Central Asia Republics – Strengthen Central Asia Climate and Hydrologic Data Collection

Forecasting streamflows is critical for Central Asia as much of the region’s water supply for power generation and irrigation comes from only two rivers – the Syr Darya and Amu Darya. Accurate weather and streamflow data are needed to make reliable water supply forecasts, but unfortunately much of the data collection infrastructure in Central Asia has deteriorated in recent years.

Riverside Technology, inc. (RTi) was contracted by PA Consultants, Inc. to assist USAID in evaluating present forecasting needs, and to recommend a program to enhance collection of climate and hydrologic data in the five Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. RTi first evaluated training requirements of the Central Asia Global Environmental Facility transboundary water quality and water quantity monitoring program. RTi staff visited the monitoring sites to determine the local staff’s ability to collect data, and install, operate and maintain automated data collection equipment. Based on these assessments, RTi developed training recommendations, training modules, and training programs on equipment installation, collection of water quality samples, and operation of field water quality instruments.

RTi then designed and implemented a pilot program to improve hydrologic forecasts in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya River Basins by collecting climate data using modern automated data collection equipment. The program began with a needs assessment to identify data requirements, including meeting with personnel from each of the five National Hydromet Services. RTi delivered a report recommending specific activities for data collection, data communications, streamflow forecasting, data storage, and data sharing. RTi developed a pilot station design for stations to collect climate and snow data using modern automated data collection and communications equipment, and then procured and installed the equipment. RTi trained Hydromet staff from the Republics on the installation, operation, and maintenance of this new equipment.

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