The reservoir, which collects water from the Ili River flowing from China, has benefited from high spring runoff, with up to 900 cubic meters of water per second entering the reservoir. This increase is attributed to the melting of Tien Shan glaciers and significant precipitation, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
The last instance of the Kapchagay Reservoir being filled to 100% was in 2014. Since the start of the irrigation season, water has been allocated to 6,000 hectares in the Shengeldinsky rural district and 28,000 hectares in the Akdalinsky rural district. Currently, 750 cubic meters of water per second are being supplied to meet agricultural demands, as stated by Medet Kerimzhanov, Deputy Head of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Inspectorate.
The reservoir now holds 16.2 billion cubic meters of water. The irrigation season will continue until the end of September, followed by preparations for the flood period.
Additionally, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is involved in drafting an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and China on the management of transboundary river waters, including the Ertis, Ili, and Emel rivers. The parties have reached a consensus on several provisions of this agreement.
