Lake Balkhash Water Level Stabilises in Kazakhstan

Around 40 billion cubic metres of water have flowed into Lake Balkhash over the past three years, reports 24KZ. More than nine billion cubic metres of that total arrived in 2026.

The main source of inflow is the Kapshagay Reservoir, which regulates the flow of the Ili River, the lake’s primary water source. This year, the reservoir reached 98% of its capacity.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the water level in Lake Balkhash is currently being maintained at 341 metres above the Baltic Height System datum.

A plan to preserve the lake through 2040 is also being developed in cooperation with French specialists. Research has already been conducted, and experts are now analysing the data collected.