What is the difference between dam and reservoir?

**Dam vs Reservoir: Understanding the Difference**.

**Dams and reservoirs are two essential components of water management systems, but they serve different purposes and function differently. Below, we will explore the key differences between dams and reservoirs.**.

**1. Purpose:**.

- A dam is a physical barrier built across a river or stream to impound water and create a reservoir. Dams are primarily constructed to control water flow, manage floods, generate hydroelectric power, and provide water for irrigation and domestic use.

- A reservoir, on the other hand, is an artificial lake created by the impoundment of water behind a dam. Reservoirs serve as storage facilities for water, which can be used for various purposes, such as drinking water supply, irrigation, recreation, and hydropower generation.

**2. Structure:**.

- Dams are engineering structures designed to withstand the pressure exerted by water and hold back a significant volume of water. They are typically made of concrete, rock, or earth and can vary in size and shape depending on their intended function.

- Reservoirs are the bodies of water formed behind dams. They can be shallow or deep, wide or narrow, and their size is determined by the capacity of the dam and the natural topography of the area.

**3. Function:**.

- Dams play a crucial role in regulating water flow in rivers, preventing floods during heavy rainfall, and ensuring a steady water supply during droughts. They also provide a source of clean energy through hydroelectric power generation.

- Reservoirs store water and release it as needed to meet various demands, such as supplying drinking water to communities, irrigating crops, maintaining ecological balance in rivers, and supporting recreational activities like boating and fishing.

In conclusion, dams and reservoirs are interconnected components of water management systems, with each serving a distinct purpose. Dams act as barriers to impound water and control its flow, while reservoirs store water for multiple uses. Understanding the difference between dams and reservoirs is crucial for effective water resource management and sustainable development.

For more information, please visit difference between dam and reservoir, water filling weir for Myanmar, Dams and Spillways : A Definitive Guide.