[1] The Naurzum Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the river basin.

[1] The Ubagan, a tributary of the Tobol, drains the valley to the north, the Turgay to the south.

In the summer it dries up and its water becomes salty in the lower reaches of certain sections.

[2][3] The main tributaries of the Turgay are the 593 km (368 mi) long Irgiz, the 284 km (176 mi) long Karatorgai and the Kobarga on the left, as well as the Zhaldama, Tokanay and Ulkayak on the right.

In years of high water the 164 kilometers (102 mi) long Saryozen river may flow across lake Sarykopa into the Turgay through a channel near Tauysh village.