Keban Reservoir

Keban Reservoir is a dam lake located between the Turkish provinces of Elazığ, Tunceli and Erzincan. It was formed by the construction of the Keban Dam on the Euphrates. With a surface area of 675 km2 it is the fourth largest lake in the country and the second largest dam lake. The lake's total water volume is 30.1 billion m3.

General characteristics

The Keban Dam, built on the Euphrates, created the Keban Reservoir from water storage starting in 1974. The lake, situated between the provinces of Elazığ, Tunceli and Erzincan, with a surface area of 675 km2 is Turkey's fourth largest lake and the second largest dam lake after Atatürk Dam Reservoir. The lake's length is 125 km, total water volume 30.1 billion m3. The highest water level in the lake is 861 meters. The southern part of the lake has been declared a Wetland of National Importance and an Important Bird Area.

Fishing

Fishing activities are carried out on the lake. It has been determined that the foreign species Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) lives in the lake.

Transportation

Transportation between Çemişgezek and Elazığ and between Pertek and Elazığ is provided by ferry. With the opening of the Ağın Bridge in 2015, a road connection was established between the two shores of the lake. The planned Pertek Bridge will connect Pertek and Elazığ by road.

Pollution

Arsenic below the limit value has been detected in the lake. An augmentation facility is planned to treat Elazığ's wastewater before discharging it into the lake.

Events

After the formation of the lake, Pertek Castle, which became an island, is visited by tourists. Various water sports are performed on the lake.