Kazakhstan will restrict the use of centralized drinking water at car washes. This was announced at a government meeting by the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the minister, since September 2023, about 1 trillion tenge of investment has been attracted to the fixed capital of the water sector. "During this period, more than 1.4 thousand kilometers of canals, 5 reservoirs and 8 hydraulic structures were reconstructed," said Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.
Currently, more than 4.6 thousand kilometers of irrigation networks are being modernized. This year, 964 kilometers of them are planned to be completed. As a result, the water supply to about 200 thousand hectares of irrigated land will improve.
The minister also reported on measures against wasteful use of drinking water. "In order to further improve legislation, amendments to the Water Code have been developed to restrict the use of centralized drinking water for technological purposes at car washes," the minister said.
Recall that yesterday, in his address to the people of Kazakhstan, the president said that systematic and bold measures are needed to eliminate the shortage of water resources in the country. "The government and akimats must strengthen control over water use. It is necessary to reduce water consumption in various networks, as well as at car washes, and prevent the irrational use of drinking water. Consuming drinking water for washing cars is an outrage. Water also demands respect," said Tokayev.