List of dams and reservoirs in Dominican Republic facts for kids
The Dominican Republic is a beautiful island nation with many natural water sources like rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. To help manage this precious water, the country has built many dams and reservoirs. These structures are super important for daily life!
The longest river in the Dominican Republic is the Yaque del Norte, stretching about 201 kilometers. Imagine a river that long! The Yuna River is the second largest and very powerful, flowing for 138 kilometers. The Yaque del Sur is also a major river, about 136 kilometers long. These rivers are key to the country's water system.
Contents
Dams and Reservoirs in the Dominican Republic
Why Are Dams Important?
Dams are like giant walls built across rivers. They create large lakes called reservoirs. These reservoirs store water for many uses. For example, they help generate hydroelectric power, which is clean electricity made from moving water. Dams also provide water for irrigation to help farmers grow crops. Plus, they ensure people have enough clean drinking water. They also help control floods, protecting towns and farms.
Major Rivers and Their Dams
The Dominican Republic has many important rivers, and several dams have been built on them. These dams help harness the power of the water and store it for different needs. Below is a list of some of the main rivers and the dams built on them, along with details about their size and when they were constructed.
| River* | Dam (hydro-electric plant) place | Capacity (millions of m³)** | Year constructed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaque del Norte | Tavera | 170 | 1973 |
| Bao River | Bao | 280 | 1984 |
| Bao River | López-Angostura | 4.4 | 1985 |
| Jimenoa River | Jimenoa | 0.3 | 1950 |
| Maguaca River | Maguaca | 15.6 | 1999 |
| Chacuey River | Chacuey | 13.7 | 1979 |
| Yuna River | Hatillo | 375.0 | 1984 |
| Nizao River | Valdesia | 137.0 | 1976 |
| Nizao River | Jiguey | 167.2 | 1992 |
| Nizao River | Aguacate | 4.3 | 1992 |
| Nizao River | Las Barias | 1.7 | 1976 |
| Yaque del Sur | Sabana Yegua | 354.0 | 1979 |
| San Juan River | Sabaneta | 63.0 | 1981 |
| Blanco River | Rio Blanco | 1.1 | 1996 |
| Jima River | Rincón | 60.0 | 1978 |
| Las Damas | Las Damas | 0.4 | 1967 |
| Mijo River | Mijo | 1.6 | 1990 |
| Mao River | Monción | 369.4 | 2001 |
| Cabeza De Caballo | Cabeza De Caballo | 0.6 | 1988 |
Notes:
- Some rivers and dams share the same name.
- The amount of water a dam can hold (its capacity) might change over time.
Exploring Dominican Republic's Water Resources
The Dominican Republic is rich in water resources. Beyond dams, the country has many natural streams and beautiful waterfalls. Managing these resources carefully helps the country grow and supports its people. Dams play a big role in this management, ensuring a steady supply of water for homes, farms, and businesses.
See also
- Electricity sector in the Dominican Republic
- Geography of the Dominican Republic
- List of dams and reservoirs
