Abstract
The article studies the water balance of Lake Balkash taking into account the influence of climatic changes and anthropogenic factors such as the transboundary character of the Ile River and water management activities in the region. Long-term observation data on river runoff, precipitation and evaporation are presented, and the influence of river runoff regulation on water balance dynamics is assessed. The study calculated the water balance of Lake Balkhash in the period from 1947 to 2021. According to the results of calculations, the average surface runoff of the lake was 14.5 km3/year, precipitation − 3.42 km3/year, evaporation − 17.5 km3/year, groundwater exchange − 0.38 km3. The results obtained can be used to develop strategies for sustainable water resources management in the Balkash-Alakol basin.