Abstract
This study explores sustainable groundwater management in semi-arid southeastern Kazakhstan, focusing on the feasibility of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) at the Lepsinsky experimental site in the Almaty Region.With surface water resources declining due to climate change and human activity, MAR presents a promising solution for water-scarce areas.Researchers constructed an infiltration trench 650 meters from the Lepsy River and established a temporary hydrological monitoring station to assess infiltration dynamics and colmatation processes.Hydrogeological assessments included lithological analysis, infiltration testing, and turbidity monitoring.Results indicated favorable infiltration conditions, with filtration coefficients ranging from 0.11 to 4.32 m/day depending on sediment composition.Volumetric moisture tracking showed full saturation within 50-72 hours, confirming effective percolation.Turbidity levels remained acceptable, and portable turbidity meters closely aligned with standard methods (R = 0.90).The findings support MAR implementation at the Lepsinsky site, particularly for decentralized rural and agricultural water supply systems.The study offers a replicable framework for designing and optimizing recharge systems in similar environments, contributing to future groundwater sustainability and infrastructure planning in arid regions.