A dam can be defined as a barrier built across a river in order to block and control flow of water
Water supply for domestic and industrial use- water is collected and stored during the rainy season to ensure water availability throughout the year
Flood control- dams regulate river levels downstream of the dam by temporarily storing the volume of flood water and releasing this in smaller amounts through sluice control
Generation of hydroelectricity- stored water under pressure is piped to a power station located at a level below the dam. The kinetic energy of the falling water provides the energy that turns the turbines of the power station, thereby generating electricity
Irrigation- water is run via pipes and canals(especially in times of drought) to crops and orchards where it is used for irrigation purposes
