Uzbekistan, a doubly landlocked country, is grappling with an acute water crisis that poses significant environmental and managerial challenges. The scarcity of water resources, particularly in regions like Karakalpakstan, has the potential to trigger social and environmental crises.
Water Stress Ranking and Population Growth
According to CABAR, Uzbekistan ranks 25th out of 164 in the world's most water-stressed countries. The situation is set to worsen due to the steadily growing population, which is projected to reach nearly 40 mn by 2030. This rapid population growth is expected to exacerbate the current water shortage of 13-14%, pushing it to an alarming level of 44-46%. Consequently, the nation's crucial agricultural and industrial sectors are at risk of severe impacts.
"[the] Water shortage is gradually showing its signs in large areas of Uzbekistan. In many districts, water pipes are not flowing as before. The springs at the head of the water pipes no longer have the water of the past. On the other hand, underground drinking water is also escaping. The water we used to see does not flow in the ditches anymore. The seriousness of the problem, the window on water economy is slowly starting to turn around the world. Water scarcity is exacerbating all the problems. Forecasts present a worse situation. The danger is imminent, a real danger is in front of us, and it will not wait for many years," said climate scientist Erkin Abdulahatov.
Freshwater Losses and Projections
Reports from the World Bank reveal that Uzbekistan faced significant losses of freshwater in 2018, amounting to 469 mn cubic meters, representing approximately 32% of the total volume of drinking water produced. This water loss is concerning, especially amidst unfavorable forecasts for the future water supply in Central Asia, with Uzbekistan being particularly vulnerable.
Experts warn that by 2050, the country could experience a decline in streamflow of 2-5% in the Syr Darya River basin and 10-15% in the Amu Darya River basin, further exacerbating the water scarcity problem. The impact of this water shortage extends beyond agriculture, as the hydropower industry is also at risk. The productivity of hydropower plants in some regions may decline to as low as 20% by 2050, posing challenges to Uzbekistan's energy sector.
Challenges of the Aral Sea and Qosh-Tepa Canal
The ongoing crisis of the Aral Sea compounds Uzbekistan's water-related predicaments. The inflow of significant salt volumes into the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya rivers has caused a drastic reduction in river flow into the Aral Sea, leading to its rapid decline in size, increased salinity, and severe environmental degradation. The construction of the Qosh-Tepa Canal in Afghanistan further adds to the nation's water challenges, as it has the potential to worsen water shortages for both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, situated downstream of the Amu Darya River.
Addressing the Water Crisis
The water crisis in Uzbekistan necessitates immediate and effective measures. The government, along with international organizations, is taking steps to address the situation. However, comprehensive and sustainable solutions are essential to mitigate the imminent challenges posed by the water crisis. Recognizing the urgency, Central Asian nations must address Afghanistan's water concerns strategically, particularly in light of the growing influence of climate change in the region. Dialogue and cooperation among neighboring countries are crucial to finding lasting solutions and managing the region's water resources responsibly.
Efforts are underway to discuss water management strategies, adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and invest in improved water infrastructure to ensure equitable and efficient water use. Uzbekistan emphasizes the importance of collaboration with neighboring countries, recognizing the shared responsibility of managing water resources in the region.
"In our daily life, we often face cases of unnecessary and purposeless waste of water. Recently, there has been a public outcry about systemic water problems. Various critical-analytical statements and reasonable opinions are expressed. But the officials are silent. We do not see comprehensive measures aimed at rational use of water," - Senate chairperson Tanzila Norboyeva said.
Impact of Soaring Water Tariffs
In recent announcements by "Ozsuvtaminot," the water supply company, new tariffs for drinking water and wastewater services have been approved, impacting Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and Tashkent regions. These tariff adjustments have raised concerns of citizens as they nearly double the prices for both residents and various organizations, making access to essential water services more challenging.
Starting from August 20, 2023, the new tariffs for drinking water in the Tashkent region will be as follows: 1 m³ for residents will cost 1,700 UZS (previously 950 UZS), budget organizations will pay 7,000 UZS (previously 4,000 UZS), and wholesale consumers will also pay 7,000 UZS (previously 4,000 UZS). As for wastewater service, residents will be charged 850 UZS (previously 700 UZS) per 1 m³, while budget organizations and wholesale consumers will pay 1,850 UZS (previously 1,300 UZS) per 1 m³.
Uzbekistan currently has the world's lowest tariffs regarding water use and consumption, and experts suggest that increasing the tariffs on water usage will reduce the amount that goes to waste.
"If the Germans buy a bucket of drinking water for 1,400 soums, they will start filling their swimming pool with drinking water, watering their garden, washing their cars, carpets, and tiles. What is 400 liters a day, he uses a thousand liters. Germans are good, Uzbeks are not bad. Such is the human mentality and nature. If a Turkish farmer pays a tax of 65 soums for the use of water, he will never invest in drip or sprinkler irrigation technologies, canals and drains. He will continue to water as he is watering. I can't imagine what will happen to the next farmer, what will happen to the Iraqi farmer," Economist Otabek Bakirov stated.
On Daryo's live telegram channel, some citizens made comments on how water is wasted in their communities. One such commentator wrote "People use to put watermelon under the flow of water just to cool it. We need to value the water."
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