Kazakstan irrigation and environmental regulations

The Republic of Kazakstan is a steppe nation with about 2.5 million hectares of irrigated agriculture. Annual precipitation in the agricultural areas varies from less than 150 mm to nearly 450 mm per year. Snowmelt is the source of most surface water. Due to the highly irregular flow of most rivers, their development for economic uses is only possible through streamflow regulation by storage reservoirs. Active interest in environmental issues has developed in recent years. The Government of Kazakstan has promulgated laws, regulations and decrees which, if strictly enforced, will seriously affect irrigated agriculture. Governmental and economic changes following national independence have led to the establishment of new institutions to control the distribution of water and the regulation of its quality. With limited surface water available, conflicts are developing between agricultural, industrial, and urban users. The commonly perceived problems of chemical, sediment and salinity runoff from irrigated lands into natural lakes and rivers are prevalent. Improved water management by all users, realistic compromises between environmental and agricultural interests, and economic reuse or disposal of irrigation return flow are needed.