The decree outlines key measures for 2026–2027, during which the country plans to build more than 5,000 kilometers of drinking water pipelines, 245 water supply facilities, over 1,000 kilometers of sewerage networks and 81 wastewater infrastructure facilities. Upon completion, centralized drinking water coverage is expected to reach 84%, while sewerage service coverage will increase to 23%.
The government also plans to reduce water losses and improve metering transparency by installing 4,800 modern meters at drinking water production facilities and trunk pipeline connection points. In addition, 7,577 water supply facilities will be equipped with smart meters capable of transmitting data remotely. Consumer metering coverage is set to rise to 91% through the installation of 215,000 new meters.
A major digital transformation is also envisaged. Beginning September 1, 2026, all drinking water and sewerage projects transferred to JSC Uzsuvta'minot for operation will be managed through a unified electronic monitoring platform. The system will integrate information on groundwater resources as well as projects financed from various funding sources.
Based on existing SCADA systems, authorities will establish a single digital management platform combining water supply monitoring, water quality control, emergency response coordination and pressure management. A national dispatch center and 14 regional centers will be created to enable real-time oversight of the entire process, from water production to delivery. The reform also includes GIS mapping of 80,000 kilometers of networks and the installation of metering equipment at 5,000 major infrastructure facilities.
The decree introduces changes to the sector's corporate governance. Forty percent of the shares of JSC Uzsuvta'minot have been transferred to the trust management of the U.S.-based investment company Franklin Templeton. The functions of drinking water production and transportation will also be separated.
By April 1, 2027, a new company, JSC Magistral Suv Ta'minoti, is to be established to operate the country's trunk pipelines and major water supply facilities.
The reform package also focuses on improving energy efficiency. Around 2,000 energy-intensive pumps will be replaced, while solar power plants with a combined capacity of 15 MW will be installed, saving an estimated 7 million kWh of electricity annually.
By the end of 2028, Uzbekistan plans to complete a nationwide program connecting households directly to centralized drinking water networks. More than 232,900 public water standpipes will be phased out as water is supplied directly to homes, each of which will be equipped with a modern water meter.
The decree also introduces institutional reforms. From January 1, 2027, responsibility for approving drinking water and sewerage tariffs will be transferred to the Interdepartmental Tariff Commission under the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, March will be observed each year as a national month dedicated to water conservation.
To strengthen the sector's workforce, a specialized faculty offering dual education programs will begin operating from the new academic year. Each group of students will be assigned mentors from industry enterprises.
A new deputy chairman for digitalization and artificial intelligence will also be appointed at JSC Uzsuvta'minot to oversee process automation and the introduction of advanced digital technologies.
By the end of this year, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, together with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and JSC Uzsuvta'minot, is expected to prepare a development strategy for Uzbekistan's drinking water supply and sewerage system through 2030.
The strategy targets nationwide drinking water coverage of 90% and sewerage service coverage of 30% by 2030, alongside increased investment, deeper digitalization and more efficient sector management.
