystems remain in last place according to the "residual principle". The third is the low efficiency of water use, as well as low tariffs for water supply services. Fourth, the Committee on Water Resources cannot provide full control over the rational use and protection of the water fund in the current staffing conditions. The fifth is the weak scientific support of decisions made in the management of water resources and the lack of qualified personnel.

According to Dosbor Beckmagambertov, in addition to climatic factors, the high dependence of the south and west on water policies in neighbouring countries has had a negative impact on water management and water demand. These areas are home to more than half of the population, and their living conditions depend directly on water. Second, the needs of aquatic ecosystems remain last under the "residual principle". Third, water use is inefficient and water services are charged low. Fourthly, the Water Commission, with its current staffing, has failed to fully monitor the management and protection of the Water Fund. Fifth, scientific support for water resources management decision-making is weak and there is a lack of qualified human resources.