Kazakhstan Advances Digital Water Management and Resource Monitoring
Kazakhstan is expanding digital monitoring systems, flood forecasting tools and groundwater research initiatives as part of efforts to modernize water management and improve the accuracy of water resource monitoring.
The country is implementing measures aimed at shifting from reactive water management toward a more preventive and data-driven approach. The progress of ongoing reforms was discussed during an Aug. 4 meeting between Kazakh Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov and UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia, according to the ministry.
Joint projects include the development of an early-warning system for dams, the digitization of irrigation networks, modernization of the national hydrogeological service and a feasibility study for a reservoir in eastern Kazakhstan.
A Japan-funded initiative is supporting Kazakhstan’s flood prevention efforts through improved dam monitoring and coordination. The project includes a pilot early-warning system, integration of monitoring data into the National Water Resources Information System and the creation of a digital database of hydraulic structures. The project has completed the design of the warning system, developed a digital database and prepared hydrodynamic models for selected reservoirs, including flood scenario assessments.
Kazakhstan is also continuing the digitization of irrigated agricultural land and irrigation infrastructure in the Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Turkistan and Zhetisu regions. To date, all agricultural fields and half of the irrigation canals in these regions have been digitized. The project has also developed soil-moisture maps to support more efficient irrigation planning.
In addition, Kazakhstan has introduced a digital water-demand forecasting system that enables farmers to submit irrigation water requests, receive supply limits and conclude contracts electronically.
As part of a climate-resilient water resources project, regional branches of the Kazhydrogeology national hydrogeological service are being equipped with modern tools to improve groundwater research. Planned equipment includes groundwater detection systems, mobile field laboratories and drilling equipment. The Kazakh Research Institute of Water Management in Taraz will also receive new machinery, with 66 units planned for purchase.
Under a tripartite agreement between UNDP, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the Eurasian Development Bank, a regional training center for farmers is being developed in the Turkistan Region to promote water-saving irrigation technologies. The partners are currently discussing the center’s training programs and practical activities.
UNDP is also preparing a feasibility study for a reservoir on the Kenderlik River in the East Kazakhstan Region as part of efforts to support sustainable irrigation and regional economic development.
Kazakhstan and UNDP are additionally launching a Global Environment Facility-supported program focused on improving ecosystem management in the Kazakh part of the Caspian Sea and surrounding areas. The initiative will include ecosystem mapping, spatial planning, biodiversity monitoring, land restoration measures and efforts to reduce marine pollution.
Despite ongoing progress, Kazakhstan continues to face significant water security challenges, particularly due to rising agricultural demand. According to UNDP data, the country has increased the economic output generated from each cubic meter of water by more than 160% since 2000, rising from approximately $3 to $8, demonstrating the potential for economic growth alongside more efficient water use.
