More than 3,600 deposits with nearly
15.5 cubic kilometers of drinking water essential for household and drinking
needs have been explored in Kazakhstan. It should be noted that over one cubic
kilometer is utilized for those needs in the country every year. Those explored
resources of drinking water will be reserved. According to the new Water Code,
such conservation is carried out on the basis of protected underground water
bodies.
“These drinking water reserves will be used in
case of water shortage. The Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and
Irrigation will pay great attention to the study of underground water. Thus, a
service to organize hydrogeological works, conduct state control and monitor
underground water resources will be established under the Head of State’s
instruction. Besides, part of the functions on groundwater previously performed
by the Geology Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction
will be transferred to us,” said Almas Amangeldy, spokesperson for the Kazakh
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.