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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Dam and Reservoir?

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The main difference between a dam and a reservoir lies in their purpose and structure:

  • Dam: A dam is a barrier built across a river, stream, or estuary to hold back or retain water. It is typically made of materials like steel, rock, or concrete. Dams are used for various purposes, such as controlling the flow of a river, generating hydroelectric power, and storing water for irrigation and domestic use.
  • Reservoir: A reservoir is an open-air storage area, usually formed by masonry or earthwork, where water is collected and stored in quantity. It is not a natural depression in the land filled with water but a constructed body of water. Reservoirs are created by building a dam or wall across a river or a broad valley. The water stored in a reservoir can be used for multiple purposes, like irrigation, hydropower, consumption, and domestic use.

While dams and reservoirs often share some features and can be closely related, they serve different functions. A dam is a physical structure that retains water, while a reservoir is the water body created by a dam.

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  • What is the Difference Between Dam and Reservoir?
  • Comparative Table: Dam vs Reservoir

    • Comparative Table: Dam vs Reservoir

    Feature Dam Reservoir
    Definition A dam is a barrier constructed across a river or valley to control the flow of water and store it for various purposes. A reservoir is a human-made large water body formed to store water, which is a part of a dam.
    Material Made of concrete, steel, etc. Made of water that accumulates behind the dam.
    Purpose Primarily used for electricity generation, water storage, and irrigation. Used for irrigation, domestic water supply, and hydropower.
    Ecological Impact Construction of a dam interferes with the life of water creatures, hindering their migration. The development of a reservoir leads to the displacement of people.

    A dam is a physical structure that retains water, while a reservoir is the water body created by a dam. Despite their differences, dams and reservoirs serve various functions, such as water storage, hydroelectric generation, and recreation.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.