The history of the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Water Economyy (KazSRIWE) dates back to 1950, when, in accordance with resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and the Kazakh SSR, the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Water Economy was established. From its inception, the Institute became a key scientific center in the field of water management and hydraulic land reclamation.

In 1964, the Institute was placed under the jurisdiction of the USSR Ministry of Land Reclamation and Water Management and was granted the status of a research organization of all-Union significance within its отраслевой (sectoral) profile, which strengthened its role in the development of the water sector across the entire Soviet Union.

In 1988, KazSRIWE was transferred to the Ministry of Water Management of the Kazakh SSR, and in 1991 it became part of the Kazakh Academy of Agricultural Sciences. In subsequent years, the Institute continued its development within the scientific and educational structures of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including the National Academic Center for Agricultural Research.

In 2002, the Institute was reorganized into a subsidiary state enterprise, the «Research Institute of Water Management» within the Republican State Enterprise «South-West Research and Production Center of Agriculture» under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Since 2007, the Institute has operated within the joint-stock company «KazAgroInnovation» in the form of a limited liability partnership. In 2015, KazSRIWE became a structural division of the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center.

In 2020, the Institute was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and since 2023 it has been part of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Throughout its history, KazSRIWE has provided scientific support for the development of the water sector, making a significant contribution to addressing challenges related to the rational use of water resources, the development of irrigation, and the enhancement of the country’s water security.

Heads of the Institute

Since its establishment, the Institute has undergone significant development, with its leaders playing a crucial role at every stage. Their professionalism, managerial experience, and scientific expertise have contributed to strengthening the Institute’s position, expanding its areas of activity, and enhancing its reputation within the scientific and educational community. Under their leadership, scientific schools were formed, major projects were implemented, and the steady development of the institution was ensured.

At different times, the Institute was headed by:

Mukhamedzhanov Kopey Mukhamedzhanovich (1950–1957)

Berkaliev Zeynolla Temralievich (1958–1973)

Zhulayev Askar Zhangazovich (1973–1988)

Mukhamedzhanov Valiakhmet Nuriakhmetovich (1988–2004)

Ibatullin Sagit Rakhmatullaevich (2004–2008)

Balgabayev Nurlan Nurmakhanovich (2008–July 2022)

Tazhgaliev Yerkin Nurlanovich (July 2022 – May 2024)

Balgabayev Nurlan Nurmakhanovich (May 2024 – October 2025)

Sairov Serik Biyakhmetovich (since november 2025)