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GCSE Gg Case Study - Water Management Scheme: Colorado |
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The Colorado Dams project, USA
Introduction
The main source of water for the Colorado basin is snow which melts on the mountain ranges at the river source. However so much snow is melted in the summer months that the increase discharge causes flooding of the tributaries and the main river.
Controlling the flow
Dams were built to enable the flow to be controlled as well as providing enough water to supply human demand in the dry summer months
Due to the length of the river a series of dams were constructed (much like lock gates on a canal)
Once forecasts had been analysed, engineers could calculate the amount of water that should be released from each reservoir at specific times to control the flow of water and prevent flooding.
Effect on people & environment
- Urban centres such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Los Angeles have all become dependent on the Colorado dam system for water and electricity.
- In Phoenix, the area has seen a rapid population growth as people see the desert environment being turned into a pleasant living environment.
- The water from the dam system allows trees to grow, swimming pools to be built and artificial lawns to be planted which can be watered by a mass of sprinklers dotted all over the city.
- However there has been a dramatic increase in the level of traffic pollution and smog.
- There is major traffic congestion which is difficult to sort out.
- As Phoenix grows and demands more water the amount that can be supplied is unable to keep up.
- Underground water sources are dropping 3 metres a year whilst large amounts of water are lost from reservoirs due to evaporation in such a hot climate and natural water seepage.
In 1983, miscalculations were made as too much water flowed into the system. When the water was released the volume and pressure was so large that the power of the surge caused damage to settlements downstream. Homes and businesses were destroyed along with Marinas and their boats. Lost earnings and damage amounted to millions of dollars.
D.Drake 2008
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