272 amendments have been made to the current code over the past 20 years. Amirkhan Kenshimov, an expert in the field of water management, expressed his opinion on the draft of the new Water Code. According to him, in the current code, many norms remained declarative, some are repeated or contradict each other.
"The 2003 Water Code was developed based on the water policy and economic conditions of that time. However, today, in the face of climate change, it no longer meets modern requirements. In the new version of the code, the norms were systematized, and emphasis was placed on the conservation and economy of water resources. For example, basin inspections are transferred not only the functions of state control, but also the powers of investigation. This will strengthen the fight against illegal use of water," said hydraulic engineer Amirkhan Kenshimov.
The draft of the new Water Code, developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, was unanimously approved by the deputies of the Mazhilis at the first reading.
The document pays special attention to adaptation to climate change and the implementation of water conservation principles. For the first time, the concept of "ecological runoff" is being introduced, which will protect water bodies from depletion and other negative consequences. They also introduced standards for the protection of small lakes, rivers, ponds, glaciers and wetlands.
On behalf of the Head of state, measures to protect settlements and facilities from floods and meltwater were added to the draft code. In order to improve water resources management, the powers of state and local executive bodies, as well as local authorized bodies, have been clearly delineated.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/892855