Rezervuari

Rezervuari are bodies of water used to store fresh water for later use. They can be natural lakes designated for water storage or artificial lakes created by damming rivers or by other engineering means. The primary purpose is to ensure a reliable supply for municipal water systems, irrigation, industrial processes, hydroelectric power generation, and to help control floods by matching inflows to downstream demand. They also serve recreational and ecological roles in many regions.

Design and operation of rezervuari involve managing capacity, water quality, and flow. Reservoir capacity is measured in cubic meters or cubic kilometers, and the available storage varies with water level. They are formed by dam structures, embankments, or natural basins that trap water. Key components include dam or barrier structures, intake towers, outlet works, spillways, and associated monitoring and control systems. Effective management addresses sedimentation that reduces capacity, evaporation losses, temperature and turnover of water, and sometimes desilting or sediment bypassing. In some cases, reservoirs incorporate multiple use facilities, such as drinking-water intakes, irrigation channels, and hydropower turbines.

Environmental and social considerations are important in reservoir planning and operation. Construction and operation can alter landscapes, habitats, and local communities, potentially causing displacement, changes in aquatic ecosystems, and shifts in fisheries. Mitigation measures include environmental impact assessments, fish passages or ladders, watershed management, and careful water allocation governance. Safety, maintenance, and long-term stewardship are essential for reliable service and minimizing negative effects.

Notable examples exist worldwide, ranging from small municipal tanks to large hydroelectric reservoirs behind major dams. Reservoirs play a central role in water security, energy generation, flood control, and regional development.