Lake Kovada

Lake Kovada is a small freshwater lake located in Isparta province, north of the Antalya Gulf, on a broken ridge extending north‑south. It is in the Lakes Region. It is a natural extension of Lake Eğirdir, and excess water from Lake Eğirdir flows to Lake Kovada through a canal.

Faults are active on the eastern and western shores of the basin where the lake lies. The lake was formed as a result of tectonism and karstic dissolution.

The Eğirdir Lake basin extends southward as the Boğaz Plain. This area shows valley characteristics, widens in places and acquires a plain appearance. Some parts are reed beds and rushes. Waters coming from Lake Eğirdir enter sinkholes in places, go underground, and then re‑emerge at the surface. Lake Kovada formed in the southern part of this north‑south oriented basin. This lake, covering a karstic depression, is 6 km long and 2–3 km wide. Lake Kovada is situated 908 metres above sea level, has a surface area of 7.9 km², and its deepest point is only about 6 metres.

Its waters are fresh. The outflow, Kurudere, drains the lake’s waters outward. However, this water dries up in summer. The lake loses most of its water through sinkholes. The sinking waters emerge near Haymana Village.

Located 24 km from Eğirdir, the surroundings of Lake Kovada have rich vegetation and host hundreds of animal species. Because of these features it has been given “National Park” status. With an area of about 40 km², formed by karstic depressions, Lake Kovada’s elevation is 900 metres, its length is 6 km, its width 2–3 km, and its depth 6–7 metres.

Fish living in Lake Kovada are fished. In the lake live crucian carp, chub, velvet fish, and silver pool fish. Lake Kovada has been placed under protection as a National Park. Lake Kovada also makes a significant contribution to the economy.

Kovada 1 and Kovada 2 hydroelectric power plants provide the electricity needed by the Isparta and Burdur region. However, in order to obtain electricity, drops appear in the lake's waters and this adverse development cannot be prevented. Because the water discharged from the Eğirdir treatment plant mixes with the lake through the Kovada Canal, water quality declines. The highest pollution in the lake has been detected in the area where the canal mixes with the lake. Metal accumulation has been detected in the crayfish living in the lake.