Kazakhstan Launches Second Phase of 15-Year River Basin Management Plans

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan has launched the second stage of drafting basin plans for the country’s water systems. Developed by the ministry’s Information and Analytical Center, these documents will regulate water consumption, the repair of hydraulic structures, and flood protection measures for the next 15 years. The preparation of these strategies for eight specific river basins is a requirement under the recently adopted Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Specialists from the analytical center have concluded the collection of primary statistics, aggregating data on the condition of rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. Analysts evaluated water quality, the level of degradation in dams and canals, and the impact of regional climate changes. The current phase involves ranking various threats – ranging from supply deficits to the risks of dam failures or severe droughts. These calculations serve as the foundation for water balance projections tailored to each specific territory.

In the next phase, the ministry will approve practical action programs. These initiatives include the identification of alternative water sources, the restoration of depleted water bodies, and the modernization of economic mechanisms for water use, such as tariff structures. The final versions of these measures will be subject to environmental and socio-economic assessments.

The transition to basin-oriented planning is intended to replace standardized solutions with measures that account for regional specifics, including actual water volumes, the state of local infrastructure, and the requirements of regional economies. These eight strategies will provide the framework for an updated industry management system. This process will culminate in the development of a General Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management, which will establish a national model for water security.