INTERSTATE DISTRIBUTION OF TRANSBOUNDARY RUNOFF IN THE ZHAYIK-CASPIAN WATER BASIN

The problem of interstate distribution of transboundary runoff in Kazakhstan is particularly acute. as the country occupies a low-lying (estuary) position for almost all major rivers and is dependent on the inflow of water from abroad. This paper examines the issue of water cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation in the field of use and protection of transboundary water bodies within the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. The assessment of the fulfillment of intergovernmental obligations on the joint use of water resources of the Zhaiyk. Karaozen and Saryozen rivers was carried out. Graphs of the annual actual inflow of the considered transboundary rivers are constructed with an indication of their estimated availability. conclusions are drawn about the correspondence of the actual values to the agreed volumes. It is shown that along the Zhaiyk River at the beginning of the water management year. the monthly volume of runoff in April. which makes up the bulk of the spring flood runoff and. consequently. the annual runoff. is almost every year less than stipulated by the Protocol. In half of the cases. the inflow from the neighboring state along the Karaozen and Saryozen rivers does not reach the limit of the corresponding water content of the year. Recommendations are given for improving the mechanism of interstate distribution of transboundary runoff in the studied basin.