Over the past 2.5 years, more than 35 billion cubic meters of fresh water have flowed into the Caspian Sea. This volume was mainly formed as a result of strong floods — more than 17 billion cubic meters of water reached the sea solely due to natural flooding. The remaining part is attributed to increased river discharge and stricter water resource management.
According to sea-news.az citing statements from the Kazakh side, that this trend has to some extent slowed the shallowing process of the Caspian Sea. It is even noted that without the additional inflows, the sea level could have reached a more critical decline in the 2030s.
At the same time, technological changes are being introduced in agriculture to conserve water. The widespread use of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems has saved millions of cubic meters of water, part of which is reported to have been redirected toward the Caspian Sea.
Changes are also planned in the industrial sector. Within the framework of the new Water Code, large enterprises will be required to implement more efficient water use, transition to recycling systems, and carry out modernization programs.
Overall, the key conclusion is that the Caspian Sea’s water balance is now influenced not only by natural climate processes but also significantly by state water policies and management decisions.
