The ecological state of Lake Balkhash is showing positive dynamics due to an increase in water inflow through transboundary rivers from China. In the first six months of this year, Kazakhstan received significant volumes of water resources, which made it possible to stabilize and improve the situation in key waterways and reservoirs of the country, reports the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Since the beginning of the year, 5.6 billion cubic meters of water have flowed into Kazakhstan via the Ile River. This volume made it possible for the second year in a row to completely, 100%, fill the Kapshagai reservoir in the Almaty region. The accumulated resources made it possible to carry out a large-scale release 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 altitude system, compared to 341.55 meters at the beginning of the period. In addition, the Ertis River, the second strategically important waterway, received 4.6 billion cubic meters of water from China.
Successful interaction between the two countries is not limited to seasonal water releases. In March of this year, the water departments of Kazakhstan and China took 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 the PRC covers more than just 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 of personnel», – 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.
