The water from the Zagorsk complex's well is reputed to have unusually beneficial health effects. The principal outlet is inside the shrine in the background. A second outlet is in the gazebo where people gather to catch water from two or three slow-flowing lines.

Capitalism in the new Russia takes many forms. Behind the gazebo is a table selling souvenirs and, more importantly, water bottles - many visitors purchase a plastic container that appears to hold about 8 to 10 liters (2+ gallons). As is common in Russia, the persons waiting for their turn at the water outlet cooperate in keeping track of who follows whom. Frequently it is not necessary to form a line - when someone whose turn is approaching is not paying attention or has wandered off, the person next in line will let him or her know it is time to pay attention - politely, of course.