Sary-Jaz Springs

Sary-Jaz Springs are located 3.5 km south of the village of Sary-Jaz at the foot of a nearly hundred-meter cliff on the left bank of the river of the same name at an absolute height of about 2400 m.

The first descriptions and examinations of these springs were carried out by geologist D. I. Yakovlev in 1932; later, they were repeatedly re-examined by other specialists and were most thoroughly studied by hydrogeologist E. A. Streltzov in 1966-1967.

The measured part of the thermal water outlet provides a flow of 0.26 l/s, with a temperature reaching 57°C, and a sodium chloride-sulfate composition with a mineralization of up to 0.9 g/l. The water contains up to 2.5 mg/l of hydrogen sulfide, giving it a characteristic smell, as well as molybdenum, zinc, copper, lead, and silicic acid. In terms of composition and properties, this water is similar to that of many other thermal springs in the republic — Issyk-Ata, Ak-Suu, Kokomerin, and others.

When the river level is low, the thermal water outlets are separated from the water flow by a concrete wall, behind which a bathing pool is arranged. During floods, however, the turbulent flow of the Sary-Jaz easily overcomes all barriers, carrying stones and gravel into the improvised pools. Every year, the organization of bathing in hot water here practically starts from scratch. At the same time, the natural conditions of the thermal water discharge area allow for their capture through wells, which will evidently be done as the area is developed.