MURTAZIN ERMEK

Deputy Director for Science, candidate of geological and mineralogical sciences

The purpose of the program:

Based on FAO’s 2018 findings (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), the annual global volume of groundwater extraction for irrigated agriculture is estimated to be 820 km3. This represents a 19 percent rise compared to the 2010 estimate of 688 km3. The portion of freshwater abstraction used for irrigated agriculture from groundwater is over 30 percent, and it continues to increase at a rate of approximately 2.2 percent annually.
By adopting integrated water resources management approaches that combine both groundwater and surface water sources, the vulnerability of communities to extreme climate events and changes can be substantially reduced. Moreover, such approaches can contribute to enhanced water and food security. Utilizing aquifers as natural reservoirs (using managed aquifer recharge systems or MAR systems) provides several advantages, including the avoidance of issues associated with evaporation losses and the adverse impacts on ecosystems that are often associated with large-scale, man-made surface water reservoirs.

Program objectives:

1. Generalization and analysis of factual data, archive and analytical materials on the peculiarities of the formation of exploitable reserves of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.
2. Regional expeditionary research to assess the current state of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.
3. Analysis and assessment of trends in changes in storage and renewable resources of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes, under the influence of climatic factors and anthropogenic pressures.
4. Analysis and assessment of the availability, condition and prospects of groundwater using for ensuring sustainable irrigated agriculture in Kazakhstan.
5. Creating of a database of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes, assessment of their resource potential for sustainable irrigated agriculture.
6. Development and creation of a geoinformation-analytical subsystem of exploitable reserves of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for irrigation, to assessment, forecasting and management decisions on their use and protection for sustainable irrigated agriculture.

Measurable indicators of problem-solving outcomes include:
- Assessment of the unique characteristics, conditions of formation, and security of explotable reserves in 115 groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan explored for land irrigation. These assessments will be conducted across 5 state regions, 8 water management basins, and 17 administrative provinces.
- Regional studies will be carried out in the 17 administrative provinces of Kazakhstan to evaluate the current state of the 115 groundwater deposits explored for land irrigation. The objective of studies is to identify negative processes resulting from anthropogenic and natural-climatic impacts that affect the explotable groundwater reserves.
- Analysis and evaluation of trends in changes related to the natural (storage) reserves and renewable resources of the 115 groundwater well fields in Kazakhstan explored for land irrigation. This assessment considers the influence of climatic factors and anthropogenic pressures.
- Analysis and evaluation of the availability, status, and future prospects for the sustainable use of groundwater reserves in the 115 fields for irrigated agriculture in Kazakhstan. This analysis was conducted at regional (17 administrative provinces, 5 regions), basin (8 water management basins), and national (Republic of Kazakhstan) levels, with a focus on the year 2050.
- Formation of databases for the 115 groundwater well fields in Kazakhstan that have been explored for irrigated agriculture.
- Assessment of the resource potential of the 115 groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, specifically explored for irrigated lands, with regards to sustainable irrigated agriculture. This assessment covers 5 regions, 8 water management basins, and 17 administrative provinces.
- Development and creation of a geo-informational and analytical subsystem that focuses on the explotable groundwater reserves of the 115 groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan explored for irrigation lands. This subsystem enables assessment, forecasting, and decision-making processes for the use and protection of these reserves, promoting sustainable irrigated agriculture.
Scientific novelty and significance of the program
The 6th UN Sustainable Development Goal is to ensure the availability and rational use of water resources and sanitation for all by 2030, has been established. The total global freshwater reserves are estimated to be approximately 35 million km3, with groundwater accounting for 30.1% (10.5 million km3) of this total. In contrast, freshwater reserves in rivers and reservoirs constitute less than 0.5% [1]. Due to the scarcity of fresh surface water, many countries are now relying on groundwater resources. Groundwater offers several advantages over surface water. Firstly, it generally exhibits better quality, increased protection against pollution and contamination, and reduced susceptibility to seasonal and multi-year fluctuations. Moreover, in most cases, the use of groundwater does not require expensive water treatment measures.
In the past 25-30 years, global drilling activities for groundwater extraction have resulted  the creation of more than 300 million wells. The annual worldwide withdrawal of groundwater reached an estimated 959 km3 (equivalent to over 30,000 m3/s) as of 2017, with Asia being responsible for 68.5% of this total. Within Asia, eight out of the top ten countries with the highest proportion of groundwater abstraction (accounting for 75% of the total volume) are located. These countries, listed in descending order, are India, China, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Notably, in Asia, 76% of the withdrawn groundwater is utilized for agricultural purposes, specifically for regular irrigation.
Integrated water resources management approaches that integrate groundwater and surface water can significantly reduce human vulnerability to extreme climate events and changes, and contribute to enhanced water and food security. According to expert estimates, the joint use of groundwater and surface water, where surface water is used for irrigation and water supply during wet periods and groundwater during drought periods, is of paramount importance. The existing uncertainties in water resource forecasts and the longer (century-long) accumulation of fresh water in aquifers play an important role in setting and implementing sustainable development goals. The use of aquifers as natural reservoirs avoids many of the problems associated with evaporation losses and impacts on ecosystems that are caused by large and man-made surface reservoirs.

Further research is necessary to unveil the intricate connection between groundwater availability, ecosystem health, and groundwater management policies to prevent regional land degradation. The desertification process in extensive areas of Kazakhstan is accompanied by various detrimental effects such as soil contamination, waterlogging from both surface and groundwater sources, soil salinization, erosion caused by water and wind, deterioration of vegetation cover, desiccation, and the overall decline in the region's ecological capacity.

The projected water demand rise attributed to climate change primarily stems from the expansion of agricultural and landscape irrigation activities, driven by the escalating potential evapotranspiration rates. Modeling studies indicate that the Central Asian region is expected to reach peak water usage around 2050, followed by a significant decline in runoff. This shift will lead to a heightened occurrence of extreme floods and droughts, exacerbating overall water scarcity issues.

The sustainable development of the economy in Kazakhstan and the well-being of its population heavily rely on the availability and quality of water resources. The total average multi-year runoff from rivers and temporary streams, considering the current water withdrawals by the People's Republic of China from the Ertis and Ile Rivers, is estimated to be 100.58 km3. Within this estimate, approximately 55.94 km3 (55.6%) is generated within Kazakhstan's borders, while the remaining 44.64 km3 (44.4%) originates from outside the country. The distribution of surface water resources across the nation is highly uneven and subject to significant year-to-year and seasonal variability in volume. The transit river basins, namely Ertis, Ile, Syrdarya, and Zhaiyk, receive the majority of water resources. However, the Mangistau region experiences negligible local surface runoff.
Disposable water resources are of significant importance as they determine the potential utilization of river flow in various economic sectors. Their value is calculated by considering the disparity between water resources and the obligatory costs associated with runoff. These costs encompass mandatory releases to neighboring countries, evaporation and filtration losses, environmental sanitary releases to downstream areas, and other forms of loss. Looking ahead, the projected available water resources for Kazakhstan are as follows: in dry years, it is estimated to be 10 km3 by 2030 and 9.9 km3 by 2040; in average water years, the figures are 20.4 km3 by 2030 and 23.1 km3 by 2040; in high water years, it is anticipated to be 30 km3 by 2030 and 29.7 km3 by 2040.
The uneven distribution of surface water resources across the country, particularly those suitable for utilization, leads to a shortage of freshwater. This deficit can be addressed through the prudent exploitation of groundwater resources, which are characterized by higher quality, greater protection against pollution, and wider distribution. Consequently, groundwater serves as a crucial mineral resource for Kazakhstan and plays a strategic role in ensuring water security.
Through extensive scientific research, the scientists at the Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience have uncovered the fundamental patterns governing the formation and distribution of groundwater resources within the depths of Kazakhstan. The country is blessed with abundant groundwater reserves. According to assessments by local hydrogeologists, the natural (storage) stocks of groundwater in Kazakhstan exceed 2600 km3, which is 26 times greater than the average annual volume of river runoff or 58 times larger than the volume of river runoff generated within the country. The resource potential of the country's groundwater is evaluated based on both predicted resources, representing the potential use of groundwater, and explotable reserves identified at specific locations. The methodology employed to estimate the predicted resources of groundwater in Kazakhstan aims to determine the potential volume of groundwater extraction in hydrogeological regions, river basins, administrative areas, and other geographical units. The ratio of operational groundwater reserves to the predicted resources of a particular hydrogeological structure serves as an indicator of its level of exploration .
The cumulative volume of groundwater resources with a salinity level of up to 10 g/L amounts to 64 km3 per year. This includes freshwater (up to 1.0 g/L) accounting for 40.4 km3 per year and slightly saline water (1.0-3.0 g/L) equal to 16.4 km3 per year. As a whole, the projected resources of freshwater and brackish groundwater are estimated at 56.8 km3 per year, which is comparable to the average annual local surface runoff and surpasses the availability of surface water resources for utilization.
The assessment of the viability of utilizing groundwater resources relies on data concerning their operational reserves, which define their significance as a mineral resource. Within the country's borders, there exist over 4000 examined deposits and groundwater areas, with exploitable reserves estimated at approximately 15 km3 per year, corresponding to an exploration level of about 37%. The hydrogeological characteristics of the Republic have resulted in an uneven territorial distribution of fresh groundwater reserves. Consequently, around 50% of the resources are concentrated in the southern regions, while 30% are found in the central, northern, and eastern areas, and less than 20% are situated in the west.
During the 1970s and 1980s, approximately 115 groundwater deposits and sites were explored and investigated in Kazakhstan for the purpose of irrigating state-owned lands. These locations possess a combined exploitable reserve of 7.8 km3 per year or 247.2 m3/s, which accounts for over 50% of the total reserves. The distribution of these reserves across the country's regions is uneven, with the Southern region containing 64.6%, the Eastern region comprising 15.5%, the Northern region encompassing 14.8%, the Western region representing 3.1%, and the Central region constituting 2.0%.
According to the Committee on Water Resources of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the annual groundwater abstraction in the past decade ranged from 1.02 to 1.08 km3, accounting for 3.7-5.0% of the total annual water intake in the country. This withdrawal represents approximately 7% of the exploitable groundwater reserves. In terms of agricultural water supply, approximately 0.15-0.21 km3/year of groundwater is withdrawn, which corresponds to 8-15% of the total annual withdrawal. Out of this amount, only 0.02-0.009 km3/year is allocated for regular irrigation. Consequently, the resource potential of groundwater remains largely untapped in the agricultural sector. These figures highlight the relatively low use of groundwater resources in Kazakhstan compared to developed countries in Europe and Asia. It is necessary to note the ongoing project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the rehabilitation of 264 canals and 46 groundwater wells in the Zhambyl administrative region of Kazakhstan to increase the area of irrigated lands.
The limited availability of specific studies on groundwater currently hinders the understanding of the dynamic relationship between groundwater and its potential for irrigation.
Water shortage is highlighted among the main global challenges in the “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy”. The need to improve the efficiency of use and protection of water resources is noted in the list of the state tasks of the 6th Policy – “Green” economy and environmental protection of the Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025. The research results are relevant for ensuring water security in Kazakhstan in dry periods providing the existence of transboundary threats to reduce available surface water resources and further sustainable social and economic development of the country. The results of the Program will contribute to the implementation of the tasks of the General Scheme for the Organization of the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025, Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy: a new political course of the established state, the General Scheme for the Integrated Use and Protection of Water Resources, the National Projects – “Green Kazakhstan” and “Technological breakthrough through digitalization, science and innovation”.

The 6th UN Sustainable Development Goal is to ensure the availability and rational use of water resources and sanitation for all by 2030, has been established. The total global freshwater reserves are estimated to be approximately 35 million km3, with groundwater accounting for 30.1% (10.5 million km3) of this total. In contrast, freshwater reserves in rivers and reservoirs constitute less than 0.5% [1]. Due to the scarcity of fresh surface water, many countries are now relying on groundwater resources. Groundwater offers several advantages over surface water. Firstly, it generally exhibits better quality, increased protection against pollution and contamination, and reduced susceptibility to seasonal and multi-year fluctuations. Moreover, in most cases, the use of groundwater does not require expensive water treatment measures.

In the past 25-30 years, global drilling activities for groundwater extraction have resulted the creation of more than 300 million wells. The annual worldwide withdrawal of groundwater reached an estimated 959 km3 (equivalent to over 30,000 m3/s) as of 2017, with Asia being responsible for 68.5% of this total. Within Asia, eight out of the top ten countries with the highest proportion of groundwater abstraction (accounting for 75% of the total volume) are located. These countries, listed in descending order, are India, China, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Notably, in Asia, 76% of the withdrawn groundwater is utilized for agricultural purposes, specifically for regular irrigation.

Integrated water resources management approaches that integrate groundwater and surface water can significantly reduce human vulnerability to extreme climate events and changes, and contribute to enhanced water and food security. According to expert estimates, the joint use of groundwater and surface water, where surface water is used for irrigation and water supply during wet periods and groundwater during drought periods, is of paramount importance. The existing uncertainties in water resource forecasts and the longer (century-long) accumulation of fresh water in aquifers play an important role in setting and implementing sustainable development goals. The use of aquifers as natural reservoirs avoids many of the problems associated with evaporation losses and impacts on ecosystems that are caused by large and man-made surface reservoirs.

Further research is necessary to unveil the intricate connection between groundwater availability, ecosystem health, and groundwater management policies to prevent regional land degradation. The desertification process in extensive areas of Kazakhstan is accompanied by various detrimental effects such as soil contamination, waterlogging from both surface and groundwater sources, soil salinization, erosion caused by water and wind, deterioration of vegetation cover, desiccation, and the overall decline in the region's ecological capacity.

The projected water demand rise attributed to climate change primarily stems from the expansion of agricultural and landscape irrigation activities, driven by the escalating potential evapotranspiration rates. Modeling studies indicate that the Central Asian region is expected to reach peak water usage around 2050, followed by a significant decline in runoff. This shift will lead to a heightened occurrence of extreme floods and droughts, exacerbating overall water scarcity issues.

The sustainable development of the economy in Kazakhstan and the well-being of its population heavily rely on the availability and quality of water resources. The total average multi-year runoff from rivers and temporary streams, considering the current water withdrawals by the People's Republic of China from the Ertis and Ile Rivers, is estimated to be 100.58 km3. Within this estimate, approximately 55.94 km3 (55.6%) is generated within Kazakhstan's borders, while the remaining 44.64 km3 (44.4%) originates from outside the country. The distribution of surface water resources across the nation is highly uneven and subject to significant year-to-year and seasonal variability in volume. The transit river basins, namely Ertis, Ile, Syrdarya, and Zhaiyk, receive the majority of water resources. However, the Mangistau region experiences negligible local surface runoff.

Disposable water resources are of significant importance as they determine the potential utilization of river flow in various economic sectors. Their value is calculated by considering the disparity between water resources and the obligatory costs associated with runoff. These costs encompass mandatory releases to neighboring countries, evaporation and filtration losses, environmental sanitary releases to downstream areas, and other forms of loss. Looking ahead, the projected available water resources for Kazakhstan are as follows: in dry years, it is estimated to be 10 km3 by 2030 and 9.9 km3 by 2040; in average water years, the figures are 20.4 km3 by 2030 and 23.1 km3 by 2040; in high water years, it is anticipated to be 30 km3 by 2030 and 29.7 km3 by 2040.

The uneven distribution of surface water resources across the country, particularly those suitable for utilization, leads to a shortage of freshwater. This deficit can be addressed through the prudent exploitation of groundwater resources, which are characterized by higher quality, greater protection against pollution, and wider distribution. Consequently, groundwater serves as a crucial mineral resource for Kazakhstan and plays a strategic role in ensuring water security.

Through extensive scientific research, the scientists at the Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience have uncovered the fundamental patterns governing the formation and distribution of groundwater resources within the depths of Kazakhstan. The country is blessed with abundant groundwater reserves. According to assessments by local hydrogeologists, the natural (storage) stocks of groundwater in Kazakhstan exceed 2600 km3, which is 26 times greater than the average annual volume of river runoff or 58 times larger than the volume of river runoff generated within the country. The resource potential of the country's groundwater is evaluated based on both predicted resources, representing the potential use of groundwater, and explotable reserves identified at specific locations. The methodology employed to estimate the predicted resources of groundwater in Kazakhstan aims to determine the potential volume of groundwater extraction in hydrogeological regions, river basins, administrative areas, and other geographical units. The ratio of operational groundwater reserves to the predicted resources of a particular hydrogeological structure serves as an indicator of its level of exploration .

The cumulative volume of groundwater resources with a salinity level of up to 10 g/L amounts to 64 km3 per year. This includes freshwater (up to 1.0 g/L) accounting for 40.4 km3 per year and slightly saline water (1.0-3.0 g/L) equal to 16.4 km3 per year. As a whole, the projected resources of freshwater and brackish groundwater are estimated at 56.8 km3 per year, which is comparable to the average annual local surface runoff and surpasses the availability of surface water resources for utilization.

The assessment of the viability of utilizing groundwater resources relies on data concerning their operational reserves, which define their significance as a mineral resource. Within the country's borders, there exist over 4000 examined deposits and groundwater areas, with exploitable reserves estimated at approximately 15 km3 per year, corresponding to an exploration level of about 37%. The hydrogeological characteristics of the Republic have resulted in an uneven territorial distribution of fresh groundwater reserves. Consequently, around 50% of the resources are concentrated in the southern regions, while 30% are found in the central, northern, and eastern areas, and less than 20% are situated in the west.

During the 1970s and 1980s, approximately 115 groundwater deposits and sites were explored and investigated in Kazakhstan for the purpose of irrigating state-owned lands. These locations possess a combined exploitable reserve of 7.8 km3 per year or 247.2 m3/s, which accounts for over 50% of the total reserves. The distribution of these reserves across the country's regions is uneven, with the Southern region containing 64.6%, the Eastern region comprising 15.5%, the Northern region encompassing 14.8%, the Western region representing 3.1%, and the Central region constituting 2.0%.

According to the Committee on Water Resources of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the annual groundwater abstraction in the past decade ranged from 1.02 to 1.08 km3, accounting for 3.7-5.0% of the total annual water intake in the country. This withdrawal represents approximately 7% of the exploitable groundwater reserves. In terms of agricultural water supply, approximately 0.15-0.21 km3/year of groundwater is withdrawn, which corresponds to 8-15% of the total annual withdrawal. Out of this amount, only 0.02-0.009 km3/year is allocated for regular irrigation. Consequently, the resource potential of groundwater remains largely untapped in the agricultural sector. These figures highlight the relatively low use of groundwater resources in Kazakhstan compared to developed countries in Europe and Asia. It is necessary to note the ongoing project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the rehabilitation of 264 canals and 46 groundwater wells in the Zhambyl administrative region of Kazakhstan to increase the area of irrigated lands.

The limited availability of specific studies on groundwater currently hinders the understanding of the dynamic relationship between groundwater and its potential for irrigation.

Water shortage is highlighted among the main global challenges in the “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy”. The need to improve the efficiency of use and protection of water resources is noted in the list of the state tasks of the 6th Policy – “Green” economy and environmental protection of the Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025. The research results are relevant for ensuring water security in Kazakhstan in dry periods providing the existence of transboundary threats to reduce available surface water resources and further sustainable social and economic development of the country. The results of the Program will contribute to the implementation of the tasks of the General Scheme for the Organization of the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025, Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy: a new political course of the established state, the General Scheme for the Integrated Use and Protection of Water Resources, the National Projects – “Green Kazakhstan” and “Technological breakthrough through digitalization, science and innovation”.

EXPECTED AND ACHIEVED RESULTS:
main results for 2023:

The resource potential of groundwater deposits explored for land irrigation was assessed in 4 administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Mangystau) and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin.
Regional expeditionary studies were carried out to assess the current state of groundwater deposits explored for land irrigation, with sampling of groundwater and soils for chemical and laboratory studies in 4 administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. Ground field surveys were carried out in November 2023 by 4 field teams within the Aktobe, Mangistau, Atyrau and West Kazakhstan regions. The total length of route surveys was up to 7777 km, 30 wells were examined and 23 water samples were taken, as well as 36 soil samples. In general, we can conclude that, from an ecological point of view, the condition of the groundwater deposit areas is in good condition. No subsidence of soils or ground surface was detected. There are no processes of soil salinization or oppression of flora. From a sanitary point of view, no probable foci of soil and groundwater contamination have been identified.
 The total value of exploitable groundwater reserves in the Western region is estimated at 1.09 km3/year, including with mineralization up to 1 g/l – 0.60 km3/year. The region's exploration of fresh groundwater is 22.7%. For the purpose of land irrigation, 8 groundwater deposits have been explored with the value of operational reserves - 200.34 thousand m3/day.
A geoinformation and analytical subsystem (GIAS) of operational groundwater reserves of deposits in Western Kazakhstan, explored for irrigation, has been developed and created in order to assess, forecast and make management decisions on their use and protection for sustainable irrigated agriculture in 4 administrative regions (Aktobe, Atyrau, West -Kazakhstan and Mangystau) and Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin.
The system was filled with data from operational reserves of groundwater deposits in the administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Mangistau) and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. The system was created in ArcGIS. All information presented in GIAS is contained in semantic and graphical databases and a document database. An effective means of visualizing information is to present tabular information in the form of diagrams associated with certain territories on the map (regions, water basins, etc.). This forms the integrity of the idea of the studied object of the underground hydrosphere. The GIAS structure is not rigid and can be supplemented or changed in the process of solving practical hydrogeological problems. The results obtained correspond to the standards accepted for GIS. The content of GIAS satisfies all the requirements for the presentation of specialized hydrogeological information.

EXPECTED AND ACHIEVED RESULTS:
main results for 2024:

A generalisation and analysis of actual data, stock and analytical materials on the peculiarities of the formation of groundwater well fields operational reserves prospected for irrigation was carried out on three administrative provinces of Southern Kazakhstan, two administrative provinces of Eastern Kazakhstan and two administrative provinces of Central Kazakhstan, and three water management basins (WMB) (Shu-Talas, Balkash-Alakol and Nura-Sarysu).
A series of regional expeditions were carried out to evaluate the present status of groundwater well fields that had been explored for irrigation purposes. These expeditions collected groundwater and soil samples for subsequent chemical and laboratory analysis. These samples were obtained from seven Southern and Eastern Kazakhstan administrative regions and three WMBs within the study area. The total length of route surveys was 19,220 km, 40 well fields were prospected for irrigation needs, 65 wells were surveyed, and 65 water samples and 178 soil samples were taken. In terms of ecology, the condition of the WF areas for irrigation needs in the study area is undisturbed. No subsidence of soils or ground surface has been detected. No processes of soil salinisation and oppression of flora are observed. No probable soil and groundwater contamination centres have been identified in sanitary terms.

Карта фактического материала и точек отбора проб Жамбылской области

Карта фактического материала и точек отбора проб области Жетісу

Карта фактического материала и точек отбора проб Кызылординской области

Карта фактического материала и точек отбора проб Туркестанской области

Карта фактического материала и точек отбора проб Абайской области

The resource potential of WF was assessed for irrigation needs in the administrative provinces of Southern and Eastern Kazakhstan, as well as for 3 WMBs of the study area. The suitability of water for irrigation purposes is determined based on its chemical analysis by irrigation coefficients, the calculation of which is carried out according to the methods known in practice. The study indicates that groundwater in WFs explored for irrigation meets the requirements for irrigation water, as indicated by the value of the irrigation coefficient. Most WFs are suitable for land irrigation and large-scale centralised domestic and drinking water supply. Each administrative region characterises the state of the irrigated land fund. The depth of groundwater occurrence and salinity and the degree of salinity of the upper one-metre soil strata are used as zoning indicators.

Карта МПВ, разведанных для ОРЗ на территории области Абай

Карта МПВ, разведанных для ОРЗ на территории Восточно-Казахстанской области

In Kazakhstan, land reclamation is a pivotal strategy for diminishing the nation's reliance on inclement weather conditions and enhancing the predictability of vegetable and melon crop production. This approach is further instrumental in fostering stability in producing industrial crops, grain, forage crops, and livestock products. According to the optimal development scenario, it is projected that by 2040, all irrigated areas will be expanded to encompass 2,210,000 hectares, including 1,800,000 hectares designated for regular irrigation and 410,000 hectares allocated for limanic irrigation. This will ensure the domestic population's comprehensive fulfilment of agricultural product and livestock fodder requirements.

Within the administrative regions of Southern, Eastern and Western Kazakhstan, calculations of design irrigation areas were carried out for each of the WFs explored for irrigation based on the average value of the hydromodule that takes into account its flow rate for irrigation without taking into account losses in the irrigation network. The hydromodule defined by the results of study is typically 1.0 - 0.5 l/s per 1 ha for Central Asia and Kazakhstan. An average value of 0.7 l/s per 1 ha (0.0007 m3/s per 1 ha) was utilised for the calculations. Due to groundwater use, the total design area of irrigated lands was measured in thousands of hectares, in Southern Kazakhstan at 234.33, Eastern Kazakhstan at 54.74, and Western Kazakhstan at 10.84. The most significant areas of project irrigation of lands at the expense of groundwater are confined to the Zhetisu region (129.75 thousand ha).

The geoinformation system of exploitable reserves of WFs explored for irrigation was replenished with data on seven administrative provinces of Southern and Eastern Kazakhstan and on three WMBs of the study area.

1. Monograph: 'Resource potential of groundwater in Western Kazakhstan for the development of irrigated agriculture'// under the general editorship of Absametov M.K., 'Smart University Press', 2024, 80 p.
2.Evgeny Sotnikov, Zarina Inelova, Oxana Miroshnichenko, Lyudmila Trushel, Dauren Umbetaliyev, and Ilan Shakibayev. Numerical Models for Solving Water Problems of Irrigated Agriculture in South-East Kazakhstan// ES Food&Agroforestry, 2024, Volume 18, DOI:10.30919/esfaf1288,  p.1-49, Scopus Percentile 97
3. D.S.Sapargaliyev, V.М.Mirlas, Y.Z.Murtazin, V.А.Smolyar. ‘Hydrogeological study and assessment of the groundwater resources in the Cretaceous deposits of the Zhem Basin’ // Mining Journal of Kazakhstan, 2024, Issue 24, pp. 35-42 https://doi.org/10.48498/minmag.2024.226.2.004 (CCSES)
4. S.R.Tazhiev, E.J.Murtazin, L.Y.Trushel. ‘Prospects for the use of groundwater deposits in the Kazakh part of the Kyrgyz Alatau foothills for irrigation and domestic drinking water supply of rural settlements in Zhambyl region’ / Geography and water resources, No.2, 2024, p.143-151, https://doi.org/10.55764/2957-9856/2024-2-143-151.20 (CCSES).
5. T.A.Rakhimov, A.T.Toktar, A.A. Nurgazieva. Prospects for the use of groundwater in the southern part of the Kerbulak deposit for irrigation//Engineering Journal of Satbayev University, Volume 146 (2024), Issue 1, P.25-32, https://doi.org/10.51301/ejsu.2024.i3.04 (CCSES).
6. A.M.Jabassov, A.M.Yermenbay, A.Zh.Zhakibayeva, Y.N.Livinsky. Use of artificial groundwater recharge technologies for Central Kazakhstan pastures watering// Geography and water resources, 2024, №3, P. 37-44, https://doi.org/10.55764/2957-9856/2024-3-37-44.24 (CCSES).
7. Zh.A.Onlasynov, L.V.Shagarova, M.M.Muratova. Assessment of spectral index variations in areas with favourable hydromeliorative conditions of the Maktaaral irrigation massif // Engineering Journal of Satbayev University, №5, 2024 г., p.49-57, https://doi.org/10.51301/ejsu.2024.i5.06.  (CCSES)
8. Оңласынов Ж.Ə., Сотников Е.В., Мирошниченко О.Л., Муратова М.М. Математическая модель гидрогеологических условий орошаемых земель Мактааральского массива. // 3i: intellect, idea, innovation – интеллект, идея, инновация, № 4, 2024 г.p. 119-127, https://doi.org/10.52269/22266070_2024_4_119 (издание КОКСОН).
9. D.K. Adenova, E.J. Murtazin, O.L.Miroshnishenko. Assessment of the state and quality of hydrogeochemical indicators of artesian groundwater in Zhambyl region // Geography and water resources, №4, 2024 г., https://doi.org/10.55764/2957-9856/2024-4-75-83.41, p.75-83 (CCSES)

Intellectual property objects registered in the National Institute of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Kazakhstan were received:
1.Copyright certificate № 42833 from 12 February 2024: Smolyar V.A., Trushel L.Y. ‘Hydrogeochemical map of groundwater of the Republic of Kazakhstan’.
2. Copyright certificate № 43022 from 19 February 2024: Smolyar V.A., Trushel L.Y. Map of hydrogeological zoning of the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan at a scale of 1:5 000 000’.
3. Copyright Certificate No. 43105 dated 21 February 2024: Smolyar V.A., Kikhtev V.A. ‘Map of current state and prospects of groundwater use for irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan lands at a scale of 1:5 000 000’.

Перечень ТРУ по ИРН АР21882211