Transformation of Water Consumption and Sanitation in the Russian Part of the Transboundary Ural River Basin

Abstract

Aim. Study of the transformation of water consumption and wastewater disposal in the Russian part of the Ural River basin. Ural in 1995-2020 due to changing socio-economic and technological conditions.Materials and Methods. The data of state statistical reporting (form 2-TP (vodkhoz)) for the period 1995-2020 were used. Materials of the AllRussian Agricultural Census of 2016, collections of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, "Agro-industrial Complex of Russia", on the commissioning of irrigated lands, the regional Department of Land Reclamation and reports on the state and environmental protection for the constituent entities of the Russian Federation were consulted. The study was carried out on the basis of a systematic approach using the following methods: (1) analytical (collection and systematization of primary information); (2) special (tables compiled, charts constructed; (3) statistical data processing and comparative analysis.Results. It was revealed that from 1995 to 2020 water intake in the Russian part of the Ural River basin to meet the needs of the population and the economy was reduced by 2.4 times. The average daily specific water consumption per 1 inhabitant has decreased in all regions. The water cycle coefficient in the basin increased from 73 to 88%. In recent years, an increase in the area of irrigated land has begun.Conclusion. There has been a noticeable reduction in water consumption and wastewater disposal in the Russian part of the Ural River basin. This is mainly due to the decline in industrial and agricultural production, as well as the development of circulating water supply in industry and the introduction of water-saving equipment in housing and communal services.