Kremenchuk Reservoir
reservoir
The Kremenchuk Reservoir is a significant water body located on the Dnieper River within the Ukrainian oblasts of Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad. It serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, flood control, fishing, and transportation.
Geographical Overview
The Kremenchuk Reservoir, known in Ukrainian as Кременчуцьке водосховище (Kremenchutske vodoskhovyshche), is situated along the Dnieper River, spanning the territories of Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad oblasts.
As the largest reservoir on the Dnieper River, it extends 149 kilometers in length and reaches a width of 28 kilometers, covering an area of 2,250 square kilometers.
Hydrological Features
The reservoir has an average depth of six meters and a total volume of 13.5 cubic kilometers.
The water level within the reservoir is regulated by the Kremenchuk Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, which was constructed between 1954 and 1959.
Impact on Local Communities
The creation of the Kremenchuk Reservoir led to the flooding of 23 populated areas in the Novoheorhiivsk Raion, which included the towns of Kryliv and Novoheorhiivsk.
This significant alteration of the landscape has had lasting effects on the local communities and their livelihoods.
Ecological and Economic Importance
The reservoir plays a crucial role in irrigation and flood control, which are vital for agricultural activities in the region.
Additionally, it supports fishing industries and facilitates transport from the ports of Cherkasy and Svitlovodsk, contributing to the local economy.
River Systems
The Sula River flows into the Kremenchuk Reservoir, creating a delta characterized by numerous islands, which enhances the biodiversity and ecological significance of the area.