Senate passes Water Code to modernize Uzbekistan’s water sector 

This document aims to systematize legal norms in the field of water relations, ensuring the rational use, effective management, and protection of the country’s water resources.

According to the upper chamber, following improvements in water management systems and the introduction of water-saving technologies, annual water consumption has decreased from 64 billion cubic meters in the 1990s to 51 billion cubic meters today.

The new Water Code clarifies the powers and responsibilities of the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, agencies, and local authorities in regulating water relations. The document also provides for the introduction of public-private partnership mechanisms in water resource management, establishes accountability for violations of water supply regulations, and outlines key areas for international cooperation in this domain.

The adoption of the code will address issues related to overlapping responsibilities among state bodies, enhance accountability for both water suppliers and consumers, and ensure the country’s water security.

Furthermore, the Water Code lays the legal foundation for the long-term development of the water sector, encouraging greater efficiency in water resource use, attracting investments, and promoting technological modernization of the industry. The law also aims to integrate international water law norms into national legislation, strengthening Uzbekistan’s positive image on the global stage.