Kazakhstan’s Water Sources Replenished by Floodwaters
Kazakhstan achieves record water volume in reservoirs, benefiting various regions
Kazakhstan has reached a significant milestone this year by collecting a record volume of over 75 billion cubic meters of water in its reservoirs, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. This achievement includes a record 12 billion cubic meters of floodwater, highlighting the success of the country’s water management efforts.
The proper management of floodwater distribution has not only replenished reservoirs but also rejuvenated rivers, lakes, estuaries, natural pastures, and other areas that have been experiencing water shortages in recent years. This has had a positive impact on various regions across the country.
Lake Balkhash, for instance, has received 15.4 billion cubic meters of water this year, with 3.3 billion cubic meters coming from floodwaters. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the improved water supply to the region.
The Caspian Sea has also benefited from the increased water volume, gaining a total of 17 billion cubic meters. Additionally, the Qapshagai Reservoir in the Almaty Region was filled for the first time in a decade, collecting over 18 billion cubic meters of water.
In the West Kazakhstan Region, the Kamys-Samar Lakes received 80 million cubic meters of floodwater, further contributing to the effort to restore water levels in various regions. The Kyzylorda Region also saw a significant influx of water, as 839 million cubic meters were redirected from the Ulytau Region to the region’s lake systems via the Sarysu River.
The Northern Aral Sea experienced a boost in water volume, receiving approximately 2.5 billion cubic meters of water, which is 400 million more than the previous year. Farmers in the Kyzylorda Region have also played a role in water conservation efforts, saving 200 million cubic meters of water that were redirected to the Northern Aral Sea.
Overall, more than 4.7 billion cubic meters of water were sent to the Kyzylorda Region’s lake systems this year, demonstrating a substantial increase from the previous year. This achievement highlights the successful water management initiatives implemented in Kazakhstan, benefiting both the environment and the local communities.
