The lake was brought back to life by the Irtysh–Karamay Canal. As the canal crosses the Baiyang River at 46°7′45″N 85°25′35″E﻿ / ﻿46.12917°N 85.42639°E﻿ / 46.12917; 85.42639, a provision has been made for letting about 1/3 of the water[1] flow from the canal into the Baiyang River, (46°7′45″N 85°25′40″E﻿ / ﻿46.12917°N 85.42778°E﻿ / 46.12917; 85.42778); this improves the water supply situation in Urho District, and allows the river to reach the Ailik Lake again.[2] According to a report published in 2003, since the opening of the canal on August 1, 2000, the Ailik lake, which had been almost dry, has been able to recover as a deep lake with plenty of fish; now it occupies 50 km2 and is up to 7 m deep.[2]