General information about the rivers of the Yaroslavl region
There are 4,327 rivers in the Yaroslavl region, and their total length is more than 19 thousand km.
In the European part of the Russian Federation, within the Volga basin, the Yaroslavl region is located. The river network in this area is more than well developed, and the flow is mostly calm. The Volga stretches across almost the entire region, and only in the north of the region a small area belongs to the drainage basin of the Northern Dvina River. Almost all waters in this area are characterized by a slow current. They are covered with ice in November, and open at the end of March - beginning of April.
Rivers and reservoirs of the Yaroslavl region
The region's water resources include over 4,000 reservoirs.
This includes rivers of the Yaroslavl region, lakes, ponds, and swamps. Despite the fact that the map of rivers of the Yaroslavl region contains so many names, most of them are small rivulets and even streams. The sources of most water streams are located at high elevations (up to 300 meters above sea level). In the valleys the current is calm and predominantly flat. The average flow speed is 0.5 m/s.
The rivers are fed primarily by snow and rain, which is why floods occur in the valleys in early spring. Many rivers in Yaroslavl and the region dry up partially or completely during the summer low-water period, and in winter they freeze almost to the bottom.
Every year, rivers in the Yaroslavl region suffer from sewage pollution (up to 300 million cubic meters annually). The main sources of water pollution are considered to be industrial enterprises, the housing and communal services sector, and thermal power plants. Petroleum products also contribute to the deterioration of the environmental situation and a decrease in the number of flora and fauna. The most long-suffering is the section of the Volga between Yaroslavl and the Rybinsk Reservoir.
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Navigation and economic use of rivers in the Yaroslavl region
Navigation is developed on large rivers; for example, the rafting of cargo from mills and factories began along the Kotorosl 200 years ago. And its mouth served as a parking lot for ships and steamships. At the moment, several railway bridges and four road bridges have been built on the river. In the places where the Kotorosl flows into the Volga, several islands are formed. One of them was turned into a cultural park and a walking bridge was built on it.
There is also a river port in Yaroslavl, created in 1948, connected to the Baltic, Caspian, White and Black seas. Cargo turnover annually exceeds 3 million tons. It also boasts a towing fleet and a repair base.
The most important objects for shipping in the region can be safely called the Rybinsk Reservoir and the Volga, since they connect Uglich, Tutaev, Yaroslavl and Myshkin with other ports.
Even small rivers such as the It, which is only 68 km long, play an important role for the economy of the region. Previously, there were many mills on it; in later years, timber was floated along Iti. Nowadays, holiday villages and children's camps are being actively built on its banks. Tourists also like to use It for sport rafting.
Large rivers of the region
- Kotorosl is a tributary of the Volga, its confluence is Yaroslavl. One of the largest watercourses in the region.
- Sot - originates on the border of the Yaroslavl and Vologda regions. The length of the channel is 144 km. It flows into the Rybinsk Reservoir.
- Sogozha - originates in the swamps of the Vologda region. Within Yaroslavl and the region, the length of the riverbed is 90 km. The route ends at the Rybinsk Reservoir.
- Mouth - the sources are located in the Uglich region. After merging with Vexa, it forms the bed of Kotorosli.
- Ukhra - flows in the Yaroslavl region, the length of the channel is 135 km. Known among fishing fans.
- City - the basin area is only 1900 square kilometers. Sit is popular among lovers of fishing and outdoor recreation. In its valley there are many bases, boarding houses, and holiday homes.
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Flora and fauna along the rivers of the Yaroslavl region
Every year the number of large animals in this area only decreases. But in the forest zone it is sometimes possible to meet a wild boar, wolf or bear. The situation with birds is more stable and many birds nest in the area. To protect nature, the Red Book of the Yaroslavl region was created. The region boasts a national park, nature reserves, protected aquatic ecosystems and tourist areas.
The region is divided into two parts: northern and southern, the Volga can be considered their border. Due to the difference in temperature, the flora and fauna of the region develop differently. In the northern zones, seasonal phenomena occur with a delay of approximately 12-15 days.
On the territory of the Breitovsky district there is a nature reserve built in 1945. Its main purpose is to study the local flora and fauna. It was decided to establish a scientific base after the construction of the Rybinsk hydroelectric power station and reservoir, as the number of animal species began to decrease. The reserve area is inhabited by squirrels, badgers, stoats and foxes. The largest number of endangered white-tailed eagles listed in the Red Book was also recorded here. Biologist V. Nemtsov created the world's first capercaillie farm in these places.
This region can also be called unique because trees and other plants miraculously grew on the peat islands. On the northern shore there are forests, with a predominance of spruce, pine, birch and alder, with linden, maple and oak found here and there.
Forests of the Yaroslavl region
Hundreds of years ago, the entire territory of the Yaroslavl region was occupied by coniferous and dense mixed forests, dominated by pine and spruce.
Today, a large area of this natural wealth has been replaced by secondary aspen-birch forests and allocated to arable land. However, half of the region's territory is occupied by forests. In addition, along with forests there are swamps, which are becoming more and more numerous over time. The number of large animals in forests has decreased very sharply even over the last 20 years, which is also observed in the Moscow region. However, on the territory of the Yaroslavl region you can still find wolves, bears, wild boars, foxes, and moose. Many species of large and small birds nest in the forests of the region. In villages and cities live jackdaws, pigeons, rooks, crows, sparrows and tits. On a small peninsula, which is separated from the rest of the region by the extensive Rybinsk Reservoir, there is a section of the large Darwin Biosphere Reserve, which is known throughout the country. A large national park is also located around Lake Pleshcheevo.
In addition, in the Yaroslavl region there is one federal nature reserve (“Yaroslavsky”) and 41 regional ones, as well as 70 unique natural monuments, more than 80 natural and historical landscapes that are protected by law. There are also 17 natural land reserves and five health-improving areas where people are allowed. In the Yaroslavl region there are 22 protected aquatic ecosystems, as well as more than 20 tourist and recreational areas, which are visited not only by local residents, but also by visitors from the Moscow region and other regions. In recent decades, to preserve the flora and fauna of the region, to improve natural reproduction, the Red Data Book of the Yaroslavl Territory has been created and is being actively maintained.
Big rivers of the Yaroslavl region
The length of the largest rivers ranges from 100 kilometers or more, there are only 11 of them in the region. Of course, in first place is the Volga, whose length is 3530 km, it is rightfully considered one of the largest on Earth. In addition, it is the largest river in the world that flows into an endorheic body of water. In Yaroslavl it crosses many hills, including the Uglich-Danilovskaya. In addition to the Volga, the largest rivers include Sit, Ukhra, Kotorosl, Ustye, Sot and Obnora, all of them exceed 100 km in length. Their banks amaze with the beauty of their landscapes; for example, on the hills along the Ustye River there are lichen and heather pine forests.
Another large river is the Nerl, its length exceeds 280 km, its banks are mostly dotted with mixed forests. Due to the huge variety of fish, it is quite popular among fishermen.
What river is Yaroslavl located on?
The physical map of the Yaroslavl region is pierced along and across with blue lines indicating water arteries. One of them clearly stands out due to its size and location on the banks of large populated areas.
Many visitors to the main city of the Golden Ring of Russia wonder: on what river does the city of Yaroslavl stand? The main water artery of Yaroslavl is the Volga, and it was its embankment that played an important role in the trade and economic affairs of the settlement several centuries ago. Here there were shopping arcades, fishing was carried out, barges loaded with goods moored and set sail, and artisans worked.
Today in the center of Yaroslavl on the Volga River there is a popular place among tourists - Strelka. Here the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl riverbeds takes place. It is believed that this particular place is the founding point of Yaroslavl. Today, the river embankment is a favorite walking place for visitors and local residents. There are cafes, benches, walking and cycling paths.
When discussing which river Yaroslavl is located on, one cannot help but mention Kotorosl. In economic and economic terms, it is not so important, although it is the second large river in Yaroslavl. But on its banks, one after another, ancient temples were lined up, which hundreds of guests come to Yaroslavl to admire.
Another reason why tourists visit Yaroslavl is the Volga River, which delights with its generous catch. There are paid bases in the city, where there is everything necessary for a comfortable stay: equipped houses for overnight stays, gazebos, barbecues, baths.
Nora is another answer to the question of what river flows in Yaroslavl. It flows in the northern part of the city and flows into the Gorky Reservoir. The hole is a kind of dump for oil and other industrial waste.
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The riverbed is practically not cleaned and poses a potential threat to the residents of Yaroslavl - if safety measures are not taken, the city will be left without clean drinking water.
Kavardakovsky (Zelentsovsky stream) - flows in Yaroslavl, flows into Kotorosl in the Krasnoperekopsky district. In ancient times, the stream was the site of holidays and pagan Kupala rituals. Currently, the riverbed is half dry.
Burchikha is a small river in Yaroslavl, the name comes from the once turbulent nature of the flow. Today there is no trace left of the former flow. The riverbed has been turned into a landfill, and there is a repulsive smell of hydrogen sulfide emanating from it.
Pakhma - carries its waters from west to east and flows into Kotorosl in the western part of the city.
Tourist routes on the rivers of the Yaroslavl region
On the banks of the City, which is considered one of the largest in the region, there are many bases for tourists. The region is actively developing as a tourist destination; visitors visit it to enjoy the many museums and architectural monuments. They also enjoy visiting rivers to admire the beautiful landscapes and picturesque banks. In addition, foreign tourists can visit the area without any problems, because Tunoshna Airport has international status. It was on the banks of the Volga that the most important settlements for history were founded.
And on the embankment of the Kotorosl River is the Timerevsky archaeological complex, which is a huge area dotted with burial mounds. In these places, curious tourists may be lucky, because three treasures with gold coins have already been found on the territory.
If you want to look at Yaroslavl and its rivers from a bird's eye view, then visit the Museum-Reserve, where the belfry is open to the public. This is the highest place in the city center and offers stunning views. Ecological, health and school tourism is becoming increasingly popular.
Let's start the review with the beaches of the regional center
Tveritsky Beach is a comfortable recreational area for city residents. Changing cabins, benches, and a rescue post. Summer cafe where you can have a snack. Sloping sandy shore and sandy bottom. The beach is equipped with dry toilets.
Bragino beach is equipped with everything you need. Located on the banks of the Volga in the Dzerzhinsky district of Yaroslavl. Clean sand on the shore and a flat sandy bottom. Benches, changing rooms, dry closets. Garbage is removed regularly. Lifeguards are on duty on the beach.
City beach in the Kirovsky district on the shore of Kotorosl. One of the most crowded Yaroslavl beaches. There is also a rescue station here. The shore is equipped with benches, changing cabins, garbage collection containers, and dry closets.
There is a nudist beach in Yaroslavl, on the opposite bank of the Volga, opposite Strelka. The place is quite secluded, allowing you to undress and sunbathe naked.
Kotoroslnaya embankment - there is a paid beach here. Not far from the yacht club there is a second paid beach, opposite Strelka, in the bay. The beaches are fenced with a net. You can rent a sun lounger. The cleanliness of the area is constantly monitored.
Fishing on the rivers of the Yaroslavl region
Thanks to the huge number of reservoirs, the region is popular among fishermen; the Rybinsk Reservoir is rightfully considered the most visited. This place is perfect for both experienced and novice fishermen, because here you can even rent all the necessary equipment, from fishing rods to a boat. Bream, rudd, roach, catfish and pike perch are the most common aquatic inhabitants in this region. Winter fishing in these places is even more popular than summer fishing, because with the onset of cold weather you can catch such rare fish as burbot. Even beginners have a chance, because in the region there is a recreation center for fishermen, where experienced specialists can provide assistance.
Those who visited these places for the first time should take note of the fact that the reservoir is quite deep, and the waves are no less than at sea. Because of this, you should behave carefully on the water and give preference only to reliable boats.
Water tourism on the rivers of the Yaroslavl region
Short routes along the Kotorosl River are often organized; for this it is recommended to use a Taimen or Chub kayak. During your trip you can enjoy the beauty of the scenery and fishing.
In addition, the region is rich in tourist camps for adults and children. Valdai often hosts hiking and water trips. For graduates, they even organize events on the water, such as rafting and relay races, and at the end there are fun evenings around the fire. The groups are large, about 20 people, so you definitely won’t be bored. And those who want to test their strength in water rafting should visit the Sot River, whose current is quite fast, and in some places rapids and riffles form.
Interesting places and attractions on the rivers of the Yaroslavl region
Many cities of the Yaroslavl region are included in the Golden Ring of Russia and can boast of their architecture and rich history. More than 4 million people visit these places every year. Those who want to improve their health should visit the banks of the Cheremukha River, where there is a sanatorium, a health center and many children's camps.
In addition, the government is trying in every possible way to improve the area. For example, in the fall of 2021, 2.7 million rubles were allocated for the construction of an observation deck and installation of benches, lamps and trash cans on the embankment in the village of Breytovo. In the future, it is planned to plant an alley and arrange pedestrian paths here.
Things to do and see nearby
In addition to the legendary stone, there are other noteworthy objects on Pleshcheyevo. In the national park, the Dendrological Garden deserves special attention, where visitors can see about 600 species of trees from all over the world.
It is interesting to visit the Nikitsky Monastery, founded in the 12th century, whose massive walls were erected under Ivan the Terrible. The name of another ruler is associated with the museum “Boat of Peter I”: in the local village of Vaskovo, the emperor began to build amusing ships. In the village of Talitsy you can visit the steam locomotive museum, which is dedicated to narrow-gauge railways.
You can also just relax on Pleshcheyevo. The reservoir is especially lively in the summer: people swim here, sunbathe, engage in water sports, have picnics, contemplating the blue of the lake. The bite is also good: the fishing rod most often catches a ruff or perch. But catching the famous Pereslavl vendace in the reservoir is prohibited: it is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.
Environmental problems of rivers in the Yaroslavl region
In terms of wastewater pollution, the region annually ranks first among the country's total wastewater disposal volumes. Therefore, the quality of water in the region leaves much to be desired. Samples regularly show non-compliance with microbiological and sanitary-chemical standards. However, the state organized a program for environmental protection in the Yaroslavl region. Its main task is the development of the water management complex and restoration of water bodies.
In 2021, a scandal occurred in the Tutaevsky district due to the massive dumping of chicken manure into one of the tributaries of the Volga. The scale of the disaster was high, and although water from the river was not used to supply water to the population, the incident seriously affected the quality of the environment. A case of administrative offense was opened against the culprits.
There is a lot of surface and groundwater in the region, which could become an important factor in the development of the region's economy; only pollution and poor quality of drinking water prevent this. The most common contaminants are:
- petroleum products;
- sulfates;
- phosphorus;
- chlorides;
- nitrates.
However, recently a lot of funds and efforts have been allocated to solve this problem, so there is a gradual change in the situation for the better.
Yaroslavl region
Yaroslavl region is a subject of the Federation in the center of the European part of Russia. The region is located on the East European Plain, the territory of the region is a slightly hilly, moraine, and sometimes swampy plain, in the east of the region there are vast Yaroslavl-Kostroma and Rostov lowlands, in the north-west the Mologo-Sheksninsky lowland. A strip of hills stretches from the southwest to the northeast: Uglichskaya, Danilovskaya and others; in the southeast is the outskirts of the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge.
The Yaroslavl region is part of the Central Federal District. The administrative center is Yaroslavl.
The region's territory is 36,177 km2, the population (as of January 1, 2017) is 1,270,736 people.
Surface water resources
The Yaroslavl region is almost entirely located within the Volga River basin; only a small portion of the territory in the north of the region belongs to the Northern Dvina watershed.
The river network of the Yaroslavl region is represented by 4,327 rivers with a total length of 19,340 km (the density of the river network is 0.53 km/km2), most of which are small rivers and streams. Most of the region's rivers are flat in nature, have low gradients and low flow speeds. The rivers of the Yaroslavl region are characterized by mixed nutrition with a predominance of snow. The rivers of the region belong to the Eastern European type of water regime, they are characterized by high spring floods, summer-autumn low water, interrupted by rain floods, and low winter low water. They freeze in November and open in early April. Some watercourses dry up in the summer and freeze to the bottom in the winter. The main river of the region is the Volga, the length of which in the region is 340 km. Other large rivers in the region include tributaries of the Volga - Kostroma, Kotorosl, Nerl and others. Among the regions of the federal district, the Yaroslavl region ranks first in length and second in density of the river network (after the Ivanovo region).
The average long-term river flow is 35.8 km3/year. In 2015, river flow in the Yaroslavl region amounted to 20 km3/year, which is 44.13% lower than the long-term average. In terms of average long-term river flow, the Yaroslavl region ranks third among the regions of the federal district after the Ivanovo and Kostroma regions. Below is the dynamics of river flow in the Yaroslavl region from 2010 to 2015.
According to the Institute of Lake Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on the territory of the Yaroslavl region there are more than 3,250 lakes and artificial reservoirs with a total area of about 3.755 thousand km2 (lake content 10.38%), including about 250 lakes with an area of more than 0.01 km2 and a number of smaller lakes . Lakes in the region are represented by glacial and floodplain types. The region's largest lakes, Pleshcheyevo and Nero, are glacial. There are few floodplain lakes; they are located mainly in the floodplain of the river. Volga. The largest artificial reservoirs in the region are the Rybinsk, Gorky and Uglich reservoirs on the river. Volga. All three reservoirs are located on the territory of the Yaroslavl region only partially. Among the regions of the federal district, the Yaroslavl region ranks first in terms of the area of reservoirs and the lake content of the territory; among the regions of Russia, it ranks third after Karelia and the Leningrad region in terms of the lake content of the territory.
Swamps and wetlands occupy 3.04% of the territory of the Yaroslavl region - 1098 km2. In the north of the region there is a large Pykhan swamp, included in the list of valuable wetlands in Russia. Among the regions of the federal district, the Yaroslavl region ranks second in terms of wetlands after the Tver region and third in terms of the area of swamps and wetlands after the Tver and Smolensk regions.
The area and number of lakes and artificial reservoirs, swamps and wetlands are variable; they depend on natural (water regime, climatic phenomena, swamping, meandering, etc.) and anthropogenic factors.
Groundwater resources
The forecast groundwater resources of the Yaroslavl region are 1123 thousand m3/day (1.52% of the total volume of forecast groundwater resources in the Central Federal District and 0.13% in Russia). Among the regions of the federal district, the Yaroslavl region ranks last in terms of the volume of predicted groundwater resources.
Groundwater reserves in the region as of January 1, 2015 amounted to 476 thousand m3/day, which corresponds to a degree of knowledge of 41.59%.
According to data as of January 1, 2015, 70.6 thousand m3/day were produced and extracted from underground water bodies of the Yaroslavl region during the year, including 13.8 thousand m3/day in the fields. The degree of development of groundwater reserves is 2.96% - the minimum indicator among the regions of the federal district.
Provision of population with water resources (according to 2015 data)
The provision of the population of the region with river flow resources is 15.724 thousand m3/year per person, which is lower than the Russian average (31.717 thousand m3/year per person), but higher than the indicator of the Central Federal District (2.082 thousand m3/year per person).
The provision of predicted groundwater resources is 0.883 m3/day per person, which is lower than both the Russian average (5.94 m3/day per person) and the federal district indicator (1.894 m3/day per person).
Below is the dynamics of provision of the population of the Yaroslavl region with river flow resources in 2010–2015.
Water use (as of 2015)
The intake of water resources from all types of natural sources in the Yaroslavl region is 208.75 million m3, most of the resources are taken from surface water sources (199.71 million m3 - 95.67%), which is 1% of the annual river flow. Below is the dynamics of fresh water intake in the Yaroslavl region in 2010–2015.
The total water losses during transportation in the Yaroslavl region are 19.26 million m3 or 9.23% of taken water, which is higher than the federal district (5.39%), but lower than the Russian average (11.02%). Below is the dynamics of water losses during transportation in the Yaroslavl region in 2010–2015.
Direct-flow water consumption – 190.05 million m3. Most of the water was used for industrial, as well as drinking and domestic needs (46.2% and 38.94%, respectively), agricultural water supply accounts for 0.06%. Below is the dynamics of water consumption in the Yaroslavl region in 2010–2015.
Domestic water consumption per capita in the Yaroslavl region is 58.18 m3/year per person, which is higher than the Russian average, but lower than the federal district (56.205 and 59.952 m3/year per person, respectively). Below is the dynamics of domestic water consumption per capita in the region in 2010–2015.
The volume of circulating and re-sequential water consumption in the region is 225.71 million m3 or 54.29% of the total water consumption in the region. Below is the dynamics of direct-flow and recycling and re-sequential water consumption in the region in 2010–2015.
Discharge of wastewater into water bodies of the Yaroslavl region is 201.8 million m3, of which only 0.2% is conditionally pure and standardly treated wastewater, the volume of contaminated and insufficiently treated wastewater is 99.8%. The region produces 6.29% of the total volume of polluted and insufficiently treated wastewater in the Central Federal District and 1.4% in Russia. Among the regions of the federal district, the Yaroslavl region ranks third in terms of the volume of contaminated and insufficiently treated wastewater after the Moscow region and the city of Moscow, and first in terms of the share of contaminated and insufficiently treated wastewater in the total volume of wastewater disposal. Among Russian regions, it ranks fourth in terms of the share of contaminated and insufficiently treated wastewater in the total volume of wastewater disposal, after the Jewish Autonomous Region, the Republics of Ingushetia and Mordovia. Below is the dynamics of water disposal in the region in 2010–2015.
Water quality (based on 2014 data)
In 2014, in the centralized water supply systems of the Yaroslavl region, non-compliance with standards for sanitary and chemical indicators was recorded in 34.4% of samples taken, and for microbiological indicators - in 2.9% of samples. In non-centralized water supply systems, the quality of 49.2% of samples for sanitary-chemical indicators and 45.7% of samples for microbiological indicators did not meet the standard. Below is the dynamics of the corresponding indicators in the region in 2010–2014.
Water management
The Yaroslavl region is in the area of responsibility of the Upper Volga Basin Water Administration of the Federal Agency for Water Resources of Russia.
The functions of providing public services and managing federal property in the field of water resources in the region are carried out by the Department of Water Resources of the Upper Volga Bank of Water Resources in the Yaroslavl Region.
The powers in the field of water relations transferred to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the functions of providing public services and managing regional property in the field of water resources in the region are carried out by the Department of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management of the Yaroslavl Region.
The State Program “Environmental Protection in the Yaroslavl Region” for 2014–2020 is being implemented in the region, which includes the Regional Program “Development of the Water Management Complex of the Yaroslavl Region in 2013–2020.” The objectives of the regional program are the construction of engineering protection structures, increasing the operational reliability of hydraulic structures, restoration and environmental rehabilitation of water bodies.
When preparing the material, data from the State reports “On the state and protection of the environment of the Russian Federation in 2015”, “On the state and use of water resources of the Russian Federation in 2015”, “On the state and use of land in the Russian Federation in 2015”, were used. “Report on the environmental situation in the Yaroslavl region in 2015”, collection “Regions of Russia. Socio-economic indicators. 2016". The ratings of regions for surface and underground water resources do not take into account the indicators of federal cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol.
