Abstract
The article examines the issues of state and legal principles governing the operation of hydraulic structures in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study focuses on current challenges in the water management sector, including dependence on transboundary rivers, the deterioration of existing infrastructure, insufficient digitalization in state water resource management, and the growing impact of climate change. Research has been conducted on urgent problems of state protection of water resources in ensuring environmental safety. Within the framework of the study, particular attention is given to assessing the safety of hydraulic structures, their technical condition, and the compliance of personnel in operating organizations with the requirements and principles established in legislation on the safety of hydraulic structures. Furthermore, ensuring the safety of hydraulic structures implies the development and implementation of measures aimed at preventing accidents at such facilities. By analyzing research in the field of environmental safety, a comparative study of international standards and principles concerning the environmental security of hydraulic structures has been carried out. The authors, while examining international legal acts regulating the operation of hydraulic structures, propose fundamental provisions that should serve as guiding principles for ensuring environmental safety.