In the hot July of 2025, the Turansky district of Shymkent began to actively use the method of irrigating the air with upward-directed jets of water. The work is carried out by the ShymkentSpetsKompleks public utility service on behalf of the city Department for the Development of a Comfortable Urban Environment. The main goal of this initiative is to reduce the air temperature on the streets and make the stay of city residents in public places more comfortable.

This practice is not new for megacities, where summer heat becomes a challenge for both people and ecosystems. But in Shymkent, such events have become systemic relatively recently.

The method is based on the principle of spraying water upwards using special nozzles installed on municipal equipment. The smallest drops of water are sprayed into the air, absorbing heat and evaporating. This leads to a decrease in the ambient temperature by 2-3 degrees near the spray zone, and also helps combat dry air and dust settling.

Irrigation is carried out mainly in the morning and afternoon hours in the busiest areas - along roads, at bus stops, near parks and other public spaces.

Such measures have a complex effect. First of all, it is a decrease in the outside temperature during periods of extreme heat. The difference is especially noticeable in areas with dense development, where the "heat island" heats the air faster.

In addition, fine water spray cleans the air from dust and fine particles, which has a positive effect on the health of city residents, especially children and the elderly. This measure is especially relevant in Shymkent, where the dry climate and high density of vehicles contribute to the accumulation of dust in the air.

An additional benefit is the moistening of green areas along roads. Spraying water helps plants survive the heat, preventing them from drying out. This increases the resistance of urban flora, reducing the need for frequent manual watering of lawns and trees.

Just a few years ago, air cooling measures were limited to periodic watering of roads and sidewalks. This was done mainly to reduce dust. However, such efforts were not enough to significantly affect the city's microclimate.

In 2023–2024, the first experiments with spraying water upwards were conducted, but without the required regularity. Starting in 2025, the city authorities switched to a systematic approach: a schedule for equipment visits was developed in the Turansky District, priority streets were identified, and additional equipment was purchased.

In addition, information work with the population has begun in parallel with technical measures. Residents are explained the benefits of water spraying, warned about the operation of municipal equipment and called upon to take care of green spaces and the cleanliness of the city.

Ecological significance

Spraying water in the city has a beneficial effect on its ecosystem:

• Reducing air pollution - helps reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
  
  
• Support for urban vegetation - trees and lawns receive additional moisture in drought conditions.
  
  
• Microclimate stabilization – prevents overheating of asphalt pavement and building walls, which slows down the overall increase in temperature in the city.

It is important to note that the water used is technical water, not intended for drinking, which makes the project ecologically and economically sustainable.

Shymkent residents have already noted an improvement in their well-being in public spaces. This is especially true for the elderly, parents with children, and workers who are outside during the day. A cooler and fresher atmosphere helps increase activity, reduce fatigue, and reduce overheating.

In addition, the aesthetic effect of water mist adds an element of coziness and modernity to street areas, creating the appearance of a well-maintained and caring city.

The water spray air cooling system is not just a way to combat heat, but an element of the city's modern environmental policy. Shymkent is an example of how, with relatively small investments, it is possible to increase the level of comfort for city residents, maintain public health, and take care of the urban environment. Compared to previous years, when activities were limited to manual watering of lawns, today the city is moving towards smart and sustainable climate management in the context of urbanization.