HOW DRINKING WATER IS POLLUTED IN ASTANA

Recently, the Information Bureau published a report stating that the water quality in the Vyacheslavskoye Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to Astana, has deteriorated to Class 4. Such water can only be used for irrigation or technical purposes and is not suitable for drinking.

Then the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation responded, claiming that the samples were taken from the wrong place or using the wrong system — in short, that the testing was done incorrectly. This immediately sparked a desire to go and take water samples for an independent analysis.

First, we decided to see what satellite images would show. After viewing them, the urge to go and collect water samples grew even stronger. A basic analysis of tap water for mineralization levels shows a particle content of about 250 ppm. The optimal level for drinking is 100. 250 ppm is already the level of low-mineralized water. But the thing is, the Vyacheslavskoye Reservoir is not a mineral water spring, so let's try to understand what minerals are present and what consequences this might have.

On the satellite images, suspended particles and chlorophyll are highlighted in bright green. They are very active in the area where a small river flows into the reservoir (on the right). And along this river, and other small tributaries feeding into it, upstream — there are huge plowed fields. In some places, at a distance of about 25 meters from the river. It must be understood that meltwater and rainwater wash all the chemicals used for treatment off the fields and deliver them directly into the reservoir. Last year's floods intensified this process several times over.

Nitrogen fertilizers are the most widely used in agriculture, and chlorophyll thrives on nitrogen. As a result, the runoff of organic matter and fertilizer residues causes eutrophication — rapid algae growth and a drop in oxygen levels in the water to critical levels (3.5-4.2).

It is important to note that the fields are located in close proximity to the water; there is no water protection zone anywhere nearby. However, there are fences and barriers — you can't drive up to the water. It was not possible to take samples in that location. But such barriers will not stop the water, and it will wash away everything that farmers spray and pour onto the land.

Without delving too deeply into agrochemistry, let's look at the main substances used in agriculture in these areas and the consequences of their entry into the human body.

Glyphosate — cell mutation, endocrine system disruption. Destroys aquatic systems and can accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms.

Saltpeter (Nitrate) — cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Causes eutrophication — water blooms and rapid algae growth (as mentioned above), while killing fish.

Ammonium phosphate — increases water acidity, can disrupt kidney and cardiovascular system function. Causes eutrophication, leading to fish kills and making the water undrinkable.

Insecticides — from weakened immunity and nervous system damage to cancer and infertility.

Herbicides (2,4-D (phenoxyacetic acid), tribenuron-methyl, dicamba) — when entering the body, they damage the liver, affect hormonal balance, and cause cell mutations.

If we continue like this, no matter how many filtration stations Kasymbek installs, it will be useless.

By the way, the FBRK published an investigation — WHO exactly is polluting the water in Astana — who owns these vast fields.