Purposes for Construction of Dams

The common purposes for the construction of dams are as follows:

1. Power generation: Hydroelectric power is a major source of electricity in the world. Many countries have rivers with adequate water flow that can be dammed for power generation purposes.
2. Water supply: Many urban areas of the world are supplied with water abstracted from rivers pent up behind low dams or weirs. Other major sources include deep upland reservoirs contained by high dams across deep valleys.
3. Stabilize water flow/irrigation: Dams are often used to control and stabilize water flow, often for agricultural purposes and irrigation.
4. Flood prevention: Dams that are created for flood control.
5. Land reclamation: Dams are used to prevent ingress of water to an area that would otherwise be submerged, allowing its reclamation for human use.
6. Water diversion: Dams that are constructed for diverting water for various purposes.
7. Recreation: Dams built for any of the above purposes may find themselves displaced by the time of their original use. Nevertheless, the local community may have come to enjoy the reservoir for recreational and aesthetic reasons.