Gldani Lake

About this activity

Gldani Lake (გლდანის ტბა), widely known also as Tetri Tba (თეთრი ტბა – White Lake), is an urban lake located in the northern part of Tbilisi, Georgia, adjacent to the large Gldani residential district. Historically a natural feature, the lake and its surroundings have been significantly impacted by urban development and face severe environmental challenges. While plans existed, particularly in the Soviet era, to develop the area into a large recreational zone, these were largely unrealized, and the lake has suffered from neglect, pollution, and significant water level issues.

The lake is relatively small and shallow, with its exact dimensions fluctuating considerably due to periods of drying. Its water sources primarily include precipitation, groundwater, and urban runoff, although historical artificial feeding systems (reportedly linked to the Zhinvali reservoir) are said to be damaged or defunct. Water quality is a major concern, with reports of pollution from various sources leading to eutrophication and degradation of the aquatic ecosystem. The lake often emits unpleasant odours, particularly in warmer months.

Despite its degraded state, Gldani Lake / Tetri Tba remains a visible landmark and potential green space for the densely populated Gldani district. It has been the subject of public concern, environmental activism, and municipal discussions regarding the need for ecological assessment, cleanup, and restoration. Its potential as a recreational area remains, but hinges on significant rehabilitation efforts to address pollution and water management issues. Fishing might occur sporadically, but the health of any fish population is questionable due to water quality. Given the current date (April 26, 2025), the lake is ice-free, but its water level and overall condition remain variable and generally poor.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Gldani Lake (გლდანის ტბა). Also commonly known as Tetri Tba (თეთრი ტბა – White Lake). Sometimes referred to as Gldani Big Lake (გლდანის დიდი ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Tbilisi (Capital City)
  • Municipality: City of Tbilisi (Gldani District)
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Adjacent to the Gldani residential massif in northern Tbilisi.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 41.80∘ N latitude, 44.81∘ E longitude (approximate).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: Urban lake. Historically may have had connections to local streams or artificial water systems, but currently primarily fed by local runoff and groundwater. Outlet likely connects to urban drainage systems.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Highly variable due to drying issues. Historically perhaps around 0.1-0.2 km², but often significantly smaller in recent years.
• Maximum Depth: Shallow; specific data unreliable due to fluctuations, likely only a few meters when holding water.
• Average Depth: Very shallow; data unavailable.
• Volume: Small and highly variable.
• Elevation: Approximately $500-600\text{ m}$ above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Variable depending on water level; shoreline is largely modified or bordered by urban/disturbed land.
• Water Source(s): Precipitation, groundwater, urban surface runoff. Historical artificial water supply channels are reportedly damaged/non-functional.
• Outlet(s): Unclear natural outlet; likely drains into local stormwater systems or small degraded streams.
• Water Type: Freshwater. Water quality is poor.
• Basin Geology: Natural depression within the Tbilisi landscape, heavily impacted by anthropogenic factors.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Shoreline typically consists of ruderal (weedy) species common in urban areas, possibly some reeds or marsh plants in wetter zones. Aquatic vegetation likely limited by pollution and fluctuating water levels.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Fish populations likely unstable and limited to pollution-tolerant species, if present at all, due to poor water quality and drying periods. May support some amphibians. Important for urban bird species (gulls, pigeons), potentially attracting some waterfowl when water levels are sufficient.
• Trophic Level: Likely Hypereutrophic due to high nutrient loads from pollution and runoff.
• Water Clarity: Generally low (turbid, murky).
• Water Temperature: Follows urban ambient temperatures; warms significantly in summer, surface likely freezes partially in winter. Currently (late April), water is cool but ice-free.
• pH Levels: Data unavailable.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable; expected to be low, particularly during warm weather, indicating poor ecological health.
• Unique Ecological Features: Primarily notable as an example of a degraded urban lake ecosystem with potential for restoration.
• Conservation Status: No formal protected status, but recognized as an urban water body needing environmental intervention. Subject of local environmental concerns.
• Invasive Species: Data unavailable.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Part of the Gldani area landscape before large-scale Soviet housing development. Plans for a major recreational park complex around it were developed in the 1980s but not implemented. Experienced significant drying and pollution over recent decades.
• Current Uses: Very limited recreational use due to poor condition. Sometimes used for informal walks around the perimeter. Fishing attempts may occur but water/fish quality is dubious. Its primary current role is as a problematic urban water body.
• Environmental Issues: Severe pollution (sewage, construction debris, household waste cited). Periodic drying and drastic water level fluctuations. Advanced eutrophication and swamping. Unpleasant odours. Blocked/damaged inflow/outflow channels. General ecological degradation. Land ownership complexities have also been cited as a barrier to action.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Falls under the jurisdiction of Tbilisi City Hall. Subject of ongoing public discussion, petitions by local residents and activists demanding cleanup and restoration. Municipal authorities have acknowledged the problem and occasionally announced studies or plans, but large-scale, effective rehabilitation has yet to be realized.
• Local Communities: Residents of the large Gldani district are most directly affected by the lake’s poor environmental state (smell, lack of usable green space). Community groups actively advocate for its restoration.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Commonly known as Tetri Tba (White Lake), a name that contrasts sharply with its often murky appearance.
• An urban lake located within Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi.
• Has faced severe, well-publicized environmental problems including drying and pollution.
• Was intended to be the centerpiece of a large recreational zone according to unrealized Soviet-era plans.
• Its restoration is a recurring topic in local environmental discussions and municipal planning.