Lakbe Reservoir

About this activity

Lakbe Reservoir (ლაკბეს წყალსაცავი) is an artificial water body located in the Kakheti region of Georgia, specifically within the Telavi Municipality. Unlike natural lakes, it was created by constructing a dam, likely on the Lakbe River, a tributary within the larger Alazani River basin. Reservoirs like Lakbe are typically built for specific human purposes, and given its location in the agriculturally significant region of Kakheti, its primary function is almost certainly for irrigation, storing water from the river to supply surrounding farmlands during drier periods. It might also play a role in local flood control. As an artificial system, its physical characteristics (depth, area, volume) depend on the dam’s structure and operational water levels, which can fluctuate significantly based on seasonal inflow and water release for irrigation. The ecosystem within the reservoir would have developed after its creation, likely supporting fish populations suitable for recreational fishing by locals, and potentially attracting some water birds. While not a major tourist destination, Lakbe Reservoir is a vital piece of water management infrastructure for the agricultural community in the Telavi area.

Identification and Location

• Name: Lakbe Reservoir (ლაკბეს წყალსაცავი). Sometimes might be referred to locally as Lakbe Lake, but it is technically a reservoir.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Kakheti
  • Municipality: Telavi Municipality
  • Nearest Landmark: Situated on the Lakbe River system, within the broader agricultural plains or foothills associated with the Alazani Valley area near Telavi.
  • Coordinates: Approximate coordinates for reservoirs in this area would need specific lookup, but generally within the Telavi Municipality geographical boundaries.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: Created on the Lakbe River. Its outflow releases water back into the Lakbe River or into associated irrigation canals, ultimately connecting to the Alazani River system.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Variable depending on water level. Specific data requires technical sources on Georgian reservoirs.
• Maximum Depth: Dependent on dam height and reservoir design. Likely moderate depth typical for irrigation reservoirs.
• Average Depth: Variable with water level. Specific data not readily available.
• Volume: Dependent on current water level; designed capacity figures may exist in technical documentation.
• Elevation: Moderate elevation typical for the Telavi Municipality area within the Kakheti region.
• Shoreline Length: Variable; depends on the reservoir’s shape at different water levels.
• Water Source(s): Primarily the Lakbe River, supplemented by direct precipitation and possibly minor streams or runoff from the immediate catchment area.
• Outlet(s): Controlled outlets through the dam structure, releasing water downstream into the Lakbe River or diversion channels for irrigation.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Artificial basin created by damming a natural river valley. The underlying geology is typical of the Kakheti region (alluvial deposits, sedimentary rocks).

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Aquatic vegetation may develop in shallower littoral zones, potentially including reeds or submerged plants. Shoreline vegetation depends on water level fluctuations and surrounding land use.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Likely supports fish populations, possibly including riverine species trapped by the dam and potentially stocked or common species like carp or crucian carp, suitable for local fishing. May attract amphibians, reptiles, and various water birds (ducks, herons, etc.), especially during migration, but unlikely to be a designated bird sanctuary.
• Trophic Level: Likely Mesotrophic to Eutrophic, potentially influenced by nutrient inputs from the river and runoff from surrounding agricultural lands.
• Water Clarity: Variable, potentially affected by sediment load from the river, algal blooms (if eutrophic), and water level changes.
• Water Temperature: Follows seasonal air temperature patterns, with stratification possible in deeper areas during summer. Surface may freeze in winter.
• pH Levels & Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Specific data unavailable. Oxygen levels can vary with depth, temperature, and biological activity.
• Unique Ecological Features: As an artificial reservoir, its primary ecological significance is providing a large standing water habitat where one didn’t previously exist, influencing local biodiversity patterns.
• Conservation Status: No specific conservation designation is typically applied to irrigation reservoirs themselves, beyond general water resource management regulations.
• Invasive Species: Potential for non-native or invasive fish species common in managed water bodies.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Significant as a relatively modern infrastructure project (likely Soviet era or later) aimed at supporting agricultural development in Kakheti.
• Current Uses: Primarily irrigation. Also likely supports local recreational fishing. May have secondary flood control benefits. Not typically used for drinking water supply, navigation, or significant tourism.
• Environmental Issues: Potential issues include sedimentation reducing reservoir capacity over time, water quality degradation from agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), impacts of altered flow regimes on the downstream river ecosystem, and shoreline erosion during water level fluctuations.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by state entities responsible for water resources and amelioration (e.g., Georgian Amelioration). Management focuses on dam safety, water storage, and distribution for irrigation.
• Local Communities: Highly significant for local agricultural communities in Telavi Municipality dependent on irrigation water. Provides a local spot for recreational fishing.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Lakbe Reservoir is an example of human-made infrastructure vital to supporting the agricultural productivity of the Kakheti region.
• Its existence and water levels directly impact the livelihoods of farmers in the area it serves.
• Named after the Lakbe River, which it impounds.