Slapy Reservoir

Slapy Reservoir (vodní nádrž Slapy) is a reservoir in the Central Bohemian Region region of the Czech Republic. With an area of 11.63 km2, it is the sixth largest reservoir in the country. Built on the Vltava River, it is part of the so-called Vltava Cascade.

Location
Slapy is located in the Central Bohemian Region, in the Benešov Uplands. It lies about 22 km south of Prague. It is named after the village of Slapy, located near the dam. The Slapy Reservoir was built on the Vltava River as part of the so-called Vltava Cascade: it is preceded by the Orlík Reservoir and followed by the Štěchovice Reservoir.

Characteristics
Slapy has an area of the water surface of 11.63 km2 and total capacity of 269300000 m3. The catchment area is 12.96 km2. The average depth is about 20 km2 and the maximum depth is about 53 km2. The current water level is 35 metres higher than the original bed of the Vltava. The length of the reservoir is 43 km. The dam is 60 m high. The reservoir is managed by Povodí Vltavy, a state-owned enterprise.

History
The reservoir was built in 1949–1955. Filling began unplanned in 1954 due to a flood that filled the reservoir within a few days. The construction of a lock was planned, but due to time and financial reasons, it was not implemented.

Purpose
The main purpose of the reservoir is to improve the river flow for water transport and for water use, and provision of water for energy use. The reservoir also partially protects the area under the dam (especially the city of Prague) from floods. The dam is also used for fish farming, sports and recreation.

The hydroelectric power station is situated at the base of the dam body. It is equipped with three Kaplan turbines.

Tourism
There are four campsites and many guesthouses and beaches on the shores of the reservoir. Sports for which the reservoir is used include sailing, water skiing and windsurfing.