The draft new Water Code, developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, more carefully regulates the powers of the Government, the Ministry, other state and local executive bodies, as well as local representative bodies. This should improve coordination in water resources management.
One of the key innovations has become the National Water Resources Information System, which will provide monitoring and recording of data on the state of water bodies. The system allows you to monitor water use and provide access to up-to-date information for decision-making.
In addition, there is a requirement to draw up General and basin plans for the protection and use of water resources, which allows taking into account the peculiarities of each region. The conclusions and recommendations of the Master Plan will be taken into account in State planning. This is an international standard that is designed to ensure a more rational allocation of resources at the level of water management basins.
The new Water Code also introduces standards for the protection of water bodies. In particular, small reservoirs, wetlands and glaciers. For the first time, measures to protect small bodies of water are described in detail, which is important for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. The concept of "ecological runoff" is introduced – the minimum allowable water level for maintaining ecosystems of water bodies, which protects them from drying out and other negative consequences.
The updated draft of the Water Code pays special attention to water supply and sanitation in settlements, as well as the safety of hydraulic structures, establishes strict standards for the use of water for agriculture and industry. The document significantly expands measures for the protection of water bodies and improves the regulation of water use.
"The main goal of the draft new Water Code is to achieve and maintain a safe level of water use, which allows for sustainable economic development, improve the living conditions of citizens and preserve the environment. The document focuses on adaptation to climate change and the introduction of water conservation principles. For the first time, the principle of integrated use of groundwater and surface waters has been introduced, which makes it possible to consider Kazakhstan's water bodies as a single system," said Serikzhan Beketayev, Director of the Department of Water Policy of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/883194