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Akmola Oblast
Aktobe Oblast
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Atyrau Oblast
West Kazakhstan Oblast
Jambyl Oblast
Karaganda Oblast
Kostanay Oblast
Kyzylorda Oblast
Mangystau Oblast
Turkestan Oblast
Pavlodar Oblast
North Kazakhstan Oblast
East Kazakhstan Oblast
Shymkent
Baikonur Cosmodrome
Semipalatinsk Test Site
Ecological Policy
Full text of this report
Home
About this report
Topics
-- Air
-- Water
-- Land
-- Biodiversity
-- Agriculture
-- Transportation
-- Energy
-- Climate Change
-- Waste
The Regions (oblasts)
-- Nur-Sultan
-- Almaty
-- Akmola Oblast
-- Aktobe Oblast
-- Almaty Oblast
-- Atyrau Oblast
-- West Kazakhstan Oblast
-- Jambyl Oblast
-- Karaganda Oblast
-- Kostanay Oblast
-- Kyzylorda Oblast
-- Mangystau Oblast
-- Turkestan Oblast
-- Pavlodar Oblast
-- North Kazakhstan Oblast
-- East Kazakhstan Oblast
-- Shymkent
-- Baikonur Cosmodrome
-- Semipalatinsk Test Site
Ecological Policy
Full text of this report
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Incidents of elevated and extremely elevated levels of water
pollution and climate change phenomena result in declining
quality and quantity of water resources in the country.
Currently, half of all the nation's highest rated clean
groundwater resources are located in the south, while the
western regions of the country are experiencing significant
clean water shortages. The situation with transboundary
rivers is increasingly complex, with water evaluated at 13 of
15 monitoring stations failing to meet established cleanliness
guidelines.
Water
There are 39,000 rivers and several
thousand lakes in Kazakhstan.
Deposits
Identified groundwater
resources amount to
~
15
km
year
3
/
2018
3 922
42 937 000
2019
4 286
43 032 950
In 2019, 1282 potable groundwater deposits were analyzed, of which 402 are
exploited, with an overall volume of 1.12 m 3 per day per capita, or twice the amount
required under current conditions.
In 2018 and 2019, the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan working
group on environmental protection and water quality of
the Syr Darya River basin met and agreed to monitor
water quality on the Syr Darya River and also agreed on a
list of indicators for joint monitoring and acceptable measurement standards and
methods. The U.S. Department of State prepared the "Program for International
Cooperation and Joint Management of Water Resources of the Syrdarya River
between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan" project.
Within the framework of the Agreement on Cooperation in
the Field of Environmental Protection between the
Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the
People's Republic of China, on November 27-29, 2019,
the VIII meeting of the working group on rapid response to emergencies and
prevention of pollution of transboundary rivers was held in Nur-Sultan
.
Th
e Kazakhstan-Russia Commission for the Joint Use and
Protection of Transboundary Bodies of Water has been
established and is working, as are six working groups on
the protection and use of water resources of
transboundary basins of the Zhaiyk (Ural), Kigash,
Karaozen and Saryozen, Tobyl, Yessil (Ishim), and Yertis
(Irtysh) rivers. The sides exchange hydrological, water management, and
hydrochemical information; cooperate on scientific and technological progress in
the field of water management, integrated use, and operation of hydraulic
structures; and pollution prevention, water depletion and factors of negative
impact.
CASPIAN SEA
L. Balkhash
Atyrau
Uralsk
Aktau
Aktobe
Zhaiyk R.
Tobol R.
Kostanay
Petropavlovsk
Nur-Sultan
Yessil R.
Karagandy
Pavlodar
Ust'-Kamenogorsk
Yertis R.
Syrdarya R.
Kyzylorda
Shymkent
Taraz
Ile R.
Алматы
ARAL SEA
Zhaiyk-Caspian Basin
Tobol-Torgai Basin
Yessil Basin
Nura-Sarysu Basin
Yertis Basin
Aral-Syrdarya Basin
Shu-Talas Basin
Balkhash-Alakol Basin
Basin Water Management Boundary
Oblast Administrative Bo
undary
Bodies of water of national importance include the
Caspian Sea, Lake
Balkhash, Lake Zaisan, the Alakol lake system, the Yertis River.
Eight river basins are attributed to national lands.
Streamflow of all Kazakhstan rivers is estimated at 100 km3 / year, 54 km3 of which are formed within the territory of the
republic, and 46 km3 in neighboring countries.
Aggregate Groundwater Deposits and Volume
Volume, m3/day
Deposits
Volume, m3/day
Classification of groundwater by purpose and volume, m3 / day
Class
Domestic use and drinking water supply (DW
)
Industrial and Technical Water Supply (ITW)
Irrigation (IW)
Domestic use-drinking and
industrial-technical water supply (DW, ITW)
Domestic use-drinking water
supply and irrigation (DW and IW)
Complex use (DW, ITW, IW)
2018
15 642 000
2 224 000
18 925 000
1 255 000
4 167 000
725 000
2019
13 840 664
3 032 500
17 385 837
3 011 621
4 949 968
725 000
Water quality in bodies of water - 2019
Class 1
Suitable for all types of
use. Highest rated.
Kara Yertis, Yertis,
Usolka, Shilik,
Bayankol, Karkara,
Turgen, Tentek, Urzhar,
Bogen, and Aksu
rivers. Ust-
Kamenogorskoye
Reservoir
11 rivers
1 reservoir
Class 2
S
uitable for all types of use
except domestic use or as
drinking water. Simple
treatment methods can render
the water fit for both ordinary
domestic use and as drinking
water.
Ulbi
Krasnoyarska
Tekes
,
,
,
Sharyn
Temirlik
Zhamanty
,
,
,
Yrgaity
Katynsu
rivers.
, and
Buktyrma
Kapshagay
,
, and
Vyacheslavskoye reservoirs.
8 rivers
3 reservoirs
Class 3
Not recommended for use in salmonoid
fish hatcheries. Rigorous treatment
methods are required for domestic use
and as drinking water. For recreation,
irrigation, industrial and other uses, this
class is suitable for unrestricted use.
Breksa, Glubochanka, Emel, Derkol,
Silets, Ile, Kishi Almaty, Esentai, Ulken
Almaty, Esik, and Kaskelen rivers.
Bartogay and Kurty reservoirs.
11 rivers
2 reservoirs
Non-standardized class.
Pollutants present in this
water are not rated below
Class 3 guidelines resulting
in bodies of water not
assignable to Classes 4 or 5
Korgas, Lepsi, Aksu, Karatal,
and Shu rivers. Lake Ulken
Almaty.
Samarkan and Kengir
reservoirs.
5 rivers
1 lake
2 reservoirs
Class 4
Suitable only for irrigation and
industrial use. Extensive treatment
methods are required for household
use and as drinking water. Not
recommended for recreation and
tourism use.
Yertis
Buktyrma
Ayagoz
Tikhaya
,
,
,
,
Zhaiyk
Shagan
lek
Kargaly
,
, Ye
,
,
Kosestek
Aktasty
Ulken
Kobda
Kara
,
,
,
Kobda
Emba
Saryozen
Temir
Or
,
,
,
,
,
Yrgyz
Uy
Karatorgay
sil
,
,
, Yes
,
Bettybulak
Nura
Kokpekty
Yeginsu
,
,
,
,
Sarykau
Keles
Badam
Arys
Katta
,
,
,
,
-
Bugun
Syr
Darya
rivers
Shalkar
,
.
and
,
Sholak
Esey
Sultankeldy
Kokai
,
,
, and
lakes.
Zhogary Tobyl
and
Sergeyevskoye reservoirs.
Koshim,
Nura
sil, and
K
Satpayev
canals.
-Yes
.
Aral
Sea
30 rivers
6 lakes
2 reservoirs
3 channels
Class 5
Suitable only in hydroelectric
power generation, mining,
and water transport. Not
recommended for all other
uses.
Oba, Ayet, and Togyzak
rivers. Sasykkol and
Zhalanashkol lakes.
Amankeldy, Karatomar, and
Shardara reservoirs.
3 rivers
2 lakes
3 reservoirs
<5 class
Non-standardized class. Exceeds all class 5
guidelines. Lowest rated.
Zhaiyk
Sharonova
Kigash
Emba
Shyngyrlau
,
,
,
,
,
Karaozen
lek
West
Kazakhstan
Oblast
Oyil
,
(
),
,
Ye
Tobyl
Obagan
Zhelkuar
Sarybulak
Akbulak
,
,
,
,
,
Zhabay
Kylshykty
Shaga
laly
Aksu
Kara
Kengir
,
,
-
,
,
,
Sokyr
Sherubainura
Sarysu
Talgar
Talas
Assa
,
,
,
,
,
,
Berikkara
Aksu
Karabalta
Toktash
rivers
,
,
,
.
and
Markakol
Jasybai
Sabyndykol
Toraigyr
Shalkar
,
,
,
,
,
Kopa
Zerendy
Burabay
Ulken
Shabakty
Kishi
,
,
,
,
Shabakty
Shchuchye
Sulukol
Karasye
Zhukey
,
,
,
,
,
Maybalyk
Tekekol
Katarol
Lebyazhye
Bilikol
,
,
,
,
,
Balkash
Teniz
Alakol
lakes
Shortandy
,
,
.
and
and
Tasotkel reservoirs.
Caspian
Sea.
28 rivers
22 lakes
2 reservoirs
1 sea
<3 class
In bodies of water where hazard class substances I and II are observed, the
aggregate pollution indicator is calculated according to the maximum allowable
concentration.
Maximum allowable pollutant concentrations by ecological guidelines
of Kazakhstan, 2018-2019, of transboundary waters in Kazakhstan
River
Shagan
Ural
O
Yelek (WK
)
Yelek (Aktobe)
Tobyl
Ayet
Yertis
Kara Yertis
Emel
Ile
Tekes
Shue
Karabalta
Talas
Syr Darya
2,20
3,09
—
—
1,46
2,04
—
2,46
2,67
—
1,79
2,17
—
2,42
2,28
—
1,07
1,94
—
0,60
0,48
—
0,51
0,36
—
1,48
2,44
—
1,02
1,00
—
1,26
1,23
—
1,60
1,59
—
3,56
4,62
—
1,48
1,45
—
2,23
4,06
1,23
2,40
—
—
1,12
1,49
—
1,31
2,03
—
1,18
1,81
—
1,55
1,94
—
1,01
1,69
—
0,51
0,47
—
1,56
0,23
—
1,30
2,36
—
1,05
1,24
—
1,16
1,26
—
1,61
1,57
—
2,43
4,49
—
1,41
1,41
—
2,16
2,94
2018
year
2019 year
Transboundary rivers of the Republic of Kazakhstan are in critical condition. In the
spring and autumn of 2019, checks at 13 of 15 control points exceeded permissible
concentrations of pollutants. In 2018, excessive concentrations were registered at 14
of 15 checkpoints in the spring and 13 of 15 in the autumn.
Fresh water intake - 2018–2019, millions m3
The highest intake of naturally sourced water occurs in the Kyzylorda, Turkestan,
Almaty, and Pavlodar oblasts.
Percentage of water intake by economic sector - 2018–2019
Industry & manufacturing
Domestic
Agriculture
Fish farms
Other
22,3
3,6
10,7
63,3
0,1
Freshwater intake from open sources
Freshwater intake from underground sources
Total freshwater intake
22 522
1 020
23 542
2018
21 754
1 055
22 809
24
3,9
7
65
0,1
2019
Water usage by category - 2013–2019 - millions m3
Domestic freshwater usage exceeds 5% of the total; that is in comparison to 25% devoted to industrial use. The highest
volume industrial water usage is observed in the sectors of thermal power generation, non-ferrous metallurgy, and the
petroleum industry. The greatest overall usage is by the agricultural sector, which also experiences the highest water loss
rate.
Without a reduction in water loss, and assuming economic and population growth remain stable, by 2040, water intake needs will
increase to 30 km2 annually.
Water losses during transport - 2013-2019 - millions m3
Percentage
of water loss during transport
60
50
40
Domestic use / drinking water
Industry & Manufacturing
Regular crop irrigation
Spring runoff irrigation
Agricultural usage
Pasture flooding
Fish hatcheries and farms
Greenspace watering
873,1
5
235
9
511,1
321,3
180,4
94,2
18,6
11,1
791,6
5
307,7
10 029,3
270,8
152,6
105,2
23,5
9,8
741,2
5
350,7
9
491,2
290,7
167,4
93,5
23,9
11,1
715
5
230
9
019,6
330,5
185,5
94,5
35,7
14,6
2016
2017
2019
2018
Agriculture
Public utilities
Industry
4 000
3 500
3 000
2 500
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2 850
2 854,5
2 500,3
3 462
3 557
3 719
3 295
In 2019, safety testing of drinking water for radiation levels
revealed irregularities in 398 of 4531 samples examined.
In 2019, safety testing of water for drinking,
recreation, tourism, and sports, 12% of samples
did not meet chemical and sanitary standards and
4% of samples did not meet microbiological safety
standards.
Surface water quality control samples were drawn:
- in 2018, at 389 locations on 139 bodies of water
in 2019, at 412 locations on 141 bodies of water
-
.
Percentages of total population supplied with drinking water from centralized providers.
2018
2019
Urban centers
Rural centers
Urban centers
Rural centers
94,5 %
59,9 %
97,2 %
86,4 %
Category I
bodies of
water administered by
the Committee for Public
Health
Category II
bodies of
water administered by
the Committee for
Public Health
Water samples
examined for
microbiological
parameters
Percentage of non-
conforming
microbiological
samples
Water samples
examined for sanitary
and chemical
parameters
Percentage of non-
conforming samples
for sanitary and
chemical parameters
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
171
174
1 449
1 994
1 236
1 902
530
548
5,7
4
7,3
13
Aggregate of inspections for compliance and violation of water legislation 2018-2019
Groundwater monitoring stations - 2016–2019
Total chemical analyses
of groundwater conducted - 2018–2019
To provide for the safe operation
of water management facilities
in 2017-2021, the reconstruction
of 41 emergency reservoirs is
envisaged.
Freshwater reclamation and recycling - 2015-2019 - millions m3
In 2019,
125
B Tenge
were allocated for
the development of water
supply and sanitation
systems.
Recycled
water supply
Reclaimed
water supply
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
7
813,9
7
423
8
145,2
8
753
8
849
746,3
834
788,5
787
840
Inspections
(
)
total
2018
2019
181
124
Violations
(t
otal
)
Fines
Issued
Repaid
(total)
Tenge (thousand)
(total)
Citations
issued
total
(
)
Tenge (thousand)
181
152
181
96
110
95
9 330
9 709,5
104
75
8 642
8 031,2