Chizhovskoye Reservoir is a picturesque artificial water body located in the southeastern part of Minsk, in the Chizhovka neighborhood. The reservoir is part of the Vileika-Minsk water system and plays an important role in supplying the city with technical water, servicing Minsk TPP-3 and other industrial enterprises.
Created on the Svisloch River, Chizhovskoye Reservoir covers an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers. Its shores are well-maintained, providing residents and visitors of Minsk with excellent conditions for recreation. The area features parks—named after the 900th anniversary of Minsk and after Grekova—as well as Chizhovka Arena, which hosted the Ice Hockey World Championship in 2014. Additionally, the reservoir's territory includes the Orthodox Church of Saint George the Victorious and the Church of the Minsk Icon of the Mother of God, adding spiritual significance to the site.
Chizhovskoye Reservoir is not only a functional but also a recreational site. Surrounding parks offer various opportunities for outdoor activities, including cycling and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature, observe migratory waterfowl, and spend time outdoors. The reservoir has become a popular spot for walks, photo shoots, and active recreation.
However, despite its scenic beauty, the ecological situation around the reservoir raises serious concerns. Due to years of discharging inadequately treated wastewater into the reservoir, significant pollution has accumulated. The sediment at the bottom of the reservoir contains harmful substances, such as benzo[a]pyrene and heavy metals, at levels that exceed permissible norms by dozens or even hundreds of times. This makes the reservoir unsafe for swimming and fishing. Despite efforts to clean up the area, the ecological situation requires further measures to improve water quality and environmental conditions.
Chizhovskoye Reservoir is an integral part of Minsk's urban infrastructure, combining natural beauty with historical and cultural significance. It is a place where residents can relax and enjoy nature, but it also requires attention to its ecological issues and ongoing efforts to address them.