List of dams and reservoirs in Hawaii facts for kids
Dams are like big walls built across rivers or streams. They hold back water, creating a large lake called a reservoir. In Hawaii, these dams and reservoirs are super important! They help store fresh water for drinking, farming, and sometimes even making electricity. They also help control floods.
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Dams and Reservoirs in Hawaii
What are Dams and Reservoirs?
A dam is a strong barrier built across a river or stream to hold back water. The water that collects behind the dam forms a reservoir, which is like a human-made lake. These reservoirs store water that can be used later for many different things.
Why are Dams Important in Hawaii?
Hawaii is made up of islands, and fresh water is a very precious resource. Dams and reservoirs help collect and store rainwater, especially during wet seasons. This stored water is then used for:
- Drinking water: Providing clean water for homes and towns.
- Farming: Irrigating crops, which is very important for Hawaii's agriculture.
- Power: Sometimes, the water released from dams can be used to generate electricity.
- Flood control: Dams can help manage water flow and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
Major Dams You Should Know About
Not all dams are considered "major." A dam is usually called a major dam if it is at least 50 feet (15 m) tall and can hold a lot of water (at least 5,000 acre-feet (6,200,000 m3)). Some dams are also considered major if they can hold a very large amount of water, like 25,000 acre-feet (31,000,000 m3), no matter how tall they are.
Here are some important dams and their reservoirs in Hawaii:
- Ka Loko Dam, which holds back the Ka Loko Reservoir, was a privately owned dam on the island of Kauai. In 2006, part of this dam broke, causing a large amount of water to rush out. This event showed how important it is for dams to be well-maintained and safe.
- Kualapuu Dam, connected to the Kualapuu Reservoir, is managed by the State of Hawaii. This dam plays a role in water management for its area.
- Wahiawa Dam, which creates the Wilson Reservoir, is another important dam in Hawaii. It helps store water for local needs.
