List of dams and reservoirs in Puerto Rico Facts for Kids

Puerto Rico is home to many important dams and reservoirs. These amazing structures help store water for drinking, farming, and even making electricity! A dam is like a big wall built across a river. It holds back water, creating a large artificial lake called a reservoir. These reservoirs are super important for making sure people have enough water every day.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helps keep track of these dams. They consider a dam "major" if it's about 15 meters (50 feet) tall and can hold at least 6.2 million cubic meters (5,000 acre-feet) of water. Or, if it can hold a huge amount of water, like 30.8 million cubic meters (25,000 acre-feet), it's also considered major, no matter its height.

Puerto Rico's Important Dams and Lakes

The banks of the lake at Dos Bocas in Utuado.

Puerto Rico has many dams and reservoirs spread across the island. They are managed by different groups. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) manages many dams that help create electricity. The Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority (PRASA) manages dams that supply drinking water. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) also helps with some large projects.

Here are some of the important dams and reservoirs in Puerto Rico:

Lago Caonillas: This lake is in Utuado and is managed by PREPA. It's an important source of water and helps produce electricity.
Lago Carite: Located in Guayama, this lake is also managed by PREPA. It plays a role in the island's power supply.
Carraízo Dam and Lago Loíza: Found in Trujillo Alto, this dam and lake are managed by PRASA. Lago Loíza is a main source of drinking water for the San Juan metropolitan area.
Lago Cerrillos: This lake is near Ponce and is managed by the USACE. It helps with flood control and water supply for the region.
Lago de Cidra: In Cidra, this lake is managed by PRASA and provides water for local communities.
Coamo Dam: Located between Coamo and Santa Isabel, this dam is managed by PREPA.
Lago Dos Bocas: This beautiful lake is between Arecibo and Utuado. It's managed by PREPA and is known for its ferry boat rides.
Lago Guajataca: Found between San Sebastián, Quebradillas, and Isabela, this lake is managed by PREPA. It's a popular spot for recreation.
Lago Guayabal: In Juana Díaz, this lake is managed by PREPA.
Lago El Guineo (Río Toro Negro): This lake is in Villalba and is managed by PREPA.
Lago Garzas: Located in Peñuelas, this lake is managed by PREPA.
Lago La Plata: In Toa Alta, this lake is managed by PRASA. It's another key source of drinking water for many towns.
Patillas Dam: This dam is in Patillas and is managed by PREPA.
Portugués Dam: Located in Ponce, this dam is managed by the USACE. It's mainly for flood control.
Río Blanco Project: This project is in Naguabo and is managed by PREPA.
El Salto #1 and El Salto #2: These dams are in Comerío.
Lago Toa Vaca: In Villalba, this lake is managed by PRASA and provides water to several towns.
Yauco Project (Lake Luchetti): This project is in Yauco and is managed by PREPA.