[1] The starting point of the canal is near the village of Raihorodok, about 12.2 miles (19.6 km) northeast of Sloviansk, at the Siverskyi Donets.

The canal travels south, and ends near the city of Yasynuvata, about 11.6 miles (18.7 km) northeast of Donetsk, at the Kalmius River.

[2] During the 20th century, Soviet industrialization depleted the supplies of fresh water in the Donbas region.

In 1955, the construction of a canal began in the Donetsk Oblast to improve the supplies of freshwater, and completed by 1958.

There are also 4 pump stations to carry water over higher elevations, and a total of 5 reservoirs to ensure smooth operations.