Dams

Barrier used to retain water.

water dam dam structure

A dam is a barrier constructed to retain water, often used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, or water supply storage.

/dæm/

From Middle English damme, from Old English dēam 'dam, embankment', of uncertain origin.

Dams are big walls built across rivers to hold back water, creating lakes that can be used for drinking, farming, or making electricity.

What is a dam? A barrier built across a river or stream to hold back water
What are dams used for? Water storage, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation
How do dams work? Gravity holds back the water held by the dam

barriers embankments

structures engineering works

arch dam concrete gravity dam earthfill dam

spillway reservoir turbine

water management infrastructure

artificial structure natural resource water management