KazNU Students’ Excursion to the Second Samal Plant: Exclusive Experience and Hands-On Hydrotechnics Lesson

On December 2, 2024, third-year students from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, under the guidance of senior lecturer Turdibuvi Masymzhanovna Kazakbayeva and department magister Raibanu Akhmetova, visited the second Samal Water plant in Almaty. The excursion, organized as part of the "Hydrotechnics" course and dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal №6 – "Clean Water and Sanitation," provided an important practical session for future hydrotechnical engineers.

The first Samal plant was opened in 2009, producing high-quality drinking water that meets international standards. The second plant, launched in 2024, is a modern water purification facility equipped with advanced filtration and quality control technologies. The plant is exclusively focused on water production, purification, and bottling for retail and corporate sales.

A highlight of the excursion was access to the water treatment facilities, which are not usually part of standard tours. During the visit, students explored the entire water production and purification process. They learned how containers are inspected for defects and undergo sanitary treatment. They also had the opportunity to see the plant’s core – a well located more than 300 meters deep. The visit allowed students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Special attention was given to the operation of pump systems, flow calculations, and filtration process analysis. Such experience helps future specialists gain a deeper understanding of real-world hydrotechnical challenges.

The excursion to the second Samal plant was a unique opportunity for KazNU students. It highlighted the importance of sustainable water use and demonstrated how modern technologies address issues related to water purification and efficient utilization. On behalf of the department and students, we express our gratitude to “Keremet Su SKE” for organizing this excursion.