Reftinsky Reservoir, reservoir in Russia
Reftinsky Reservoir is a large body of water created in 1968 to supply water and cooling to a power plant near Yekaterinburg. The water stretches across a broad area with several islands, depths reaching roughly 10 meters, and shores lined with trees and grassy banks.
The reservoir was built in 1968 when the Reftinski power plant was constructed to generate electricity for the growing region. The dam transformed the landscape and led to the founding of the settlement of Reftinski, which has remained tied to the water facility ever since.
The reservoir has become woven into local life since its creation, shaping how residents spend their free time and connect with nature. Fishing remains a significant activity here, reflecting both practical needs and a deeper cultural attachment to the water.
You can explore the dam on foot by walking along the shores or by driving from nearby local roads. The area has few major facilities, so it is best to bring what you need and plan activities at a relaxed pace.
Warm water outlets from the power plant create an unusually long swimming season here, with the bathing period starting several weeks earlier than in other regional waters. The reservoir is also home to an unusual fish, the channel catfish, a rare and prized catch brought from North America that can grow to large sizes.
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