Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Glen Canyon Dam, like most major dams in the United States that form large reservoirs, serves more than one purpose. The primary purpose of the dam across the Colorado River on the Utah/Arizona border is to provide hydroelectric energy, a clean and relatively safe form of power, to northern Arizona and the surrounding region. Secondary purposes include creating a consistent source for water, as well as providing a place for fishing, boating and other forms of water recreation.
Hydroelectric power is one of the primary functions of the dam, as it is with many major dams in the western United States. Water passing through the dam turns large turbines that are used to generate electrical power. That power is then distributed through a grid to the entire region. Such electricity is safe and clean, though environmentalists say it is not without an ecological cost, especially in terms of regulating natural flooding that renewed silt deposits along the river's banks. The maximum capacity of the hydroelectric plant at the Glen Canyon Dam is 1,300 megawatts, though its normal operating capacity is between 500 and 800 megawatts.
While hydroelectric power is a huge practical benefit to any system that involves a dam, the other benefit is the creation of large reservoirs from which water can be drawn. The main purpose of the reservoir is to provide safe drinking water and irrigation to a geographical area that is largely arid. A ready and permanent supply of water in the area has already been credited with the formation of at least one nearby city--Page, Arizona.
Though the fishing opportunities in the reservoir are obvious, the downstream fishing is another benefit; some may consider it a secondary purpose of the Glen Canyon Dam. Species inside the reservoir include bass, catfish and crappie. Downstream, the dam has created prime habitat for non-native trout species, which has become a big draw for many trout anglers.
The leisure-boat tourism industry around Lake Powell has capitalized on the terrific location. Lured by blue waters against the stark backdrop of rusty red cliffs and rocks, the lake has been billed by local tourism groups and businesses as America's favorite houseboating destination. As the second largest man-made reservoir in the country, the lake has plenty of spots to explore.
This has served as an indirect purpose of the dam, creating wealth in a region that did not have much prior to the dam's construction. With fishing, boating and new towns comes the need for services and products that support those activities. Therefore, the dam has served as a tool of economic revitalization in the area. While the dam, like any dam, has its critics, it also has supporters who cite that it has done a number of positive things.