Chéticamp Flowage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chéticamp Flowage |
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Location | Victoria County, Nova Scotia |
Coordinates | 46°39′00″N 60°38′06″W / 46.650°N 60.635°W |
Basin countries | Canada |
The Chéticamp Flowage is a large body of water located in Victoria County, in the north-eastern part of Nova Scotia, Canada. It's not a natural lake, but a special type of lake called a reservoir.
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About Chéticamp Flowage
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake that people create. It's usually made by building a dam across a river. The dam holds back the river's water, causing it to spread out and form a large pool. Reservoirs are very useful because they can store water for many different purposes.
People create reservoirs to store water for drinking, to help farmers water their crops, or to generate electricity. They can also help control floods by holding back excess water during heavy rains. The Chéticamp Flowage was created for a specific purpose: to help make electricity!
How Was it Created?
The Chéticamp Flowage was formed when a company called Nova Scotia Power built a dam called the D-1 Dam. This dam was placed across the Chéticamp River, which is about 3 kilometers (or about 2 miles) west of Chéticamp Lake.
Building this dam was a big part of creating something called the Wreck Cove Hydroelectric System. This system uses the power of moving water to create electricity.
The Wreck Cove Hydroelectric System
The Wreck Cove Hydroelectric System is a large project that uses water to make clean energy. When water from the Chéticamp Flowage is released from the dam, it flows through special tunnels. This moving water spins giant turbines, which are like big wheels. These spinning turbines then power generators that produce electricity.
This type of electricity is called hydroelectric power. It's a great way to make energy because it doesn't burn fossil fuels, which helps keep our air clean. The Chéticamp Flowage plays an important role in providing this clean energy for homes and businesses in Nova Scotia.
Fun Activities and Nature
Even though the Chéticamp Flowage is a man-made body of water, it's also a place where people can enjoy nature. One popular activity here is fishing. Many different types of fish can be found in the flowage, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
However, if you ever plan to go canoeing or kayaking on the Chéticamp Flowage, be aware that the winds can be quite strong. Strong winds can make it tricky to paddle, so it's always important to check the weather conditions before heading out on the water.