Kyrgyzstan will put a new Water Code into force starting in 2026, according to which the country will fully charge for water use. The new law elevates water to the status of a valuable resource, like oil and gas.
This decision could seriously impact the long-standing "water for electricity" exchange system that has been in operation in Central Asia for many years. The situation will change noticeably, especially for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, whose agriculture and industry are dependent on water.
An interim agreement on maintaining the water-energy balance was signed between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan in September 2025, but the main changes are expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.
