The Ure Dam is a multi-purpose concrete gravity dam located in the city of Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It impounds the Ure River, a primary tributary of the Toyokawa River system, and is a significant component of the larger Toyokawa Diversion Project.
Location
- Country: Japan
- Prefecture: Aichi Prefecture
- City: Shinshiro
Purpose
The Ure Dam serves multiple critical functions:
- Flood Control: Mitigates flooding in the downstream areas of the Toyokawa River basin.
- Irrigation: Supplies water for agricultural irrigation to the Mikawa region, supporting rice paddies and other crops.
- Hydroelectric Power Generation: Contributes to the regional power supply through hydroelectric facilities.
- Water Supply: Provides municipal and industrial water to surrounding communities.
Construction
- Type: Concrete Gravity Dam
- River: Ure River (a tributary of the Toyokawa River)
- Completion: The dam was completed in 1958, becoming operational in 1959. Its construction was a major undertaking of the post-World War II period in Japan, aimed at regional development and food security.
Significance
The Ure Dam plays a crucial role in the water management infrastructure of Aichi Prefecture. It has been instrumental in the agricultural prosperity of the Mikawa Plain, transforming previously arid or flood-prone lands into productive farmlands. Its integrated functions contribute significantly to the economic stability and disaster prevention efforts in the region.