Shardara Reservoir

Shardara Reservoir is a large water storage facility in South Kazakhstan Region, connected to the Syr Darya River by an earth-fill embankment dam. The body of water serves as a crucial supply for the regions it reaches through irrigation channels and power generation systems.

Construction of this reservoir began in the 1960s as part of the Soviet Union's expansion of water infrastructure in Central Asia. The project was completed within a few years and became one of the region's key water management facilities.

Local fishing communities have established themselves along these shores, where catching fish remains part of the daily rhythm and local food supply. The reservoir holds meaning for the people nearby as a source of livelihood and a place woven into their everyday routines.

The reservoir sits in open, flat terrain and is accessible from multiple directions without major barriers. Prepare for hot, dry conditions and bring sun protection, as the area offers little natural shade.

Beneath the surface of this reservoir exists a complex microscopic world of specialized organisms that researchers have studied, revealing communities of bacteria and archaea adapted to these waters. This hidden dimension of the ecosystem plays a role in how the water functions over time.

Inception: 1965

GPS coordinates: 41.20041,67.99823

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56