The draft of the new Water Code was developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It more thoroughly regulates the powers of the government, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, other state and local executive bodies, as well as local representative bodies.

“This should improve coordination in water resources management.”Press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan

One of the key innovations was the National Water Resources Information System, which will ensure monitoring and recording of data on the state of water bodies.

“The system allows you to control water use and provide access to up-to-date information for decision-making.”Press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

In addition, a requirement has emerged to draw up General and Basin Plans for the Protection and Use of Water Resources , which allows for the specific features of each region to be taken into account.

“The findings and recommendations of the General Plan will be taken into account in state planning. This is an international standard that is designed to ensure a more rational distribution of resources at the level of water management basins.”Press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The new Water Code also introduces standards for the protection of water bodies , especially small bodies of water, wetlands and glaciers.

“For the first time, measures to protect small bodies of water are described in detail, which is important for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. The concept of “ecological flow” is introduced – the minimum permissible water level for maintaining the ecosystems of water bodies, which protects them from drying out and other negative consequences.”Press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The updated draft Water Code pays special attention to water supply and sanitation in populated areas, as well as the safety of hydraulic structures, and establishes strict standards for water use for agriculture and industry .

“The document significantly expands measures to protect water bodies and improves regulation of water use.”Press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

As noted by the Director of the Department of Water Policy of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Serikzhan Beketayev, the main goal of the draft of the new Water Code is to achieve and maintain a safe level of water use, which will ensure sustainable economic development, improve the living conditions of citizens and preserve the environment.

“The document places emphasis on adaptation to climate change and the introduction of water conservation principles. For the first time, the principle of integrated use of ground and surface waters has been introduced, which allows us to consider Kazakhstan’s water bodies as a single system,” he added.

On October 24, 2024, it became known that the draft Water Code, developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is under consideration in the Majilis. This was reported by the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.

https://www.zakon.kz/sobytiia/6456335-novyy-vodnyy-kodeks-kazakhstana-chem-on-otlichaetsya-ot-deystvuyushchego.html