The water in dams
Dams have two main functions. The first is to store water to compensate for fluctuations in river flow or in demand for water and energy. The second to raise the level of the water upstream to enable water to be diverted into a canal or to increase ’hydraulic head’ –– the difference in height between the surface of a reservoir and the river downstream. The creation of storage and head allow dams to generate electricity (hydropower provides nearly a fifth of the world’s electricity); to supply water for agriculture, industries and households; to control flooding; and to assist river navigation by providing regular flows and drowning rapids. Other reasons for building large dams include reservoir fisheries and leisure activities such as boating.
Pollutants in rivers and streams
Dirt is a big cause of pollution in our rivers and streams. Rain washes dirt into streams and rivers. Dirt can smother fish and other animals that live in the water. If plants can't get enough sunlight because the water is murky, they die. Bacteria are also a big water quality problem. Not all bacteria are harmful, but germs and viruses that can make you sick might be in the water. Bacteria can come from combined sewers after rainstorms and runoff of animal waste from farms, pets, and wildlife. Nutrients are element needed for animal or plants to grow. The two most common nutrients found in water are nitrogen and phosphorus. They cause algae to grow and can turn the water green.
Water treatments for domestic use
Name it and the water is sure to have all of these harmful microorganisms that could be detrimental to one’s health. These water-borne microbes can cause dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera. In order to get rid of these relatively deadly little devils present in the water, a good domestic water treatment is of paramount importance.