Water resources - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kazakhstan Increases Water Levels in North Aral Sea by 42%

Kazakhstan’s efforts to restore the North Aral Sea have yielded significant results, with the water volume increasing by 42% to 27 billion cubic meters. The salinity of the sea has decreased nearly fourfold, and annual fish catches have risen to 8,000 tons. These achievements were highlighted by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov during a meeting with residents of the Aral district in the Kyzylorda region on January 13. The North Aral Sea restoration project, initiated in response to the catastrophic shrinkage of the Aral Sea, focuses on the portion of the sea fed by the Syr Darya River. The North Aral Sea separated from the South Aral Sea in 1987-1988 due to declining water levels caused by extensive water diversion for agriculture. During the meeting, Nurzhigitov discussed plans for the second phase of the project, which aims to: Further increase water levels in the North Aral Sea; Improve water accumulation and management; Expand fisheries and promote ecotourism; Enhance the region’s overall ecological health. In 2024, Kazakhstan directed approximately 2.6 billion cubic meters of water into the Aral Sea, a dramatic increase compared to 816 million cubic meters in 2022. Nurzhigitov attributed the project’s success to the efficient distribution of water from the transboundary Syr Darya River, achieved through close cooperation with upstream countries. "These figures are the result of systematic work over the past two years. We [Kazakhstan] have reached a mutual understanding with neighboring countries on the conservation and fair distribution of water resources in transboundary rivers,” Nurzhigitov said. The minister emphasized that the project’s ultimate goal is to improve the region’s ecology, boost fisheries and tourism, and enhance the quality of life for local communities. The restoration of the North Aral Sea has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing ecological challenges while fostering sustainable development. By prioritizing cooperation with regional partners and implementing systematic water management strategies, the initiative offers hope for reversing decades of environmental degradation and improving economic opportunities for communities in the region.

Water resources Water Management Water Economy

Differentiated Tariffs Lead to Significant Drop in Water Consumption Across Kazakhstan

Water consumption has significantly decreased in eleven regions of Kazakhstan following the implementation of differentiated tariffs for water supply in 2024. The new tariff system, introduced at the start of last year, applies an increasing coefficient based on the principle of “the more you consume, the more you pay.” The system features four levels of tariffs for individuals: Up to 3 cubic meters per month: Consumers continue to pay the original tariff, which varies by region but averaged 82.66 KZT ($0.16) per cubic meter nationwide when the system was introduced. This group accounts for 49% of the population in the eleven regions. 3 to 5 cubic meters per month: A 20% increase in the tariff applies, covering 20% of the population. 5 to 10 cubic meters per month: The tariff rises by 50%, affecting another 20% of the population. Over 10 cubic meters per month: The tariff doubles, impacting 11% of the population. The introduction of these “social norms of consumption” has led to an average water savings of 1.65 million cubic meters per month in six regions — Akmola, Aktobe, Turkestan, Ulytau oblasts, and the cities of Almaty and Shymkent. According to official data, the average monthly water consumption in these regions dropped from 21.1 million cubic meters to 19.5 million cubic meters after the implementation of the new tariff system. As of December 1, 2024, the “social consumption norms” were extended to the Zhambyl region, with plans to roll out the system in Mangistau, East Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan, and North Kazakhstan regions in 2025. “Additional funds generated from increased tariffs for high-consumption users will be directed toward the modernization and reconstruction of water supply and wastewater infrastructure,” stated the press service of the anti-monopoly committee. These investments aim to improve service quality and enhance the sustainability of the water supply system. The Ministry of the National Economy estimates the additional revenue from the tariff increases at approximately 13 billion KZT (around $25 million) annually. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported that nearly 10 million people, or 14% of Central Asia's population, lack reliable access to safe drinking water. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has estimated that addressing this issue will require over $12 billion between 2025 and 2030, or roughly $2 billion per year.

Water resources Water Security Bilateral Cooperation Water Management Irrigation

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Collaborate on Syr Darya River Automation to Improve Water Management

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are moving forward with plans to install ten automated measuring stations along the Syr Darya River, a project aimed at improving water resource management. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia in September 2024, this initiative was first discussed during meetings between Uzbek Minister of Water Resources Shavkat Khamroyev and Kazakh Minister of Water Resources Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. The discussions focused on automating and digitizing water accounting in the river basin. On January 7, the two countries announced that they had agreed to develop technical specifications for the project. Five stations will be installed in each country, with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) assisting in the development of draft technical specifications. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing with international financial institutions to secure funding for the project. “This is just the beginning,” stated Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurlan Aldamjarov. “Only the first ten sections have been identified so far, but we aim to automate all major hydro posts and ensure complete transparency in water accounting. We are also actively addressing this issue in talks with our Kyrgyz and Tajik counterparts.” The automation of water management systems is a critical step for both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as the Syr Darya River plays a vital role in supporting agriculture and ensuring water security in the region.

Water resources water saving Water-Saving Technologies Water Management

Kazakhstan Prepares for Flood Season by Releasing Water from Reservoirs

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) has begun releasing water from key reservoirs across the country to prepare for the influx of meltwater expected during the spring thaw. This proactive measure follows the devastating floods of spring 2024, the worst in 80 years, which affected multiple regions and displaced over 120,000 people. By pre-emptively releasing water from reservoirs, Kazakhstan hopes to mitigate the impact of the spring flood season. This preparation underscores the importance of coordinated water management to protect communities, agriculture, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of extreme weather events. In early January, the MWRI held a meeting to discuss water management strategies for the upcoming flood season. Authorities have initiated controlled releases in reservoirs located in the west, east, north, and center of the country - regions hit hardest by last year’s flooding. These releases are designed to reduce water levels in preparation for spring meltwater. Astana Reservoir: Between December 20, 2024, and January 3, 2025, 5.06 million cubic meters of water were released, lowering the reservoir to 83% of its total capacity. By April 1, its volume will be further reduced to 73% (300 million cubic meters). Aktobe Reservoir: Currently holding 51 million cubic meters, this will be lowered to 47.32 million cubic meters by April. Bitik Reservoir (West Kazakhstan): Discharging at 8.3 cubic meters per second, its volume has been reduced to 34.45 million cubic meters. Bukhtarma Reservoir (East Kazakhstan): Now at 79% capacity, this will be reduced by another 8% by spring. Yntymak Reservoir (Karaganda Region): Of its current 69 million cubic meters, only 39 million cubic meters will remain to accommodate floodwaters. Kengir Reservoir (Ulytau Region): Reduced to 86% of capacity, it will be lowered by an additional 11%. Upper Tobolsk Reservoir (Kostanay Region): Holding 585.4 million cubic meters, its volume will be reduced to 61% (499.37 million cubic meters) by April. MWRI head Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized the importance of strategic water management throughout the year. “In spring, it is critical not only to collect floodwaters in reservoirs but also to distribute them to lake systems, natural pastures, and meadows,” he said. Nurzhigitov urged regional authorities to plan for efficient water allocation, noting that during the previous irrigation period, farms received approximately 11 billion cubic meters of water. Efforts to restore and preserve both large and small reservoirs were also highlighted. Last spring’s historic floods inundated regions in northern, western, eastern, and central Kazakhstan for nearly two months. Over 120,000 people were evacuated, with rescue efforts involving multiple government agencies, including the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Defense, and Internal Affairs, as well as local authorities and volunteers. Despite extensive state aid, many citizens raised concerns about the allocation of resources, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia.

Water Management water saving Water Security Water resources

Kazakhstan Receives Abundant Water in 2024

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has reported record water accumulation in the country’s reservoirs and lakes in 2024. This year, Kazakhstan’s reservoirs collected over 75 billion cubic meters of water, including more than 12 billion cubic meters of floodwater from unprecedented spring floods in the western and northern regions. These floods were triggered by rapid snowmelt, leading to significant increases in water availability. According to the Ministry, efficient floodwater distribution helped replenish reservoirs and direct excess water to rivers and lakes that have faced drying trends in recent years. Notable allocations include: Lake Balkhash: Received 15.4 billion cubic meters of water in 2024, a 4-billion-cubic-meter increase from 2023. Of this, 3.3 billion cubic meters came from floodwater. Located 175 miles northwest of Almaty, Balkhash is the largest lake in Kazakhstan and the fifteenth-largest in the world. Caspian Sea: Gained 17 billion cubic meters of water, addressing concerns over its declining water level. The Times of Central Asia previously reported concerns that the Caspian could lose up to 18 meters of water by the end of the century. Kapchagay Reservoir: For the first time in a decade, this reservoir in the Almaty region filled to 100% of its capacity, collecting over 18 billion cubic meters of water. The reservoir regulates the flow of the Ili River, which originates in China and flows into Lake Balkhash. North Aral Sea: Received approximately 2.5 billion cubic meters of water, 400 million cubic meters more than in 2023. This portion of the former Aral Sea is fed by the Syr Darya River and separated from the South Aral Sea in the late 1980s due to water diversion for agriculture. Kamysh-Samar Lakes: Located in the West Kazakhstan region, these lakes were replenished with 80 million cubic meters of floodwater. Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized the Ministry’s efforts to preserve and restore large and small water bodies across Kazakhstan. During the 2024 irrigation season, approximately 11 billion cubic meters of water were supplied to the country’s farms to support agricultural activities. The record water accumulation and successful flood management efforts underscore Kazakhstan’s commitment to sustainable water resource management.

Irrigation Water resources transboundary water Water Management Agriculture

Kazakhstan’s Southern Region Receives Full Irrigation Water Supply from Kyrgyzstan

This year, five districts in Kazakhstan’s southern Zhambyl region—Kordai, Merke, Baizak, Zhambyl, and Talas—were fully supplied with irrigation water from the transboundary Shu and Talas rivers, which flow from neighboring Kyrgyzstan. The announcement was made by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. In April, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan agreed on a joint water intake schedule for the 2024 irrigation season. As part of this agreement, Kazakhstan received 418 million cubic meters of water from the Talas River, exceeding the planned 380 million cubic meters and surpassing last year’s allocation by 94.2 million cubic meters. Additionally, along the Shu River (called Chu in Kyrgyzstan), Kazakhstan was allocated 165.3 million cubic meters, 29.7 million cubic meters more than in 2023. “Farmers in the Zhambyl region were fully provided with irrigation water according to their needs,” stated Kairat Amanov, director of the Zhambyl branch of Kazvodkhoz. In total, 533.3 million cubic meters of water were delivered, irrigating 90,100 hectares of farmland. Kazvodkhoz, a division of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, is responsible for managing the nation’s irrigation infrastructure, including canals and reservoirs. Kazakhstan’s agriculture, especially in its arid southern regions, relies heavily on irrigation water from Kyrgyzstan. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan faces its water management challenges. The water level of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake, has been declining, partly due to the diversion of feeder rivers for local irrigation and to meet downstream agricultural needs in Kazakhstan. Although the Shu River does not directly feed Lake Issyk-Kul, it originates in the Issyk-Kul region and could have been utilized to irrigate nearby farmland. Instead, it plays a critical role in supporting Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region. This allocation highlights Kyrgyzstan’s significant role in Central Asia’s water policies and its ongoing efforts to maintain cooperative relations with neighboring countries on key water and energy issues.