Tbilisi Sea

Not a natural lake, the Tbilisi Sea is a sizable artificial reservoir to the northeast of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. A notable mid-20th-century technical accomplishment, it was built in 1953 by damming the valley holding three tiny salt lakes and rerouting water mostly from the Iori River through a canal. Its enormous magnitude gave rise to the common nickname “Tbilisi Sea.” The reservoir is a main source of drinking water for Tbilisi, supplies water for the large Samgori irrigation system essential for eastward agriculture, and serves as a significant, easily accessible recreational center for the capital’s population, all of which are quite important for the city and surrounding areas. Its coasts teem with activity during warmer months, providing beaches for swimming and sunbathing, spaces for boating, sailing, fishing, and many water activities. A major cultural site, the magnificent Chronicle of Georgia towers over the reservoir. Though artificial, it has created its own ecosystem and offers important resources and administrative issues for the city.

Finding and Locating

The official name is Tbilisi Reservoir. It is often referred to as Tbilisi Sea (თბილისის ზღვა).
Site:

Country: Georgia
Region: Tbilisi (within the administrative area of the city).
Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Northeast of Tbilisi city center; nearby areas include Temka and Vazisubani. Ignored by the Chronicle of Georgia monument.
About 41°44′ N latitude, 44°51′ E longitude.
Connections: Fed mostly by water diverted from the Iori River through the Samgori Upper Main Channel. It discharges water into the Samgori irrigation canal system and Tbilisi’s municipal water supply system. Downstream links could potentially have something to do with hydropower production.

Physical Traits

Large surface area, roughly 11.6-11.8 square kilometers. Roughly 8.75 km long, maximum breadth of 2.85 km.
Maximum Depth: Quite deep, perhaps 45 meters.
About 26.6 meters.
Volume: Estimated at roughly 308 million cubic meters, significant water storage capacity.
Usually, the water surface level is about 530-540 meters above sea level.
Shoreline Length: Large, estimated at about 25-30 kilometers, with both built beaches and more natural portions.
Mainly water from the Iori River via the Samgori Canal; also receives input from local surface drainage and rain.
Outlet(s): Controlled outlets discharge water for municipal supplies (Tbilisi), irrigation (Samgori system), and possibly downstream applications.
Type of Water: Fresh.
Basin Geology: Man-made reservoir produced by building dams over a natural depression that once hosted tiny, saline lakes (Avlabari, Kukia, Ilmetov).

Environmental Data

Flora: Shoreline vegetation consists of some remains of steppe flora, naturalized grasses and shrubs, and planted trees in recreational areas. Present aquatic plants include macrophytes and phytoplankton (algae); their abundance changes with nutrient levels and water clarity.
Fauna: Present fish populations are greatly affected by past stocking for angling goals. Common species are catfish, zander, perch, and others; several kinds of carp—common, silver, and grass—also fall within this category. The reservoir draws different water birds like gulls, cormorants, and ducks and functions as a stopover for certain migrating species. Nearby, one may find other animals common to urban edge settings.
Trophic Level: Due to nutrient loading from the Iori River intake and perhaps local runoff, considered mesotrophic to possibly eutrophic.
Variable water clarity. Sediment influx from the canal, wind-induced turbidity in shallower places, or algae blooms during warmer months can all contribute to this reduction.
Shows usual seasonal trends for a temperate reservoir, with thermal stratification in summer. Surface waters get warm enough for swimming. Usually, ice cover is little or partial, happening mainly in very cold years.
pH Levels: Probably slightly alkaline or near neutral.
Usually sufficient in surface layers, dissolved oxygen levels may be lower in deeper waters, particularly during summer stratification.
Distinctive Environmental Characteristics: A big, deep, man-made aquatic environment near a major urban center. Encourages a notable recreational fishery.
Conservation Status: Managed as a vital infrastructure (water supply) and designated recreational area, it lacks particular nature protection status like a national park. Relevant agencies keep an eye on water quality.
Invasive Species: Many invasive fish species are well-known. There is a possibility for invasive aquatic plants or animals.

Importance and Human Involvement

A significant infrastructure project of the Soviet era (finished in 1953), historically changing the terrain and water supply for Tbilisi. The neighboring Chronicle of Georgia monument increases present cultural relevance.
Present Applications: Very crucial for several reasons:

Supplies a significant amount of Tbilisi’s drinking water.
Supports farming east of the city by means of the Samgori irrigation system.
Tbilisi citizens’ main recreational area (beaches, swimming, boating, fishing, picnics, water parks, yacht clubs).
Attraction for local tourists.
Environmental Issues: Water quality is a significant problem, with potential pollution from multiple sources, including runoff, recreational activities, and upstream influences on the Iori River. Eutrophication and related algal blooms are risks. Over time, sedimentation from the feeder canal lowers capacity. Water level control for supply and irrigation can affect shoreline ecosystems and leisure. A frequent problem in leisure places is rubbish.
Conservation and Management Initiatives: Managed by state and municipal agencies in charge of water resources, irrigation, and recreation. There are initiatives to track water quality. Fishing, boating, and waterfront development are all under rules. Pollution causes must be addressed and recreational pressures controlled by continuous work.
Local Communities: A significant and very popular recreational outlet for Tbilisi’s people. It helps many companies connected to leisure and hospitality along its coasts. Offers vital irrigation services and water supply, affecting agricultural and urban areas.

Interesting or Unusual Facts

Though its usual name suggests otherwise, it is a constructed reservoir, not a natural sea or lake.
Flooding a valley that once held three smaller salt lakes produced it.
It is the capital city’s principal tap water supply.
Includes notable leisure amenities like beaches, clubs, and an aqua park.
Rising over the reservoir, the enormous Chronicle of Georgia monument is on a hill.