The Kakhovka Reservoir, situated on the Dnieper River in Ukraine, represents a significant hydrological structure in the region. Created in 1956 following the construction of the Kakhovka Dam at Nova Kakhovka, it has been a key component in the Dnieper reservoir cascade, playing a crucial role in the area’s water management, irrigation, and power generation.
Geographical Expanse and Uses
The reservoir extends across the territories of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts in Ukraine. It spans an impressive length of 240 kilometers and reaches a width of up to 23 kilometers. The reservoir’s average depth is 8.4 meters, with its deepest point at 26 meters, and holds a total water volume of 18.2 cubic kilometers. The creation of the Kakhovka dam elevated the natural water level of the Dnieper River by 16 meters, significantly altering the local landscape.
Multifaceted Utility
Primarily, Lake Kakhovka Reservoir has been utilized for powering hydroelectric stations, including the significant Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. It also supports the Krasnoznamianka and Kakhovka irrigation systems, contributing substantially to the region’s agricultural productivity. Additionally, the reservoir has been essential for freshwater fish farming and as a water source for the North Crimean Canal and the Dnieper–Kryvyi Rih Canal. Its strategic construction facilitated a deep-water route for ships navigating the Dnieper.
Local Significance
For the locals, the Kakhovka Reservoir was sometimes colloquially known as the Kakhovka Sea, owing to its vast expanse where, at some points, the other side of the riverbank was not visible. The reservoir has played a vital role in the everyday lives of people in the surrounding areas, providing water for various needs and serving as a hub for regional economic activities.
Recent Developments
The reservoir underwent a significant change in June 2023 due to the destruction of a large section of the Kakhovka Dam. This event led to an uncontrolled release of water downstream, dramatically affecting the reservoir’s capacity and the surrounding regions. Satellite imagery later revealed the substantial drying up of the reservoir, exposing shallower parts and altering the course of the Dnieper River.