The Tisa River Dam near Novi Bečej is the largest facility of the Danube–Tisa–Danube Hydrosystem. Its primary function is to release water by gravity into the main canal network of Banat, enabling the irrigation of vast agricultural areas and supplying water to other users. In this way, the released water can be used for multiple purposes simultaneously.
The dam is located at the 63rd kilometer of the Tisa River, approximately 2.5 km downstream from Novi Bečej, at an elevation corresponding to the normal backwater level.
The structure consists of seven spillway bays with gates, a ship lock, and a road bridge crossing the dam. This massive construction blocks the riverbed of the Tisa and is equipped with hydromechanical installations, including segment gates with flap gates. In their normal position, the flaps rest on the sill, and water flows over them. The flap position is adjusted according to the river discharge and the desired upstream water level. When the river flow increases, the flaps are gradually lowered, and once the spillway’s capacity is fully utilized, the segments are raised to allow water to pass underneath. During high water levels, all gates are lifted to restore the river’s natural flow regime.
The gate-lifting mechanism is hydraulic, with electric operation as the main drive and manual operation as a backup.
Ship Lock
The ship lock, located on the left bank of the Tisa River next to the dam, enables vessels to overcome the height difference in both directions. It consists of a chamber, upstream and downstream heads, and upstream and downstream approach harbors.
Road Bridge
The road bridge, built on the dam piers, is a robust structure that serves as a transportation link between Banat and Bačka.
The Tisa River Dam was completed in 1977.
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