Water quality

Data sources: HYDROMET, 1999; Georgian Ministry of Environment, 1999.

Water Resources

Mtkvari river represents the main waterway from the surface water resources in Tbilisi and its adjacent areas, length of which within the city is 33 km. Mtkvari originates in Turkey, crosses Eastern Georgia and Azerbaijan and joins Caspian Sea. Next big river in the city is Vere, which originates on the Trialeti ridge and joins Mtkvari in the central part of the city, in the vicinity of the Heroes' Square. Apart from the last,  Mtkvari is joined by about forty small rivers or dry ravines within the city, which becomes active in rainy seasons.

There are several large lakes, as well as artificial water reservoir (Tbilisi Sea) within and near Tbilisi. Among them the Lisi, the Great Gldani, the Kustba lakes and the Tbilisi Sea are of particular importrance for the recriational reasons. At the present location of  the reservoir, there have been three salty lakes located earlier : Avlabari, Ilguniani and Kukia. At the end of the 1940s construction of Samgori reservoir begun, which continued untill 1953. The reservoir mainly is used for drinking and irrigation purposes though, as already mentioned, has recreational designation as well. Tbilisi is well known by thermal waters. Sulfur rich hot springs are especially remarkable and are used for curing purposes even today (sulfur baths of the old district).

 What is the general situation with the water quality

 What is causing the problems

 What are the impacts of the poor water quallity

 What can an individual do to make a difference

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