The largest source of fresh water in Ukraine can rightfully be considered a floodplain lake called Yalpug. It reaches 39 km in length and 6 km in width. The total area of the reservoir is almost 150 square meters. km The average level of depth is no more than 2 m, and in the deepest depression the bottom is 5.5 m away from the surface of the water. Where is Lake Yalpug located? It is located in the southern and western direction of the Odessa region. To be more precise, it captures the following areas of the region: Izmail, Bolgradsky, Reni.
Lake food
Due to the connection with the small adjacent lake Kugurluy (on the south side), this body of water communicates with the large Danube River. During spring floods, Yalpug is filled with water from it. But due to the fact that a dam was built between the lakes in the 70s of the 20th century, the water exchange was reduced almost three times. This led to the fact that Lake Yalpug became rapidly polluted. The reservoir receives a smaller part of its water resources from sources such as the Karasulak, Mynzul rivers, and the river of the same name. Yalpug and underground currents of Moldova.
Characteristic
By its scale, the Ukrainian largest lake managed to take second place in the ranking of the largest European reservoirs. Its shape is very unusual and winding, the coast can expand in places up to 6 km, and then sharply narrow to 500 meters. Lake Yalpug, the photo of which you see in the article, is expressed by a diverse coastline. Plains and beams, overgrown with reeds, are gradually replaced by picturesque hills. The bottom of the reservoir is mostly muddy and silty, but closer to the shore it turns into sandy. In some places there are decent approaches to water. It is these wild beaches that vacationers use.
Features
The main replenishment of resources with fresh water is due to the rain currents flowing down the beams to Lake Yalpug. The largest loss of lake water reserves occurs in the summer season, when standard evaporation occurs (water temperature at this time can reach +25 ). In addition, the reservoir is a direct source of drinking and industrial water for cities, towns and villages located in the okrug. The largest lakeside city is called Bolgrad.
Pollution and problems
Each year, the level of pollution of lake water in the reservoir increases and exceeds all permissible norms. All this is due to the fact that the Moldavian rivers feeding Lake Yalpug are polluted with chemicals and industrial waste. This leads to the extermination of freshwater inhabitants and the constant flowering of water. Although it can be noted that in recent years the situation has slightly improved thanks to the cleaning work.
Hydronym
The origin of the name of the largest lake in Ukraine and one of the largest in Europe has two interpretations. The first assumption is that Lake Yalpug got its name because of the river of the same name flowing into it. And the second narrates that in the place where the pond is now located, the ancient city of Epolium was once located.
Animal and plant world
Beautiful views and first-class fishing make this place the most beloved among Odessa residents and visitors from other cities. Going to the lake, you can always get the most out of the fresh air, relax and rest.
The flora of the reservoir is quite diverse and is represented both by underwater plants (algae, mud, etc.) and floating (beautiful snow-white water lilies). The entire coastline is dotted with reeds and sedge. And representatives of the coastal and aquatic fauna delight local residents with excellent fishing and even hunting. Over 40 species of fish representatives inhabit Lake Yalpug. Fishing in these places is the most common thing. Very often you can meet people who are sitting with a fishing rod, both on the shore and in boats. Fishermen are never left without a catch. Here you can catch a variety of fish, ranging from small gobies, rudd, bream and ending with large prey, such as pike or carp. In addition, in reed thickets you can meet with ducks, aquatic snakes or muskrats. In total, about 10 species of snakes of various sizes were found in the area of the coastline. Near the lake you can often see funny gophers.
To summarize
Yalpug Lake has long been a favorite vacation spot for the whole family, both among the local population and tourists. This is a real paradise for anglers and adherents of a quiet and peaceful leisure.