Last year’s autumn-winter season in Uzbekistan was marked by abundant precipitation, and the spring of 2024 continued to bless the country’s farmers with frequent rains. Consequently, the nation’s reservoirs have accumulated 11.155 billion cubic meters of water, a 12% increase compared to 2023. As of April 1st, the summer irrigation season has commenced, and water distribution across regions is being managed according to specific limits.

Water supply remains a pressing issue for Uzbekistan. Approximately 80% of its water resources originate from neighboring countries, leaving only 20% sourced domestically. This reality necessitates critical agreements with other nations. On April 30, 2024, in Turkmenabad, Turkmenistan, the fourth meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management took place. The parties agreed to expedite the registration of Uzbek water management facilities located in Turkmenistan and to implement a project to build an anti-filtration wall at the Sultan Sanjar dam of the Tuyamuyun hydroelectric complex.

The commission reviewed water supply levels over the hydrological year (April 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024) and discussed measures taken by both countries to support their economies. The importance of implementing an automated water accounting system on the Amu Darya River was emphasized. Both parties also reiterated their commitment to joint projects aimed at restoring hydro-posts and improving riverbank protection to reduce water loss and ensure the unimpeded flow of water.

Historically, annual water consumption in Uzbekistan was around 64 billion cubic meters in the 1980s. Due to climate change, reduced precipitation, lower river levels, and challenges in transboundary water management, current annual consumption stands at 51-53 billion cubic meters. Of this, 97.2% comes from rivers and streams, 1.9% from collector networks, and 0.9% from underground sources. Average annual consumption has decreased by 20% compared to the allocated water intake limit.

The Hydrometeorological Service predicts that water volumes in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins will be below normal, particularly in the Kashkadarya River (70-80% of the norm) and the Vakhsh, Surkhandarya, Zarafshan, Karadarya, Chirchik, and Akhangaran rivers (80-90%).

Each year, Uzbekistan saves approximately seven billion cubic meters of water through canal concreting, the adoption of water-saving technologies, digitalization, and efficient water resource management. Despite these measures, water scarcity remains a significant issue. To further reduce water loss in irrigation networks, 2024 has been declared a pivotal year for canal concreting. This year, 5,000 kilometers of irrigation networks are set to be concreted, including 1,500 km of main and inter-farm canals and 3,500 km of intra-farm networks. So far, 518.2 km of canals have been reconstructed, with 351.7 km concreted. The total length of irrigation networks restored in clusters and farms has reached 11,000 km.

In recent years, water-saving technologies have been implemented across 1.3 million hectares, including 478,000 hectares of drip irrigation, 55,000 hectares of sprinkler irrigation, 29,000 hectares of discrete irrigation, and over 700,000 hectares leveled using laser equipment. This year, 500,000 hectares will be covered with modern irrigation technologies, with a target of 4.3 million hectares by 2030. To support these goals, 55 enterprises have been established to produce the necessary devices and spare parts for water-saving technologies locally.

In 2024, Uzbekistan aims to save eight billion cubic meters of water through canal concreting, water-saving technologies, digitalization, and efficient water resource management. Given the impact of global climate change on regional water resources, and the increasing demand for water driven by population and industrial growth, water conservation and rational use are critical.

During a video conference on March 18, 2024, focusing on increasing agricultural and food industry investments and exports, key directives were issued to create conditions for crop cultivation and improve food export performance. The Ministry of Water Resources is providing substantial assistance to farmers and dehkans in achieving these goals. The ministry’s Information-Analytical and Resource Center significantly contributes to digitalizing water use, efficient water management, and conservation efforts.

To date, 11,349 “Smart Water” devices capable of online water consumption monitoring have been installed nationwide. The smartwater.uz information system was developed to aggregate and analyze incoming data, improving water control efficiency by 10%. Additionally, 6,657 divers (software programs) have been installed to enhance land reclamation and monitor groundwater levels online. The “Melioration” information system was developed to aggregate and analyze data from these devices, improving land reclamation assessment accuracy and related activities by 20%.

Sixty percent of irrigated land in Uzbekistan is supplied with water through pumping stations and irrigation wells, making energy conservation a priority. Currently, 1,722 devices for online water consumption control have been installed at pumping stations, and a special information system has been developed. A database and software provide API addresses for integrating devices with relevant information systems. Data integration with the regional electrical networks is ongoing to monitor energy consumption at pumping stations and incorporate these figures into the ministry’s information system. Over the past three years, 65 major water management facilities have been automated.

The “Suv Hisobi” information system allows water supply organizations and consumers to electronically complete and digitally sign monthly documents. The system is currently being tested in the Yazyavan district of the Fergana region.

Water is a vital element of nature, and its value increases with growing ecological changes and technological impacts. Effective water consumption solutions require cooperation between interested states. The Concept for the Development of Water Management in Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, implemented through strategic development plans every three years, highlights this commitment.

Rustam Karshiyev, Deputy Minister of Water Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan.