JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CREATION OF LARGE UNDERGROUND RESERVOIRS IN CENTRAL KAZAKHSTAN USING MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE

Abstract

The increasing water shortage caused by climate change, rising water consumption, and uneven distribution of surface runoff necessitates the implementation of effective groundwater management methods in arid regions. For Central Kazakhstan, characterized by a sharply continental climate, a limited river network, and high seasonal runoff variability, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) technologies are one of the most promising approaches. The objective is to substantiate standard MAR technological schemes considering the region’s physiographic, hydrogeological, and hydrological conditions. A regional zoning assessment was conducted based on a set of criteria, resulting in the identification of four groups of areas: areas suitable for the development of large, medium, and small groundwater reservoirs, as well as areas considered unsuitable for MAR implementation. River valleys, buried valleys, and carbonate structures were identified as the most promising settings for MAR. It was established that up to 80–90 % of the annual river runoff occurs during the spring period, providing a substantial seasonal water resource for aquifer recharge. Infiltration basins were identified as the primary technology for shallow unconfined aquifers, while infiltration wells and recharge wells were recommended for deeper and fractured-karst aquifers. The MAR technological schemes developed in the study, including both open and closed systems, allow engineering solutions to be adapted to specific natural conditions. The use of infiltration basins, regulated water-intake structures, and recharge wells can not only increase groundwater reserves but also provide effective control over groundwater levels and flow regimes.