This water is treated to remove impurities and harmful microorganisms, and then distributed to homes, businesses, and other users through a network of pipes. Public water supply accounts for the largest share of water withdrawals in many countries, often over 50% of total withdrawals.
In addition to public water supply, water from reservoirs is also used for:
- Agriculture: Water is essential for crop production, and reservoirs provide a reliable source of water for irrigation, especially during dry periods.
- Industry: Water is used in a variety of industrial processes, such as manufacturing, cooling, and washing.
- Hydroelectric power generation: Reservoirs can be used to store water and release it through turbines to generate electricity.
- Recreation: Reservoirs are often used for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.
The use of water from reservoirs must be carefully managed to ensure that there is enough water available for all users, and to minimize the impact on the environment. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as:
- Water conservation: Reducing the amount of water we use can help to reduce the demand on reservoirs.
- Water reuse: Recycling water for non-potable uses, such as irrigation and industrial cooling, can help to reduce the amount of water we need to withdraw from reservoirs.
- Watershed management: Protecting the watersheds that supply reservoirs can help to improve water quality and reduce the amount of sediment that enters reservoirs.
