The report was reposted by the Government of Karaganda Region. Nurzhan Nurgaliyov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, said that inflow from the Ili River remains at the long-term average.
What is the current situation with Lake Balkhash's water level?
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, approximately 40 billion cubic meters of water flowed into Lake Balkhash over the past three years, keeping the water level stable at approximately 341 meters (Baltic Sea datum).
What is the main source of inflow?
According to the ministry, the main source of inflow is the Ili River, whose runoff is regulated by the Kapchagay Reservoir. The reservoir was completely full in 2024 and 2025, and its storage level is 98% this year. The minister said that inflow from the Ili River remains at the long-term average.
What progress has been made on the lake protection plan?
According to the ministry, a master plan for protecting the lake through 2040 is being developed with French experts. The experts have completed field research and are currently analyzing the data. The report did not disclose the plan's contents or timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
### How much water flowed into Lake Balkhash over the past three years?
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, approximately 40 billion cubic meters.
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### What is the current water level?
Approximately 341 meters (Baltic Sea datum).
### How much is the Kapchagay Reservoir storing this year?
The storage level is 98%; it was completely full in 2024 and 2025.
### Through which year does the protection plan extend?
According to the ministry, the master plan covers the period through 2040 and is being developed with French experts.
### Is this report related to China?
According to the ministry's report, Chinese companies were not mentioned, and no inference is made in this article.
Further Reading
- More industry and policy updates: Kazakhstan Investment and Project News Section
- Balkhash area: Illegal Mining of Iron and Manganese Ores Near Balkhash Detected
- Irrigation and water infrastructure: Kazakhstan Irrigation Network Modernization: Approximately One Trillion Tenge in Water Infrastructure Investment
- Establishing a project company in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan Company Registration Service
Sources
- The Government of Karaganda Region (gov.kz) reposted a Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation report on October 30: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda/press/news/details/1320662?lang=ru
Illustration: AI-generated, not a real photograph.