Sewage waste is poured into the Irtysh River in East Kazakhstan

Problems

• Eastern Kazakhstan is on the brink of an environmental disaster

  Residents say that the Kurchum district of East Kazakhstan Region is threatened by a real environmental catastrophe. Due to the lack of treatment facilities, utilities are pouring all the wastewater into the river. Local authorities also admit: the situation is catastrophic. But the law prevents the situation from being resolved. All the wastewater ends up going through the local river into the Irtysh. The situation threatens an ecological catastrophe, residents are sure. Moreover, the number of apartment buildings and organizations in the district center is growing. But officials take no action. This is a very serious problem because wastewater can contain hazardous substances that can be harmful to life in the Irtysh River and the environment. The reasons why wastewater flows into the Irtysh River are different.

• Inadequate wastewater treatment facilities

  Because East Kazakhstan lacks adequate wastewater treatment facilities or their operation is ineffective, wastewater can enter the river without sufficient treatment.

• Improper use of wastewater

  Some people do not know how to properly use and treat wastewater before releasing it into the environment. This can lead to wastewater entering the river without being treated beforehand.

• Illegal Wastewater Releases

  In some cases, many companies release wastewater into the Irtysh River without proper permits, violating the law.

• Outdated wastewater systems

  If wastewater disposal systems are outdated or do not meet current standards, they may not be able to handle the volume of wastewater and cause it to be released into the river.

• Natural disasters

  Floods and other natural disasters also often cause sewage systems to overflow and release wastewater into the river without pre-treatment.

• Low public awareness

  Some people still do not realize how important it is to properly dispose of wastewater and release it into the environment only after treatment. Low public awareness can lead to improper use and disposal of wastewater.
  The release of wastewater into the Irtysh River can have serious consequences for the environment and human health. The release of wastewater into the river can lead to water pollution, which can have negative consequences for human, animal, and plant health as well as for the ecosystem as a whole. In addition, it may negatively affect fishing, tourism, and other activities related to the Irtysh River.

• Water Pollution

  Wastewater can contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products, and other chemicals that can contaminate water in the Irtysh River. This can lead to health problems for people and animals who use this water.

• Fish deaths

  Water pollution can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic animals that live in the Irtysh River. This can negatively affect fishing and other activities related to the use of water resources.

• Ecosystem Damage

  Water pollution can damage the ecosystem of the Irtysh River, including vegetation cover, aquatic animals, and other organisms that live in the river. It can lead to changes in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

• Deterioration of soil quality

  Wastewater can also lead to the deterioration of soil quality around the Irtysh River. This can negatively affect agriculture and other land-use activities.

• Negative health impacts

  Contaminated water can negatively affect the health of people who use it for drinking, bathing, or other purposes. It can contain hazardous substances that can cause various diseases.

• Negative impacts on tourism

  Contamination of the water of the Irtysh River can hurt tourism in the region. It may lead to a decrease in tourist flow and loss of profitability for tourist enterprises.