The level of Lake Balkhash has increased by 32 cm due to water supplies from China
The ecological state of Lake Balkhash demonstrates positive dynamics due to an increase in the inflow of water through transboundary rivers from China. In the first six months of this year, Kazakhstan received significant amounts of water resources, which allowed to stabilize and improve the situation in key waterways and reservoirs of the country, the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Since the beginning of the year, 5.6 billion cubic meters of water have been delivered to Kazakhstan via the Ile River. This volume allowed the Kapshagai reservoir in the Almaty region to be fully filled by 100% for the second year in a row. The accumulated resources made it possible to carry out a large-scale discharge of water in the amount of 8.52 billion cubic meters directly into Lake Balkhash, which directly depends on the flow of the Ile River.
As a result of these measures, since the beginning of the year, the water level in Lake Balkhash has risen by an average of 32 centimeters, reaching 341.87 meters according to the Baltic Elevation System compared to 341.55 meters at the beginning of the period. In addition, 4.6 billion cubic meters of water came from China via the Yertis River, the second strategically important waterway.
Successful cooperation between the two countries is not limited to seasonal water releases. In March of this year, the water departments of Kazakhstan and China brought cooperation to a new level by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This document lays the foundation for a long-term partnership in the field of water resources.
“Cooperation with China covers not only transboundary rivers. In March of this year, the water departments of Kazakhstan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation for the first time. The document provides for strengthening cooperation in the field of rational and sustainable water use, the introduction of modern technologies, the distribution and development of alternative water sources, as well as the exchange of experience and joint training,” said Nagima Azhigulova, Head of the Department of Water Cooperation with China and Russia of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Original (in Russian): Уровень озера Балхаш вырос на 32 см благодаря поставкам воды из Китая
