Alazani

The Alazani is a 218-mile-long Azerbaijan river that travels across the Caucasus. It is the principal tributary of the Kura River in eastern Georgia. Before it enters the Kura River, a section of the Alazani River marks the boundary between Azerbaijan and Georgia. The Alazani was a major entry point for Persian intruders and is now the hub of Georgia's wine production. The Alazani dries up over the winter, but when the snow melts in the late spring, it causes considerable floods. The river is utilized for agriculture and drinking water by various small hydroelectric generating plants, and it is also a popular rafting destination. Pollution from biological contaminants present in untreated sewage from adjacent villages and cities in the river's greatest hazard.

Untreated sewage from towns and other settlements, as well as agricultural regions, contributes to mild biological pollution of the river. Water quality is stated to be poor in the districts of Kvareli and Lagodekhi. Alazani is also the name of several Georgian wines, including the semi-dry labels Marani Alazani Valley and Old Tbilisi Alazani.

Length: 218 miles