DYNAMICS OF TARGETED USE OF WATER RESOURCES IN THE REGIONS OF THE STEPPE ZONE OF RUSSIA
The article examines the dynamics of target water use in the steppe regions of the Russian Federation for the period from 2008 to 2018. The purpose of the study is to analyze the dynamics of the targeted use of water resources in the regions of the steppe zone during the implementation of the Water Strategy of the Russian Federation. The composition of the studied regions covers the territories of the subjects located in the steppe and forest-steppe natural zones. In total, 17 constituent entities of the Russian Federation are included in 6 federal districts. The dynamics of targeted use was analyzed using data from water management and socio-economic statistics for the period from 2008 to 2018. Based on the conducted geoinformation analysis of the structure of water use, common features and patterns in natural boundaries and socio-economic space have been identified. The presence of changes in the dynamics of water resources use by regions is revealed. The total water consumption has been reduced by 10 %. As a result of the decline in economic activity in a number of industries, there is a change in the structure of water use in the regions everywhere. The tendencies of reduction in the use of water resources for production needs - 16 % and household and drinking water supply - 28 % were revealed in connection with socio-economic changes in the regions. An increase in water consumption was noted in some regions for irrigation and other needs, including for animal husbandry, due to the implementation of federal programs to support the development of these agricultural sectors.