Addressing Water Usage Challenges in Kazakhstan: A Road to Reform
Kazakhstan Faces Challenges in Water Resource Management
As global water scarcity becomes an increasing concern, Kazakhstan is not immune to the challenges of water resource management. Despite having natural reserves, the country is facing issues of inefficient usage and aging infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and public awareness of conservation.
According to an analytical article by Kazinform, Kazakhstan’s average water consumption per unit of production is 109 cubic meters, significantly higher than other countries like Russia and the United States. This inefficiency points to the necessity of adopting modern water-saving technologies to improve resource management.
Kazakhstan primarily relies on surface water sources, with an annual average volume of 106 cubic kilometers. These water sources are crucial for various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and household consumption. However, with increasing demand from industries like oil, gas, and mining, the pressure on water resources is steadily rising.
The country’s infrastructure is also a significant concern, with 40% of supply networks in deteriorated condition. A large portion of pipelines is over 30 years old, leading to substantial water loss through leaks. This issue is further exacerbated in rural areas, where centralized water access is lower compared to urban regions.
Experts in the field, such as Anatoly Ryabtsev from the Water Hub International Research Center, emphasize the importance of efficient usage of water resources. While Kazakhstan currently does not face critical water shortages, there is a need to address wasteful practices to ensure sustainable water management.
In response to these challenges, Kazakhstan’s Parliament recently endorsed a new Water Code aimed at protecting water resources and promoting sustainable management. The code includes provisions to recognize water as an economic asset, integrate surface and groundwater use, and increase public participation in water management.
Kazakhstan’s struggles with water scarcity align with global trends highlighted by the United Nations. With over 2.2 billion people lacking access to clean water worldwide, the impact of climate change is exacerbating water shortages. As nearly half of the world’s population faces severe water stress, addressing water challenges is crucial for ensuring social stability and environmental sustainability on a global scale.
