Kazakhstan Cracks Down on Illegal Water Use and Black Market

Authorities in Kazakhstan are intensifying efforts to combat the illegal use of water resources and dismantle a burgeoning black market for water. This follows a directive from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to strengthen control over the country's water management.

The crackdown addresses several critical issues. Officials report that despite known risks, water-intensive crops continue to be cultivated in many regions. Furthermore, numerous instances have been recorded of irrigation water being withdrawn without the necessary permits or contracts. A significant problem now under scrutiny by law enforcement is the illegal sale and purchase of water on a "black market."

To tackle these challenges systematically, the General Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation have developed a Roadmap for 2026. This plan was created in accordance with nationwide measures that call for establishing an interdepartmental working group involving law enforcement and other state bodies to effectively fight water theft and illegal usage.

Legal authority has been bolstered by a new version of the Water Code, signed in April 2025, which granted basin water inspectorates enhanced powers for state supervision. This has enabled more rapid response measures against unauthorized water use.

The results of increased oversight are already visible. In 2025 alone, basin water inspectorates imposed 365 fines for illegal water withdrawal, totaling 752 million tenge (approximately $1.6 million). Through inspections and awareness campaigns, around 1,500 permits for special water use have been issued.

Inspections have uncovered specific violations, including cases where agricultural land was irrigated without formal contracts with the state enterprise "Kazvodkhoz." There were also instances where farmers switched from low-water-consumption crops (like cotton or alfalfa) to highly water-intensive ones (such as rice) without coordinating with the water supply organization.

To strengthen enforcement capacity, the staff of basin water inspectorates has been doubled—from 98 to 204 employees. This expansion is seen as crucial for intensifying the fight against the illicit water trade.

Additionally, a compliance officer service has been established within "Kazvodkhoz," with staff assigned to each of its regional branches.

The technical capabilities of inspectors have also been upgraded. They are now equipped with drones, specialized vehicles, and tablets to improve monitoring and evidence collection.

Ahead of the 2025 growing season, monitoring groups were formed across the country by order of Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. Their task is to identify and prevent illegal water withdrawals. These groups have developed an operational methodology based on digital tools for agricultural monitoring and remote sensing of land.