The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, together with deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament and experts, is finalizing the draft of the new Water Code. For the first time, standards for the protection of small lakes, rivers and ponds, as well as glaciers and wetlands, have been introduced into the document to protect the environment.
For example, in order to prevent depletion on small rivers, it is prohibited to design and build dams that completely block the flow without structures for passing flood waters. According to the draft of the new Water Code, such structures are subject to liquidation.
Individuals and legal entities whose economic activities affect the condition of small water bodies are required to carry out measures coordinated with the basin inspections of the Ministry to restore water in these facilities and preserve their purity.
Pollution, clogging, drainage or other use of wetlands is also prohibited. Measures are envisaged to protect animals in wetlands, including rare and endangered species.
In addition, it is prohibited to discharge wastewater onto glaciers and snowfields and their contamination with waste, petroleum products, pesticides and other harmful substances. And the removal of ice from glaciers should not have a negative impact on the condition of water bodies and lead to their depletion.
"The new Water Code focuses on adaptation to climate change and the introduction of water conservation principles. The concept of "ecological runoff" is introduced – the minimum allowable water level to maintain the ecosystems of water bodies and protect them from drying out and other negative consequences. The purpose of the document is to achieve and maintain a safe level of water use, which allows for economic development, improve the living conditions of citizens and preserve the environment," said Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/886565