Lake Balkhash is divided by a narrow strait into a relatively fresh western basin and a saltier eastern basin.
This unusual lake lies in southeastern Kazakhstan. The western portion receives most of the inflow from the Ili River, so its water is comparatively fresh. The eastern basin has less inflow and greater evaporation, making it more saline. The two sections are connected through the Uzynaral Strait.
Lake Balkhash is one of the world’s largest lakes and is especially notable because both freshwater and saline conditions occur within the same body of water. Its level and ecology are affected by river use, irrigation and industrial activity.
It is sometimes confused with the Aral Sea because both are inland lakes of Central Asia affected by water diversion. Unlike the Aral Sea, Balkhash remains one connected lake, although its water balance has long been a major environmental concern.