For the first time in over half a century, Kazakhstan has begun a major cleanup of the Astana Reservoir, a key water source for the capital and surrounding villages.
Built in 1970, the reservoir has never undergone comprehensive dredging until now. According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the cleanup involves advanced equipment, including a large dredger equipped with a hydraulic ripper capable of processing up to 2,000 cubic meters per hour, and a self-propelled amphibious dredger with a capacity of up to 900 cubic meters per hour.
In 2025, authorities plan to remove 50,000 tons of sediment from the reservoir floor. The cleanup, which began in early June, is scheduled to continue annually for 13 years and is expected to significantly enhance the reservoir’s storage capacity.
Upon completion of this year’s work, the Astana Reservoir’s volume will increase by 47 million cubic meters, from its current capacity of 410.9 million cubic meters. This expansion will bolster the water supply for Astana and nearby communities.
“The Astana Reservoir is a strategic facility that plays a vital role in providing the capital with water,” said Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. “The use of modern technology allows us to carry out the first cleanup of the reservoir in over 50 years both thoroughly and efficiently.”
The reservoir is located on the Yesil River. In 2010, a protective dam was constructed to shield the capital from spring floodwaters originating from the river.
