Aim of the study:
The article presents research findings on the ecological state of the Shiderty-Olenti natural zone (ShONZ) during and after maximum environmental water releases. The analysis focused on the soil cover, flora, and fauna.

Material and methods:
The study area for convenient identification of changes that occurred after the cessation of water releases was carried out in 5 sample sections (Figure 2): 1 section - these are limans of Sarykamysk rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 2 section - limans of Komsomol rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 3 section - territory adjacent to Shikyldak lake in Komsomol rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 4 section - territory adjacent to Shikyldak lake in Komsomol rural district of rural zone of Ekibastuz city; 5 section - territory adjacent to the lake Shureksor in Akzhol rural district of rural zone of Aksu city.

Results and conclusions:
According to the survey data, the area of unsalted soil is equal to 7 % (734 ha) of the total study area (9510 ha). The largest area of the territory characterized by practical absence of salts is the 5th study section, occupying 21 % (122 ha) of the total research area, in the 4th study section all soil is saline, in other sections (1, 2, 3 sections) the area of non-saline soil is equal to 8 % (295 ha), 16 % (177 ha), 4 % (140 ha) respectively.