Kyiv Reservoir, often referred to as the Kyiv Sea, is a significant hydroelectric reservoir located on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. Named after the city of Kyiv, situated to its south, this expansive water body is a prominent feature in the Kyiv Oblast, covering an area of 922 square kilometers.
Creation and Purpose
The reservoir was created between 1964 and 1966 following the construction of a dam for the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant at Vyshhorod. Its primary purposes include hydroelectric power generation, industrial and public water supply, and irrigation. The creation of the Kyiv Reservoir, along with other reservoirs like the Kakhovka, Dnieper, Kamianske, Kremenchuk, and Kaniv Reservoirs, has been instrumental in establishing a deep-water route on the Dnieper River.
Geographical Characteristics
The Kyiv Reservoir stretches over 110 kilometers in length and up to 12 kilometers in width. Its depth varies between four to eight meters, with a total water volume of 3.7 cubic kilometers. The reservoir’s usable volume is about 1.2 cubic kilometers. The surface elevation of the water stands at 99 meters.
Environmental Concerns
The establishment of the Kyiv Reservoir has led to environmental challenges, such as reduced water oxygenation due to diminished flow velocity. This change has adversely affected the aquatic life balance in the area. Additionally, the construction of the reservoir resulted in the flooding of nearby villages, including Teremtsi.
Safety and Historical Considerations
Safety concerns surrounding the Kyiv Reservoir have been persistent. These concerns were magnified following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, which led to the contamination of the reservoir’s bottom silt with radionuclides. There have been discussions about the potential risks associated with draining the reservoir, given the possibility of radioactive dust being dispersed by the wind.
Modern Challenges
The integrity of the Kyiv Reservoir’s dam has been a subject of concern, particularly in the context of natural disasters, terrorism, or war. These worries were heightened in 2022 during the Kyiv offensive, with the reservoir being briefly under Russian control. The potential destruction of the dam was feared to cause catastrophic flooding, potentially affecting the entire left bank of Kyiv.
Seasonal Variation
The reservoir’s surface exhibits a mix of ice-covered and ice-free areas during the spring, reflecting the seasonal changes in the region’s climate. This variation adds to the visual appeal of the reservoir, making it a notable geographical landmark in Ukraine.