Don River Basin

river basin, Russia

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June 25, 2026

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The Don River Basin is a significant river system in European Russia, covering approximately 163,000 square miles. The Don River itself originates in the Central Russian Upland and flows for 1,162 miles, eventually emptying into the Sea of Azov. It is a vital historical artery, famously associated with the Don Cossacks and large-scale engineering projects that have boosted its economic importance.1

A major tributary, the Donets River, flows through Russia and Ukraine, draining a basin of about 39,000 square miles. This river passes near the Donets Basin, a heavily industrialized region that significantly impacts the river's water supply and causes pollution. To address water shortages, a canal was built in the 1970s to bring additional water from the Dnieper River to the Donets. The Don River system is navigable, particularly with enhancements from the Tsimlyansk Reservoir and the Volga-Don Ship Canal.21

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Don River
History and economy
…expansion of irrigation in the Don River basin, which grew from about 124,000 acres (50,000 hectares) in 1950 to nearly 2.5 million acres by 1980. In the upper basin an extensive network of ponds aids irrigation; these ponds are also used for raising fish.
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…expansion of irrigation in the Don River basin, which grew from about 124,000 acres (50,000 hectares) in 1950 to nearly 2.5 million acres by 1980. In the upper basin an extensive network of ponds aids irrigation; these ponds are also used for raising fish.
Read More