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Tbilisi Lake (known locally as Tbilisi Sea), an artificial reservoir, was dug in 1951 to irrigate the arid Samgori steppe to the east, and has a total capacity of 310 million cu. m. Fed by the Iori River via the Higher Main Canal, it has three small hydroelectric stations situated at various points in its descent from the mountains.

The Tbilisi Lake has brought the Samgori steppe of life. Over an area of 60,000 hectares farms and settlements have sprung up, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The shores of the reservoir and the recently planted arboretum are favourite spots with local residents.