New Water Code: Focus on Control and Water Conservation

According to Kanat Utegaliev , Deputy Head of the Zhaiyk-Caspian Basin Water Inspectorate, the Water Code adopted last year aims to implement water conservation principles, protect water resources from pollution and shortages, strengthen government oversight, and engage society in water resource management.

According to him, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is implementing systemic measures to encourage efficient water use and the introduction of water-saving technologies.

In particular, the country has expanded state support measures for agricultural producers. For farmers, the reimbursement rate for expenses related to well drilling, infrastructure installation, and the purchase and installation of water-saving technologies has been increased from 50% to 80%.

In addition, differentiated subsidies for irrigation water have been introduced, with the amount depending on the tariff. Subsidies have been increased for farms using water-saving technologies.

“A comprehensive plan for the development of Kazakhstan’s water sector for 2024–2028 has been developed and approved. In addition to the construction and reconstruction of reservoirs, it includes digitalization of the industry, modernization of irrigation systems, and the widespread implementation of water-saving technologies. A water conservation roadmap for 2024–2026 is also in effect, providing for reduced water consumption, subsidies for farmers, a fair tariff policy, the installation of water metering systems, and the promotion of a culture of water conservation among the population,” noted Kanat Utegaliev.

What technologies can help reduce water loss?

According to Kanat Utegaliev, the efficient use of water resources requires the implementation of modern technologies, primarily drip and sprinkler irrigation systems in agriculture.

In industry, water conservation involves the implementation of water purification and reuse technologies, optimization of production processes, consumption control, and leak elimination.

The use of reverse osmosis, mechanical filtration, and water softening systems allows water to be reused in production processes—for example, for cooling equipment or cleaning.

In addition, water flow monitoring and measurement systems help identify areas with increased consumption, while regular pipeline monitoring and timely repairs reduce water loss.

What does the Water Code require from enterprises?

The Water Code separately sets out requirements for industrial enterprises and thermal power facilities.

According to Article 123 of the document, enterprises are required to use water resources rationally by implementing recycling and reusable water supply systems.

Clause 5 of Article 133 stipulates that organizations that do not have such systems must submit a plan for transitioning to recycled water supply within two years of the Code’s entry into force. The implementation period for the plan must not exceed five years.

Additionally, Acting Minister Order No. 154 of June 26, 2025, approved regulations for reducing permitted water use volumes for those failing to comply with plans to reduce water losses and implement best available technologies. These regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

“These rules apply to all water users with a special water use permit. They must develop action plans to reduce water losses and implement modern technologies. Under their new powers, basin inspectorates now perform not only control but also supervisory functions. Outreach efforts have already been conducted at industrial enterprises, social facilities, and farms,” ​​added Kanat Utegaliev.

Kazakh scientists are proposing their own water purification technologies.

Sarsenbek Montayev, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Professor, Head of the Construction Materials and Technologies Research Laboratory at the West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University named after Zhangir Khan, believes that in the context of increasing water consumption, the implementation of water recycling systems is particularly important.

According to him, such technologies make it possible to reduce the intake of clean water by 70–90%, reduce the volume of wastewater, and improve the environmental sustainability of enterprises.

According to the scientist, modular systems based on natural sorbents – opoka, bentonite and diatomite – have particular potential.

“They provide efficient water purification and allow for its repeated reuse with minimal capital and operating costs. Over the past 20 years, the capacity of water recycling systems worldwide has more than tripled, with annual growth of approximately 7 percent. The market for water recycling technologies is expanding and becoming a key element of the green economy and sustainable development,” the professor noted.

Which countries are leading in water reuse?

Among the world leaders in the field of water recycling and reuse, the expert highlights:

• Israel – reuses over 80% of wastewater;
• Singapore is at the forefront of advanced water purification technologies (NEWater);
• The United States is implementing large water reuse projects, particularly in the state of California;
• Namibia has experience in direct reuse of drinking water;
• European Union countries—Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain—are actively implementing water purification technologies to combat drought.

Thus, global experience shows that the transition to water recycling systems is a strategic direction that ensures water security, reduces the burden on natural resources, and promotes sustainable economic development.

Development based on Kazakhstani raw materials

According to Sarsenbek Montayev, efficient water use and water reuse are particularly pressing issues for Kazakhstan today. He believes the implementation of water recycling systems based on sorption purification is one promising area.

The operating principle of such systems involves several stages. First, the water used in production undergoes preliminary purification to remove large mechanical impurities. Then begins the main stage—sorption purification, during which activated carbon, zeolites, natural minerals, and other sorbents are used to remove organic matter, petroleum products, and heavy metals from the water.

After this, additional purification is applied using membrane technologies and disinfection methods. As a result, the water achieves a high level of purification and can be reused in the production cycle.

According to the professor, this technology not only saves water but also reduces the burden on natural resources and improves the environmental safety of enterprises.

Separately, the scientist discussed the development of modified sorbents based on opoka from the Taskala deposit in the West Kazakhstan region. Using local raw materials, carbon-free sorbents were created with the addition of a bentonite mixture, granulated in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix.

As Sarsenbek Montayev noted, the material is highly water-resistant, has adjustable porosity, and exhibits high sorption activity. The modular unit also utilizes a two-stage sorption filtration system.

Among the advantages of the development, the scientist highlighted:

• high specific surface area and developed micro- and macroporosity;
• combination of adsorption and ion exchange mechanisms;
• effective reduction of water hardness and chloride ion content;
• ease of use due to granular form;
• environmental safety and non-toxicity of natural raw materials.

According to him, the development also offers economic advantages. Using local raw materials reduces production costs, reduces the load on membrane systems, and ensures the ability to regenerate the sorbents and extend their service life. The efficiency of reducing the total salinity (TDS) of water reaches 76–79%.

The development is considered as an alternative to foreign sorbents Ecosoft and Greensand and may help reduce import dependence in this area.

In addition, the researchers developed an experimental modular laboratory unit for desalination and water purification using the developed sorbents. The system consists of several modules that provide step-by-step purification of water from harmful impurities and reduction of salt levels.

As the professor noted, the mobile unit can be used in a variety of conditions, including field operations. It has already undergone pilot testing to purify groundwater for livestock watering.

“The conducted research confirmed the high scientific and practical potential of modified sorbents developed using Western Kazakhstan opoka for the purification and desalination of mineralized groundwater. High efficiency is achieved thanks to their developed porous structure and the combination of adsorption and ion exchange mechanisms. The developed sorbents can be used in modular water circulation systems, and the technology is ready for widespread implementation, including in pasture irrigation systems and local water treatment plants,” noted Sarsenbek Montayev.

Why is the problem particularly relevant for Western Kazakhstan?

Acting Director of the West Kazakhstan branch of the Kazvodkhoz State Enterprise, Rauan Khusainov, noted that in the 21st century, water is becoming one of the key strategic resources.

According to him, population growth, climate change, and agricultural and industrial development are increasing the pressure on water resources.

“This issue is particularly relevant for Kazakhstan, as the country is among the regions with limited freshwater reserves. For the West Kazakhstan region, water conservation is particularly important due to the region’s climate and dependence on surface water sources,” he noted.

The main source of water in the region remains the Zhaiyk River, as well as small rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuary systems.

Among the industry’s main problems, Rauan Khusainov named low-water years, high evaporation in summer, deterioration of canals, losses during water transportation, and pollution of water bodies.

What projects are being implemented in the region?

According to Kazvodkhoz, the company is responsible for 14 reservoirs, four hydroelectric power plants, one dam, and more than 1,808 kilometers of canals.

One of the largest facilities is the Ural-Kushumskaya irrigation and water supply system, commissioned in 1974. It supplies water to 87 settlements in the region.

The cascade reservoirs store 260.3 million cubic meters of water. The average filling level is 62% of the design capacity.

The Chagan Reservoir on the transboundary Chagan River was 100% full during the spring flood.

The filling level of the Karaozen and Saryozen rivers, which are sources of water for the Kaztalovsky and Zhangalinsky districts, is 61 percent.

In the Bokeyordinsky and Zhanibeksky districts, reconstruction of the Zhanibek irrigation and water supply system, which provides water, is being carried out.

In addition, with funds from the Islamic Development Bank, a reservoir with a total capacity of 28 million cubic meters will be built in the Kaztalovsky district, and the Zhaiykbay irrigation canal in the Taskalinsky district will be reconstructed.

According to Rauan Khusainov, modern management technologies are also being implemented in the industry, including automated hydrometric stations, online water level monitoring, digital channel maps, and remote monitoring.

“Water is a non-renewable resource. While fuel or technology can be replaced, water is irreplaceable. Therefore, water conservation is a matter not only of economics but also of the future of the state,” he emphasized.

Today, the issue of rational water use is becoming a task not only for the state and business, but also for society as a whole—from large enterprises to ordinary consumers.