Hydropower

Pros
Dams are inexpensive to operate
Dams generate clean energy
Dams improve quality of life
Cons

Dams alter river habitats in many ways

Natural cycles are disrupted
Temp. of water is changed
Dams prevent anadromous fish from laying eggs

Modern trends
In the US, the era of large dam construction is probably
over.
Micro-hydropower :electricity produced in a small stream
without having to build a big dam
Micro-hydropower
Cheap
Used in remote areas
Water diversion projects

 Central Arizona Project Aqueduct brings water from the

Colorado River to dry areas of Arizona, multiple uses
(drinking water, recreation, power, etc.)
Colorado River is diverted
What water is left after all the diversions comprises just a
trickle into the Gulf of California
o On some days, water does not reach the gulf
Diversion has drastically altered the rivers ecology
Aral Sea
Was 4th largest lake
o Lost 80% in 45 years
o 2 rivers diverted into irrigation
Consequences for shrinking sea
o Jobs lost
o Pesticide bring eutrophication (green water)
Future wars w/ water?
Water depletion leads to conflict
Many nations cooperated with neighbors to resolve
disputes