Kazakhstan to Explore Kokzhide for Drinking Water Supply to Western Regions

In the Aqtobe region, authorities plan to study the underground water reservoir Kokzhide to supply drinking water to Kazakhstan’s western regions, Orda.kz reports.

The Ministry of Water Resources has initiated a project to assess the potential of Kokzhide, which is estimated to hold 173,400 cubic meters of water per day.

To refine data on the reservoir’s boundaries and capacity, the Ministry signed an agreement with the Spanish company Xcalibur Smart Mapping. Using a grant from the Spanish government, the company will conduct an aeromagnetic survey of the site.

Also, the Kazakh National Research Technical University named after Kanysh Satpayev is studying the impact of oil production on the field. In order for the project to be safe and effective, it is necessary to carefully study the field and eliminate the risks of pollution,
 Minister of Water Resources Nurzhan Nurzhigitov clarified.

Research is scheduled to conclude by December 2025.

Plans to tap into the Kokzhide reservoir surfaced last year. Located in the Temirsky district, the water source is known for its softness and was once considered for development as a health resort during the Soviet era.

Although the area was designated a specially protected natural territory in the 1990s, oil extraction later began there, as reported by Diapazon.

Despite the environmental status of the site, oil wells have remained active, prompting concerns from environmentalists, prosecutors, and activists about potential contamination and the need to preserve the natural resource.

Authorities are now weighing options for drawing water from Kokzhide to supply not only Aqtobe but also Atyrau and Mangystau regions.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina