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Kazakhstan's new Water Code, aimed at conserving precious water resources, is set to introduce stricter regulations on how citizens irrigate their yards and green spaces. While the law allows for continued use of drinking water for now, a transition to using only technical water for irrigation is mandated, with penalties for non-compliance to be enforced in four years. However, in the city of Pavlodar, implementing this crucial aspect of the code is proving to be a significant hurdle.

Technical Water Shortage in Pavlodar

The core issue lies in the scarcity of technical water pipelines within Pavlodar. Local environmentalists have voiced their concerns after receiving notifications from the "Pavlodar-Su Arnasy" utility company, citing Article 96 of the new Water Code. This article outlines administrative penalties for violating water usage rules, with fines potentially reaching 100 MCI (approximately 432,500 tenge) for individuals and up to 700 MCI (over 3 million tenge) for large enterprises.

Resident Preparedness vs. Infrastructure Reality

Pavlodar residents are reportedly willing to conserve drinking water and utilize technical water for irrigation. The problem, however, is the limited access to existing technical water infrastructure. This lack of access forces many citizens into clandestine nighttime watering or abandoning their gardening efforts altogether.

Advocacy for Infrastructure Development

In response to the situation, the Pavlodar public association "ECOM" has formally requested the city administration to work with "Pavlodar-Su Arnasy" to remove the current directives for 2026-2027. They are also urging the provision of technical water pipeline access for all organizations and residential areas with green spaces within this timeframe.

Transitional Periods and Future Outlook

"Pavlodar-Su Arnasy" has clarified that the new code's stipulations primarily apply to subscribers connected to water supply lines after June 10, 2025. Those with existing contracts are permitted to use drinking water until June 10, 2029. Nevertheless, the fundamental problem of insufficient technical water pipelines for new consumers remains unresolved.

Utility workers have suggested alternative solutions, such as transporting technical water or using special reservoirs. However, these methods would require centralized organization and significant logistical planning.

No Investment Plans for New Infrastructure

Georgiy Speizer, the General Director of "Pavlodar-Su Arnasy" LLP, stated that the company currently only services existing networks. The construction of new technical water pipelines is not included in the company's investment program. The city administration has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to address this infrastructure gap, casting doubt on the feasibility of enforcing the new Water Code's requirements in Pavlodar.

Ecologist Svetlana Mogilyuk supports the new code's objectives but stresses the necessity of creating the conditions for its implementation. She advocates for increased public awareness campaigns and more active engagement with deputies responsible for budget allocation.

This situation highlights a critical disconnect between legislative intent and practical implementation, particularly concerning essential infrastructure development in rapidly urbanizing areas.