The province of West Azarbayjan has the largest lake of Iran in its territory, known as Lake Orumieh. This lake is at an altitude of 1,267 m. from the sea level, with a length of 130-140 km, the width being approximately 15-50 km. and at an average depth of 50-60 m. Its waters are extremely salty (twice the salinity of the oceans), consequently the lake never freezes.
The ponds and wetlands of this province cover an area of more than 700 sq. km. Some of these are 'sweet water'and some 'salty water'. A wide range of birds are provided with a natural habitat around these areas. To name a few of these wetlands:
Other rivers and islands of the province consists of Arezoo island, Bar Andooz Chay, Shahr Chay, Nazloo Chay and Zoola Chay Rivers in Orumieh.
Zarrineh Rood (Cheqtoy Chay) River, Orumieh
This river originates from the mountains of Chehel Cheshmeh of Kurdestan. After flowing through the western part of the vast alluvial plain of Miandoab it divides into branches, ultimately flowing into lake Orumieh. The length of this river being 300 km. and its river basin being over 1100 sq. km. On this river a large dam, including a diverting one (Nowrooz Mehr), has been constructed and is about 70 km. from the city of Miandoab. Fishing is allowed in this river where there is a variety of fish.
Zaab-e-Koochak River, Piran Shahr
The River Kloy or Zaab takes its sources in the heights of the Maidan Gorge 2,140 m. from the sea level, and after flowing through numerous valleys, flows across Piran Shahr and Sardasht and in Iraq flows into the Tigris (Dejleh) River. The river and its deep valley are an excellent sight-seeing spot.
Simineh Rood (Tatao) River, Orumieh
This river originates from the summits around Saqez south of Lake Orumieh. The main branch of which, Shetaveh Rood is to the southwest of Dehshahr Kandi. After flowing across Bukan, western Miandoab, and the fertile plains of Shamat, it flows into the swamps southeast of the Lake Orumieh.
Mahabad Rood River, Mahabad
This river is composed of two main branches and flows from the summits of Piran Shahr and Sardasht. After following its course it joins Lake Orumieh. On this river a dam has been constructed, which supplies drinking water of the city as well as aides in the generation of hydroelectricity power. There is also another dam 8 km. from Miandoab in a place called Yusof Kandi its waters being used for irrigation.
Aras River, Maku
The bordering Aras River flows for about 135 km. between the province of West Azarbayjan and the Republic of Nakhjavan. This river takes its source in the Min Gol Mountains of Turkey. On following its course, it ultimately flows into the Caspian Sea. The river has a length of 1072 km.
