During the summer months the lake attracts a number of tourists from Almaty, who frequent its beachy shores on the weekends.

The Kapchagay dam was completed in late 1969 and began slowly filling the reservoir in 1970, over a period of 20 years.

[2][3] The hydroelectric project was also seen as important in that the lake would provide an abundant water supply and irrigation for arid farming in the region.

However, environmentalists have expressed deep concerns about its environmental impact upon Lake Balkash, given that the equilibrium and balance of water has been seriously disturbed.

[3] The reservoir has also been responsible for rising groundwater levels which has made it impossible to grow crops on land adjacent to the lake in many parts.

[3] As a result, many agricultural villages in the area such as Akozek, Kerbulak and Chengildi are located several kilometres from the lake, rather than on its bank.