Narekvavi Reservoir

Relatively near the capital city, Tbilisi, Narekvavi Reservoir (ნარეკვავის წყალსაცავი) is an artificial body of water in the Mtskheta Municipality, part of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti area of Georgia. This reservoir was mostly built for irrigation, servicing the surrounding agricultural regions, named after the nearby Narekvavi settlement and probably fed by the stream of the same name (Narek’vavis Khevi). Although not one of Georgia’s biggest or most renowned reservoirs, it has local relevance as a water source for agriculture and is also recognized as a place for leisure fishing among local fishermen. Situated in a rolling hills and fields scenery typical of the area north of Mtskheta in the Aragvi River valley. Its water levels can vary greatly depending on the season and agricultural needs because it is mostly for irrigation.

Identification and Location

• Name of the Lake: Narekvavi Reservoir (ნარეკვავის წყალსაცავი). Sometimes referred to as Gremiskhevi Reservoir (გრემისხევის წყალსაცავი) due to proximity to that village as well.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Mtskheta-Mtianeti
  • Municipality: Mtskheta (though sometimes associated with nearby Dusheti municipality due to the Narekvavi river originating there).
  • Nearest Major City or Landmark: Located north of Mtskheta town and relatively close to Tbilisi. Nearby villages include Narekvavi, Gremiskhevi, Tsitsamuri, and Saguramo.
  • Coordinates (latitude and longitude): Approximately 41°53′ N latitude, 44°44′ E longitude. (Based on OpenStreetMap data).
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: Artificial reservoir likely created by damming the Narekvavi stream (Narek’vavis Khevi) or a similar local watercourse. May receive water via canals, potentially indirectly linked to the Aragvi River system for water supply.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Appears to be a small to medium-sized reservoir. One source mentions 0.6 sq km, but specific, reliable data is not consistently available in general sources.
• Maximum Depth: Data not readily available in general sources. Likely moderate depth typical for irrigation reservoirs.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Unknown.
• Elevation: Moderate elevation, consistent with the Mtskheta/Dusheti foothill area, likely between 500-700 meters above sea level. Specific figures are not readily available.
• Shoreline Length: Moderate length, defined by the dam and topography.
• Water Source(s): Fed by local streams (like Narek’vavis Khevi), potentially irrigation canals, and precipitation.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Controlled outlets (sluices, pipes) designed for releasing water for irrigation. Outflow likely returns to the Narekvavi stream bed or local drainage.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Artificial reservoir basin formed by the construction of an earth or concrete dam across a valley or stream bed.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Shoreline vegetation likely consists of grasses, shrubs, and plants adapted to fluctuating water levels and the surrounding agricultural landscape. Some emergent or submerged aquatic vegetation may be present.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Known destination for recreational fishing. Fish species likely include carp, crucian carp (Karasi), Khramuli, and potentially others, possibly through stocking or natural establishment. Local birds (including waterfowl) and small mammals common to agricultural and foothill habitats may utilize the reservoir environment.
• Trophic Level: Likely Mesotrophic to Eutrophic, given potential nutrient inputs from surrounding agricultural land and its function as a reservoir.
• Water Clarity: Variable, likely influenced by season, rainfall runoff, agricultural activity, and algal growth. May become turbid after heavy rains.
• Water Temperature (seasonal variations if applicable): Experiences significant seasonal temperature changes. Warms considerably in summer, likely does not freeze deeply or for very long periods compared to high-altitude lakes.
• pH Levels: Unknown.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Unknown, likely variable.
• Unique Ecological Features: Primarily characterized by its artificial nature as an irrigation reservoir.
• Conservation Status: Primarily managed as an irrigation facility, likely under the purview of Georgian Amelioration or a similar state agency. No specific nature conservation designation is typically mentioned.
• Invasive Species: The potential presence of non-native fish species introduced for angling exists. Other invasive species information is not available.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: A relatively modern infrastructure project (likely Soviet-era or post-Soviet) designed to support local agriculture. The surrounding region, particularly Mtskheta, is of immense historical importance.
• Current Uses: The primary designated use is irrigation of nearby farmlands (approx. 1600 ha in 7 villages benefiting around 3000 households, according to rehabilitation project info). It is also a popular spot for local recreational fishing. May be used informally for picnicking by locals.
• Environmental Issues: Potential water quality degradation from agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides). Sedimentation over time can reduce reservoir capacity. Significant water level fluctuations impact shoreline ecosystems. Concerns about the physical condition and safety of the dam structure have led to rehabilitation projects (e.g., mentioned in 2015).
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by irrigation authorities (Georgian Amelioration). Management focuses on water storage and delivery for agriculture, dam safety, and maintenance. Specific ecological conservation programs are not widely documented for this reservoir. Rehabilitation projects aim to improve safety and efficiency.
• Local Communities: Provides essential water for agriculture, supporting the livelihoods of local farmers. Offers a readily accessible location for recreational fishing for nearby residents (Mtskheta, Dusheti areas).

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Its principal function is supporting agriculture through irrigation in the vicinity of Georgia’s ancient capital, Mtskheta.
• Despite not being a major tourist lake, it holds significance for local anglers.
• The reservoir and its dam have undergone rehabilitation efforts to ensure structural integrity and operational efficiency for irrigation.