Dos Bocas Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dos Bocas Lake |
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![]() Lago Dos Bocas Lake
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Location | Arecibo / Utuado municipalities, Puerto Rico |
Coordinates | 18°20′08″N 66°40′03″W / 18.33556°N 66.66750°W |
Type | reservoir |
Basin countries | Puerto Rico |
Surface elevation | 292 ft (89 m) |
Dos Bocas Lake is a beautiful lake in Puerto Rico. You can find it between the towns of Arecibo and Utuado. This lake isn't natural; it was created by people! It's actually a reservoir, which means it's a large, artificial lake used to store water.
The lake was made by building a big wall called the Dos Bocas Dam. This project started in 1937 and finished in 1942. The main reason for building it was to create electricity using the power of water, which is called hydroelectric power. The dam was also part of a special government program called the New Deal, which helped create jobs during a tough time. Today, Dos Bocas Lake is also a very important source of drinking water for the island. Over time, some dirt and sand have built up in the lake, which can make it harder for boats to get to certain areas.
How the Lake Was Made
The creation of Dos Bocas Lake was a big engineering project. It involved building the Dos Bocas Dam across a river. This dam holds back water, forming the large lake we see today. The main goal was to generate clean electricity for Puerto Rico.
The project was managed by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. This group is in charge of providing electricity to the island. Building the dam helped power homes and businesses. It also created a huge supply of fresh water.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Dos Bocas Lake is not just for electricity and water; it's also a fun place to visit! The Department of Transportation of Puerto Rico runs special ferries on the lake. These ferries help local people get around. They are also a great way for tourists to see the lake's beauty.
Along the shores of the lake, you can find several restaurants. These places offer tasty food and lovely views of the water. It's a popular spot for families and friends to gather. If you're exploring the area, the Río Abajo State Forest is another cool place nearby to check out nature.
Gallery
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Lago Dos Bocas Dam after Hurricane Maria
See also
In Spanish: Lago Dos Bocas para niños