New water management body: what will change with the emergence of 'Kazhydrogeology'

 

 

Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has signed a decree on the establishment of the National Hydrogeological Service 'Kazhydrogeology'. This new institution is designed to strengthen the control and management of the country's underground water resources.

 

The main task of Kazhydrogeology will be a complete inventory of groundwater deposits and sites, as well as wells used for water abstraction. As a result of these activities it is planned to create an extensive database, which will include information on more than 4,300 investigated deposits included in the state water balance.

 

In addition, the service will undertake the tasks of digitalization of the hydrogeological industry, which includes the development of an automated groundwater monitoring system. This will improve the efficiency of water resources management.

 

Kazgidrogeologiya will also carry out prospecting and exploration works to increase the volume of underground water resources, especially in regions with water scarcity. The service will be actively engaged in supporting the population and economy with the necessary amount of groundwater, including irrigation.

 

Licensing of groundwater prospecting, exploration and drilling activities is also planned, as well as research into the use of geothermal water resources as an alternative energy source.

 

The Government emphasized that these measures contribute to improving water management at all levels.