The Hoover Dam was built primarily for flood control, to manage the erratic and often destructive flow of the Colorado River, which threatened agricultural land and communities downstream. In addition, the dam was designed to ensure a reliable water supply for irrigation and municipal use, stabilizing water availability throughout the year rather than just during spring melt. A third key purpose was to generate hydroelectric power to provide electricity to millions of people in the surrounding states. These combined objectives aimed to support economic growth and development in the southwestern United States, especially during a time of rapid population increase and agricultural expansion.
