Some water resources issues of Central Kazakhstan

The key to the 1950s' New Lands policy of the former Soviet Union was the development of the vast steppe of Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, within the centre of the country, water resources are scarce, restricting both agricultural and industrial development. To overcome this problem a huge water-basin transfer scheme was constructed to transfer up to 70 m³ s⁻¹ of water from the River Irtysh, lifting it up to 533 m and transferring it to remote areas up to 1300 km away. As a result, irrigation and water-consumptive industries flourished in the region. Unfortunately, with the transfer to a market economy, operating costs can no longer be covered and the effective operation of the canal has ceased. This paper examines the water supply system for the region and considers the implications of canal closure and the issues of future supply.