Title: Man-made Reservoirs

Overview: Man-made reservoirs, sometimes called artificial lakes, are important water sources in many
countries around the world. In contrast to natural processes of lake formation, reservoirs are artificial, usually
formed by constructing a dam across a river or by diverting a part of the river flow and storing the water in a
reservoir. Upon completion of the dam, the river pools behind the dam and fills the artificially created basin
(UNEP 2000). Seasonal changes of runoff and precipitation feed the reservoir. There are big differences in the
size of man-made reservoirs such as big artificial lakes or small pond-like water bodies. The stored water can be
used for irrigation, drinking water after purification or to produce energy.

Objectives:
 To Increased protection of downstream river from flooding events.

 To Increased potential for sustained agricultural irrigation

 To Increased fishery possibilities

Discussion:
A reservoir is an artificial lake called man-made reservoir. It can be formed by building a dam across a valley, by
excavating the land or by surrounding a piece of land with dykes and diverting a part of the river flow into the
reservoir. The water is stored in the reservoir and can be used for irrigation, hydro-power or as a water source
for domestic or industry use. Man-made reservoirs are also very effective constructions to control unexpected
floods (see also storm water management). A reservoir is fed by precipitation, rainwater runoff or from a
constant flow of a river. Water loss can occur due to evaporation (especially in arid regions) and depending on
the reservoir bottom due to percolation (small reservoirs are often lined). Sediments from rivers or surface runoff
can reduce the storage volume of a man-made reservoir significantly (FAO 1992).
Water stored in a valley usually has a higher level than the valley bottom downstream of the dam. Because of
this difference in level, the valley can be irrigated by a gravity system or other distribution systems. Water can
be taken from the reservoir via a concrete or steel pipe. This pipe connects the reservoir to an irrigation canal
downstream. A valve is usually located on the upstream end of the pipe to control the discharge of water into the
canal (FAO 1992). The kinetic energy of reservoirs is often used to produce electricity (see also hydropower
small-scale and hydropower large-scale).

Self-check test:
1. What is a reservoir?
2. Where Does the Water Come From?
3. Why do we need reservoir?

Evaluation activities:
1. Give an example of a manmade reservoir.
Reference:
CHANSON, H. JAMES, P. (1998): Rapid Reservoir Sedimentation of Four Historic Thin Arch Dams in Australia.
Reston: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) URL [Accessed: 18.01.2012]

Prepared by:

ERNA T. PANGANIBAN