Reservoir

A reservoir is an artificial lake created by constructing a dam across a river or stream. Reservoirs are designed to store water for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, drinking water supply, industrial use, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. The impounded water is held back by the dam, creating a body of water that can be drawn upon as needed.

Reservoirs can vary significantly in size, from small farm ponds to vast man-made lakes covering many square kilometers. The depth and volume of a reservoir depend on the topography of the surrounding land and the design of the dam.

The creation of a reservoir often involves flooding existing land, which can have significant environmental and social consequences. These consequences can include the displacement of human populations, the loss of natural habitats, and changes to downstream river ecosystems. Careful planning and management are essential to minimize the negative impacts associated with reservoir construction and operation.

Different types of reservoirs exist, categorized by their function or design. Storage reservoirs are designed primarily for holding water for later use, while flood control reservoirs are designed to mitigate the effects of floods by temporarily storing excess water. Pumped-storage reservoirs are used for hydroelectric power generation, storing energy by pumping water uphill to a reservoir during periods of low energy demand, and then releasing the water through turbines during periods of high demand.