Dams are structures built across streams or rivers to hold water back. They are used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Water storage: Dams create artificial lakes called reservoirs, which can be used to store water for farming, industry, and household use.
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Flood control: Dams can help control and stabilize water flow, often for agricultural purposes and irrigation. They can also store floodwater to prevent damage to downstream areas.
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Hydropower generation: Dams can be used to generate electricity through hydropower. The water stored in the reservoir is released through turbines, which generate electricity.
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Irrigation: Dams can store water and release it for agricultural use during droughts.
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Water supply: Dams can provide a life-sustaining resource to people in all regions of the world. They can serve as a source of water supply for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and community use.
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Recreation: Dams can provide opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
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Mine tailings: Dams can be used to contain mine tailings, which are the waste materials obtained from mining or milling operations.
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Land reclamation: Dams can be used to prevent ingress of water to an area that would otherwise be submerged, allowing its reclamation.
Dams are an important part of infrastructure and serve multiple functions at once.
