Abstract
The purpose of the article is to consider the features of the legal regulation of water protection zones of an integrated approach – a combination of spatial planning, environmental standards and mechanisms for protecting the rights of landowners. Problems of state regulation and management of water resources in the light of the water legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study analyzes the current legislation, identifies legal gaps and inconsistencies in the distribution of powers between state and local authorities. Particular attention is paid to issues of cadastral registration, liability for violation of water protection regimes, and the implementation of modern digital technologies in environmental monitoring. Based on domestic and international experience, the paper proposes measures to improve legal regulation and increase the effectiveness of water resource protection. The practice of applying legislation at the regional level is analyzed. The foreign experience of regulating water protection areas is reviewed and the possibilities of its adaptation in Kazakhstan are identified. The main problems and legal conflicts related to the delimitation of lands and the protection of water resources are identified. Proposals have been developed to improve legislation and enforcement mechanisms.