Central Asia Used Less River Water Than Expected in 2024

• Mar 27, 2025

Water consumption by Central Asian countries in 2024 was lower than expected, despite sufficient supplies, according to data from the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia. The report analyzed water use from the region’s two main rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, showing that overall withdrawals were below approved limits.

Water Usage by Country

Turkmenistan was the largest user of Amu Darya water, consuming slightly more than Uzbekistan, even though Uzbekistan has a much larger population. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan took the majority of water from the Syr Darya.

In the case of the Syr Darya, spring rains helped fill reservoirs beyond expectations, leading to lower water withdrawals during the 2024 growing season. According to the commission, water usage along the river was 2.05 cubic kilometers less than planned. Along the lower reaches of the Syr Darya, total water use—including withdrawals, losses, and lateral inflows—was estimated at 4.29 cubic kilometers, 18% below projections.

Amu Darya Water Flow and Usage

The Amu Darya also received more water than expected into its reservoirs, but the overall flow along the river was lower than forecast. As a result, water usage only reached 85% of the set withdrawal limit. While Uzbekistan had a higher quota, Turkmenistan ended up using slightly more water despite having only about one-fifth of Uzbekistan’s population.

Aral Sea Water Supply Lower Than Expected

A key concern in the report was the reduced volume of water reaching the Aral Sea. The commission had estimated that 2.1 cubic kilometers from the Amu Darya would flow into the Aral Region and the Aral Sea in 2024, but only 59% of that—1.24 cubic kilometers—was recorded. Similarly, slightly less than the projected 1 cubic kilometer of water from the Syr Darya actually reached the Aral area.

These findings highlight ongoing challenges in managing Central Asia’s water resources, which remain vital for agriculture and regional stability.