Towards Sustainable Solutions: Assessing Rural Access to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation in Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to advance sustainable social and economic progress globally. In Kazakhstan, 7.5 million people reside in 6,499 rural settlements, with 6.5 million in 3,892 settlements connected to centralized water supply systems. A study in the Pavlodar region revealed that 52% of households rely on private boreholes, 17% on public standpipes, and only 5% have in-house tap water. Additionally, 80% of rural households use outdoor toilets, with just 3% connected to sewer systems, highlighting significant disparities in water and sanitation access. Methods: This study used a structured questionnaire to assess water access, sanitation services, and willingness to pay in Atyrau households. It explored water sources, sanitation availability, and household practices, offering insights into sustainable water and sanitation management. Results: This study analyzed water and sanitation practices in rural Atyrau. Indoor taps served 44.2% of households, while 60.5% used centralized systems for drinking water. Daily interruptions affected 19.9%, with 23.0% dissatisfied with quality. Outdoor toilets were used by 79.6%, and 43.7% relied on pit-filling. While 82.5% of respondents favored free individual water supply installations, only 11.6% were willing to pay the $426 installation cost, highlighting financial constraints. Conclusions: This study highlights persistent challenges in ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation in rural Atyrau. Infrastructure gaps, poor water quality, and reliance on outdoor toilets pose health risks. Financial constraints further limit access. Targeted investments, improved oversight, and community engagement are critical for sustainable solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.