Dam |
permits water to be diverted by the natural flow of gravity to adjacent lands. The stored water also flows through hydraulic turbines, producing electric power that is used in homes and industries. Water released from the dam in uniform quantities assures water for fish and other wildlife in the stream below the dam. Otherwise, the stream would go dry there. Water released in larger quantities permits river navigation throughout the year. Where dams create large reservoirs, floodwaters can be held back and released gradually over longer periods of time without overflowing riverbanks.
Reservoirs or lakes created by dams provide recreational areas for boating and swimming. They give refuge to fish and wildlife. They help preserve farm-lands by reducing soil erosion. Much soil erosion occurs when rivers flood their valleys, and swift floodwaters carry off the rich topsoils.