Kazakhstan Introduces New Water Tariff Policy to Encourage Conservation and Fund Upgrades

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation announced the transition to a new tariff policy. The main goal is to stimulate the economical use of water and modernize water networks through revenues from increased rates for large consumers, reports Orda.kz.

A new methodology for tariffs for irrigation water is being drafted, where the cost will depend on the type of agricultural crop, the volume of consumption, and the availability of water-saving technologies.

According to preliminary data, the introduction of differentiated tariffs in six regions (the cities of Almaty, Shymkent, the regions of Aqmola, Turkistan, Ulytau, Aqtobe) allowed saving an average of 1.6 million cubic meters of water per month. The funds received, about 900 million tenge, will be used to upgrade the networks,
said Minister Nurlan Nurzhigitov in the Majilis. 

Details:

• Up to three cubic meters per month per person – basic tariff (49% of the population)
  
• 3–5 cubic meters – +20% to the tariff (20% of the population)
  
• 5–10 cubic meters – +50% (20% of the population)
  
• Over 10 cubic meters or no meter – double tariff (11% of the population)

Implementing the new scheme in six regions (Almaty, Shymkent, Aqmola, Turkistan, Ulytau, Aqtobe) allowed saving 1.6 million cubic meters of water monthly. The saved 900 million tenge will be used to update the water supply.

Ministry officials have stepped up talks with neighboring countries.

Since the beginning of 2023, they have held 80 meetings on transboundary rivers:

• 32 along the Syr Darya basin
  
• 15 along Shu and Talas
  
• 22 with Russia
  
• 12 with China

On March 18, 2025, the first-ever memorandum was signed with the Ministry of Water Resources of China. Negotiations are underway on a new agreement with Uzbekistan on the joint management of water bodies.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov