Dmanisi Reservoir

Dmanisi Reservoir (დმანისის წყალსაცავი) is an artificial lake located in the Kvemo Kartli region of southern Georgia. Situated within the Dmanisi Municipality, it lies near the town of Dmanisi, an area globally renowned for the Dmanisi archaeological site where some of the oldest hominin fossils outside of Africa have been discovered. The reservoir itself was constructed, likely during the Soviet era, primarily for agricultural purposes.

Created by damming one of the local rivers – most likely the Mashavera River or a significant tributary like the Shakhmarlo (Pinezauri) which flows near Dmanisi – the reservoir’s main function is to store water for the irrigation of surrounding farmlands, crucial in this relatively arid part of Georgia. Its size and depth are moderate compared to Georgia’s larger reservoirs, likely covering a few square kilometers with depths suitable for water storage but not exceptionally deep. Its elevation is probably in the range of 1000-1200 meters above sea level, consistent with the Dmanisi plateau.

Besides irrigation, the reservoir serves as a local spot for recreational fishing, likely supporting common river fish species like carp and barbel found in the Mashavera basin. While not a major tourist hub in itself, its proximity to the significant Dmanisi archaeological site places it within a region of historical and scientific interest. The reservoir’s ecosystem is typical of artificial lakes in agricultural areas, likely mesotrophic to eutrophic, with water levels fluctuating based on seasonal rainfall and irrigation demands. Given the current date (April 26, 2025), the reservoir is ice-free, and water levels are likely increasing due to spring snowmelt and runoff feeding the river system.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Dmanisi Reservoir (დმანისის წყალსაცავი). May sometimes be informally called Dmanisi Lake.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Kvemo Kartli
  • Municipality: Dmanisi
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Near the town of Dmanisi and the Dmanisi archaeological site.
  • Coordinates: Precise coordinates are not readily available but located near Dmanisi town (approx. 41.3° N, 44.2° E vicinity).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: Artificial reservoir created by damming a river, likely the Mashavera River or one of its tributaries (e.g., Shakhmarlo/Pinezauri River). Regulates river flow downstream.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Specific data requires confirmation, but likely a few square kilometers.
• Maximum Depth: Data not readily available; likely moderate for a reservoir of its size.
• Average Depth: Data not readily available.
• Volume: Data not readily available.
• Elevation: Estimated $\approx 1000-1200\text{ m}$ above sea level, similar to Dmanisi town (approx. 1170m).
• Shoreline Length: Data not available; depends on the reservoir’s shape and size.
• Water Source(s): Primarily the dammed river (Mashavera or tributary), precipitation, local runoff.
• Outlet(s): Controlled release into the river downstream via the dam structure, primarily for irrigation.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Artificial basin created within a river valley. The surrounding geology is part of the Kvemo Kartli region’s landscape, which includes volcanic and sedimentary features.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Shoreline vegetation likely includes grasses, shrubs, and possibly some trees depending on water level fluctuations and surrounding land use. Aquatic vegetation (reeds, submerged plants) likely present in shallower littoral zones.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Supports fish populations, likely including species found in the Mashavera River system (e.g., carp, barbel), popular for local fishing. Attracts water birds. Surrounding areas support local terrestrial fauna.
• Trophic Level: Likely Mesotrophic to Eutrophic, influenced by river inputs and potential runoff from agricultural areas.
• Water Clarity: Variable; likely affected by river sediment inflow, plankton blooms, and runoff.
• Water Temperature: Seasonal; warms significantly in summer, may experience partial surface ice in cold winters but generally remains ice-free longer than high-altitude lakes. Currently (late April), water is cool.
• pH Levels: Data unavailable; likely near-neutral to slightly alkaline.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable; variable depending on depth, temperature, and biological activity.
• Unique Ecological Features: No major unique ecological features widely reported for the reservoir itself. Its main context is its location near the Dmanisi site.
• Conservation Status: No specific conservation designation known for the reservoir. General environmental regulations apply.
• Invasive Species: Data unavailable, but introduction of certain fish species is possible in managed reservoirs.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: The reservoir itself is relatively modern (likely Soviet-era construction). The surrounding area, however, holds immense global historical significance due to the Dmanisi archaeological discoveries of early hominins.
• Current Uses: Primarily irrigation for agriculture in the Dmanisi region. Recreational fishing is also a common use. May be used for local picnicking or relaxation. Not typically used for swimming, boating, or hydropower.
• Environmental Issues: Potential for sedimentation filling the reservoir over time. Water level fluctuations impacting shoreline habitats. Agricultural runoff potentially introducing pollutants (fertilizers, pesticides) leading to eutrophication and affecting water quality.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by Georgian Amelioration or relevant state agency responsible for irrigation infrastructure. Fishing likely subject to standard regulations. Water quality monitoring may occur.
• Local Communities: Crucial resource for local agriculture through irrigation water supply. Provides a venue for local recreational fishing.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Located in close proximity to the Dmanisi archaeological site, famous for 1.8-million-year-old hominin fossils.
• Primarily an irrigation reservoir, vital for the agriculture of the Dmanisi Municipality.
• An artificial lake created by damming a local river (likely Mashavera or tributary).