Flood control dams protect communities from uncontrolled flood waters and can be installed by government agencies and communities. They control the flow of water across a watershed and can be designed with outlets and emergency spillways. Funding for flood control programs typically comes from government agencies.
A dam operates as part of a flood control system to protect communities from uncontrolled flood waters. Such dams do not create reservoirs to store water for future use, nor do they generate hydroelectricity. They can be installed by government agencies and communities and are subject to safety regulations. A dam must meet construction guidelines, and regulators can periodically inspect it to confirm that it is in good condition.
For flood management, agencies can place dams at strategic points in a watershed such as large rivers and lakes. These dams control the flow of water across the watershed, and in some cases the area behind them can be dry most of the time. Seasonal lakes, streams and rivers can become a problem in flood conditions, as they overflow rapidly and can overwhelm streams and communities.
In case of heavy rains, or when upstream runoff becomes heavier than usual, the dam can come into operation. It holds water and controls its release to allow lake and river levels to slowly stabilize. In addition to protecting communities from floodwaters, this measure also limits topsoil loss and other environmental problems that can occur in the event of major flooding. When conditions return to normal, flood control dams can go back into dormant mode.
The design of a flood dam can vary depending on the installation site and the recorded flood data from previous years in that area. It typically includes outlets and an emergency spillway to prevent dam failure in the event of a disaster. Flood control dams also include equipment to measure floodwaters, and some provide remote reporting for government agencies that need to be able to monitor flooding and other activity. A number of construction techniques can be used to make a dam, depending on the level of stress it must be able to withstand.
A flood control system may include a series of dams, levees, and other safeguards to control and direct water across a watershed in the event of severe weather conditions. Flooding is an extremely common form of natural disaster in many regions of the world. The development of adequate flood control systems is crucial for economic, environmental and human health reasons. Funding for flood control programs typically comes from government agencies, although some communities may also independently raise funds for the installation of additional measures for their health and safety.
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