The surface water resources of Bishkek are represented by two small rivers, the Alamedin and the Ala Archa , which rise in the glaciers of the Kyrgyz range, cross the city from the south to the north and flow into the Chu river. The rivers^, resources are used for irrigation purposes and for filling recreation water reservoirs. The water discharge of the rivers is: Alamedin – 4.19 m³/sec, Ala-Archa – 2.65 m³/sec. In the summer the riverbeds are often dry. From the east to the west the city is crossed by the Southern Chu Canal and the Big Chu Canal which are used for irrigation purposes. Water from the Big Chu Canal is used for in the city central heating system connected with the heat power plant.

            There are 18 artificial reservoirs with a total area of 127.4 ha, 5 of which have recreational value. The subterranean wells discharge themselves into 8 reservoirs with a total area of 11 ha located in the northern part of the city.

            The ground water resources of the city are represented by 2 large fields: Orto Alysh and Ala Archa which are formed owing to the infiltration of surface run-off. The ground water level ranges from one meter (the northern part of the city to several hundred meters (the southern part). 

            The disposal of domestic sewage from the districts having sewage systems is done through the city system of sewage treatment facilities with a capacity of 380,000 m³ a day. The treatment system is mechanical and full biochemical with additional treatment in the natural aeration discharge canal. The total amount of waste waters coming to the water treatment facilities is about 300,000 m³  a day. In the districts which do not have sewer systems sewage is collected and taken to the discharge station by cesspool emptiers on request.

            Industrial effluents are discharged into the main effluent disposal line. Enterprises whose processes leave badly contaminated waste water, for example, galvanic production, have their own water treatment facilities or neutralization plants. After being treated at them the effluents are discharged into the main effluent disposal line.