Kazakhstan proposes technology for efficient water resource use

Scientists from the Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology at Satbayev University are working on an innovative irrigation system based on the use of surface and groundwater. This development will increase water availability for farmers in conditions of scarcity, reported the press service of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.

Groundwater recharge is ensured by the filtration of water from storage ponds.

Project leader Timur Rakhimov stated that to test this hypothesis, researchers created an experimental site. The results obtained will help farmers assess the potential of new irrigation sources.

What has been done within the project:

• modernized hydraulic structures at the Shalkar, Saimasai-1, and Saimasai-3 storage ponds
• installed 5 sluice gates to regulate water supply
• drilled observation wells equipped with water level monitoring sensors

Scientists also created a digital topographic map of the area using a drone. Currently, specialists are preparing a hydrodynamic map-model of the site, which will combine data from the drone and sensors from the wells.

Thanks to this map, it is possible to forecast changes in groundwater levels. Based on the project results, water-saving technologies can be scaled up.