7-Chapter-VII-Hydrological aspects in operation and maintenance

Abstract

Reservoirs are one of the most important component of a water resources development project. A reservoir is created by constructing a dam across a stream. The principal function of a reservoir is regulation of natural streamflow by storing surplus water in the high flow season and releasing the stored water in the dry season to supplement the natural stream flow. The water stored in a reservoir may be diverted to far away places by means of pipes or canals resulting in spatial changes or it may be stored in the reservoir and released later for beneficial uses giving rise to temporal changes. In short, the purpose of a reservoir is to change the temporal and spatial availability of water according to the demands.