About Nove Mlyny Dam

Nové Mlýny is a system of three connected reservoirs on the lower Dyje River in South Moravia, completed between 1978 and 1989. The earthfill dam complex holds a combined 142 million cubic metres and covers over 30 square kilometres, making it the largest reservoir in Moravia by surface area. The reservoirs were built primarily for flood protection, irrigation of the fertile South Moravian agricultural plains, and recreation. However, their construction was highly controversial: the flooding of the Dyje floodplain destroyed one of the most biodiverse wetland ecosystems in Central Europe and submerged the historic Mušov village along with significant archaeological sites. Today the reservoirs support thriving populations of waterbirds including the largest nesting colony of great cormorants in the Czech Republic. The middle reservoir is designated a Ramsar wetland site, acknowledging its importance as a substitute habitat for migratory birds despite the ecological damage caused by its construction.