In summer, in hot weather, and pulls to plunge into the cool refreshing water. Citizens and villagers bathe in natural and artificial ponds. But the inhabitants of Lipetsk and Nizhny Novgorod chose to relax on the shores of silicate lakes. What are these ponds? What is the history of their origin and are they suitable for swimming?
Natural or artificial
Silicate lakes are reservoirs of artificial origin. They arose on the site of sand pits in which sand was mined for silicate plants located in the area. But over time, the production was closed, and the pits were filled with groundwater, the banks were overgrown with lush vegetation. The coast and bottom of the silicate lake are sandy, and the water is crystal clear due to the good filtering ability of the sand. This is a vivid example of post-industrial landscapes, organically blending into the surrounding nature.
Lipetsk lakes
What can one have no doubt about? The fact that the Silicate Lakes in Lipetsk are one of the most picturesque places in the region. They are located in the left-bank district of the city.
In the last century, a lime plant operated in Lipetsk, sand for which was mined in four quarries in the immediate vicinity of the city. The soil in these places is very water-saturated, and dredging constantly pumped ground water during the development. In the "dashing 90s" the plant was closed, and production ceased. The pits were filled with crystal clear water. The sandy shores are overgrown with dense shrubs. Locals have chosen these reservoirs for relaxation and swimming.
The source of water is groundwater, spring and flood waters. Silicate lakes have a connection with the Voronezh River. Due to the artificial origin of the reservoirs, the depth in them is quite decent - from 7 to 20 meters. In spring, the water level rises by almost a meter, flooding almost the entire territory between the lakes. Fish can freely move from one reservoir to another. Therefore, the species composition of fish in them is almost the same. Fishing is good here. Pike, carp, common carp, perch, roach, ide, chub, silver carp, grass carp, bream and pike perch. Cancer lovers can also try their luck.
In addition to their depth, silicate lakes are also characterized by thermoclines. In them, even on the hottest day, low temperatures remain. Both silicate lakes and the Voronezh River belong to nature reserves.
Note. Several years ago several silicate lakes of Lipetsk were given for the development of the rifle complex. The territory was surrounded by a high fence to restrict access to outsiders.
Resting-place
On the shores of silicate lakes, beaches are equipped where citizens can relax from the bustle of the big city. It has already become a good tradition to hold volunteer festivals on the shore, where young people gather to participate in seminars and master classes, listen to live music from different directions and restore order after negligent tourists. The organizers have plans to equip the shores, equipping them with sports fields and places of organized relaxation for people of all ages.
Lake in Nizhny Novgorod
Another great place to stay. Silicate Lake in Nizhny Novgorod is located in the Leninsky district on Lenin Avenue. You can get to it by city buses going to the bus stops “Commercial Institute” or “Railway Hospital”.
It is also a reservoir of artificial origin, which arose at the site of a quarry in which sand was mined for a nearby silicate plant. The quarry is currently not operational. Over time, it was filled with ground and flood waters.
On the shore there is a beach equipped with changing cabins, a playground, parasols and benches for relaxation. On the territory there is a walrus club. Summer cafes have spread their tents near the beach. During the day you can buy soft drinks, and in the evening - dance at an incendiary disco. The beach is popular with locals, because it is located in close proximity to residential areas.
Here you can swim in the summer, go fishing at any time of the year, and in winter you can go skiing, sledding or ice skating.
But environmental activists warn that, despite the crystal clear water, its chemical composition can be dangerous to people. The fact is that not far from the lake there is an existing large-panel house-building plant, the effluents of which can enter the silicate lake with groundwater. In addition, the Novosormovsky cemetery is located nearby - one of the largest in Europe.
Enjoyment of nature
Citizens enjoy relaxing on the shores of silicate lakes. The photo shows how clean and clear water is in these reservoirs, what lush vegetation covers the coast. The filtering layer of the sandy bottom makes the water crystal and sparkling in the sun. Here you can relax actively or enjoy the delightful nature of the surrounding places.
Silicate lakes attract those wishing to relax in nature. But tourists leave behind them piles of garbage that litter the coast. You need to be careful about such an amazing man-made miracle like silicate lakes! This is a prime example of how the creation of human hands can become a natural object.