Dams and reservoirs serve the purpose of regulating river flow and storing water for various uses like irrigation. Due to their shared features, people frequently mistake one for the other. However, despite their close relationship, they are distinct entities.

Lykkers, let's explore the differences between a dam and a reservoir!

Difference between Dam and Reservoir

Reservoir:

It's like a big outdoor pool that looks like a man-made lake. Typically, it's shaped by erecting a dam or barrier across a river or wide valley. Alternatively, it can form by enclosing land with dikes and redirecting a portion of the river's flow into the area.

Reservoirs serve various functions including irrigation, hydropower generation, and domestic water supply. They're replenished by precipitation, rainwater runoff, and the flow of rivers.

Types of Reservoirs:

Reservoirs can be of three types:

1.Valley-dammed reservoirs are fashioned within valleys, utilizing the mountainsides as natural boundaries, while a dam or constructed wall is erected to contain the water.

2. Bank-side reservoirs are crafted by redirecting water from rivers or streams into an established reservoir.

3. Service reservoir functions as a sizable vessel for storing purified water. Treated water from a water treatment facility, once sanitized, is stored in a service reservoir before distribution to consumers.

Dam:

A dam serves as a structure constructed across a river, stream, or estuary to impede or contain the flow of water. It's constructed from diverse materials such as steel, rock as well as wood and primarily functions to regulate, conserve, and harness water for particular purposes like electricity generation.

Advantages of Dam:

It regulates the flow of a river.

It facilitates the formation of a reservoir.

It stores water for agricultural irrigation.

It aids in hydroelectric power generation.

It safeguards surrounding regions from flooding.

It establishes artificial lakes for recreational activities like swimming, water sports, and boating.

Types of Dam:

By structure, dams can be categorized into four types:

1. Gravity Dam

2. Arch Dam

3. Buttress Dam

4. Embankment Dam

Famous Dams in the World:

Several significant dams around the world act as imposing barriers across various rivers. Some notable examples include:

1. Robert-Bourassa Dam in Canada

2. Guri Dam in Venezuela

3. Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe

4. Daniel Johnson Dam in Canada

Address: QC-389, Manicouagan, QC G5T 2T2, Canada

Near by attraction:

Le barrage Daniel-Johnson et la centrale Manic-5

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Contact number: +1 866-526-2642

What visitor says:

Steven *** Vandal: Definitely worth seeing and visit. Do the guided tour, the tour guides are excellent!

5. Tehri Dam in India

Address: Tehri Dam, Chokhala, Uttarakhand, India

Open hours: 6:30 AM–8:45 PM

Contact number: +91 135 255 9898

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dams and Reservoirs - Health Risks and Benefits

Video by Dynamic Earth Learning