Central Asian countries approved water withdrawal limits and reviewed projected reservoir operating regimes in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins for the 2026–2027 non-growing season. The decision was made at the 95th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC), held on October 7 in Turkmenbashi.

The meeting was attended by the head of the Main Department of Water and Energy Policy of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Daler Abduhalok Abdurazokzoda.

Participants reviewed the results of the use of water intake limits and compliance with reservoir operating regimes in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins during the 2026 growing season.

Following the discussion, the commission approved water withdrawal limits for countries in the region for the 2026–2027 non-growing season. The projected operating modes for the reservoir cascades proposed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basin water management organizations were also taken into consideration.

Specific water withdrawal volumes for each country, including Tajikistan, are specified in the appendices to the ICWC meeting minutes. The appendices also present projected operating conditions for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya reservoirs. This data is expected to be made publicly available at a later date.

There is more water in the Shardara Reservoir than expected

According to Kazinform , in 2026, there were no serious problems with water supply in the Syr Darya basin.

The Shardara Reservoir in southern Kazakhstan has received approximately 3.69 billion cubic meters of water. This is 840 million cubic meters more than expected. During the autumn-winter period of 2026–2027, the reservoir is expected to receive approximately 10 billion cubic meters of water.

Discrepancies in data were identified for the Amu Darya

The meeting also discussed inaccuracies in water flow measurements at the Kerki gauging station on the Amu Darya River. It was discovered that, despite the same water level, the flow data varied. The commission instructed specialists to determine the causes of the discrepancies and ensure the accuracy of the measurements.

In addition, the meeting participants emphasized that when distributing the Amu Darya’s water, it is necessary to take into account the needs of all water users—both in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the river.

They want to automate water metering in the Syr Darya region.

Central Asian countries intend to implement an automated water metering system in the Syr Darya basin. According to Kazinform , a working group meeting is planned to prepare a draft plan for this purpose.

The meeting also discussed the implementation of decisions made at the summits of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, held in 2018, 2023, and 2026.

The Commission noted the successes of the countries of the region in implementing the fourth Aral Sea Basin Program, introducing water-saving technologies, combating the effects of climate change, and developing cooperation in the water sector.

The next, 96th, meeting of the commission will be held in Uzbekistan. Its date and location will be determined later.