Water reservoirs are very important for our survival as they provide water for drinking, irrigation, and electricity. But with climate change causing rivers to dry up, managing these water sources is more important than ever. Some of the reservoirs are so big that we can see them from the space. So, in this article, we’ll explore the largest water reservoirs in the world, and the biggest dams in the world, where they are located, and why they are important.
Largest Water Reservoirs In The World
1- Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe)
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake and the biggest water reservoir in the world in terms of volume. It is located between Zimbabwe and Zambia, covering 5,580 square kilometers (2,150 square miles) and holding 180.6 cubic kilometers of water. It was created in the late 1950s when the Kariba Dam was built on the Zambezi River.
Lake Kariba in Africa
This massive reservoir is used to produce electricity for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. It also plays a major role in controlling floods and supports local fishing industries. In addition, it has become a popular tourist spot where people enjoy boat rides. To keep such massive reservoirs clean and healthy, new water treatment technologies are being explored.
2- Bratsk Reservoir (Russia)
The Bratsk Reservoir is also the largest reservoir in the world. It was created by the Bratsk Dam on the Angara River in 1967. It holds 169.2 cubic kilometers of water, covering 5,470 square kilometers. This reservoir was built in the 1960s to provide hydroelectric power.
Bratsk Reservoir in Russia
Its capacity of producing electric power is 4500 MW. This reservoir is very important for the people living in Siberia. It provides water for factories, farms, and homes. It also generates a lot of electricity. Despite being in a cold region, it remains a vital part of Russia’s water and energy system.
3- Guri Reservoir (Venezuela)
Lake Guri, located in Venezuela, is one of the biggest water reservoirs in terms of water storage. It was formed by the Guri Dam on the Caroní River and holds 135 cubic kilometers of water, covering 4,250 square kilometers. The lake is important for Venezuela as it provides nearly 70% of the country’s electricity. Apart from producing power, it also supports local wildlife and serves as a water source for nearby communities. It is surrounded by rainforests, making it a beautiful and peaceful place.
Guri Reservoir in Venezuela
Similarly, large-scale water projects like Egypt’s Parallel Nile River Project aim to reshape water management on a massive scale.
4- Lake Volta (Ghana)
The Akosombo Dam in Ghana created Lake Volta, which is one of the biggest reservoirs by surface area. It covers 8,502 square kilometers and holds 148 cubic kilometers of water. The dam was built in the 1960s to generate electricity for Ghana and its neighboring countries. Lake Volta is not just used for power generation; it also supports farming, fishing, and transportation, as many people use boats to travel across the lake.
Lake Volta in Ghana
Biggest Dams In The World
1- Three Gorges Dam (China)
The Three Gorges Dam is located on the Yangtze River in China, and is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It has a total installed capacity of 22,500 MW and plays an important role in flood control and electricity generation. It is 2,335 meters in length and stands 181 meters tall. The dam is a major engineering project, which helps China to meet its growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Three Gorges Dam in China
2- Tarbela Dam (Pakistan)
The Tarbela Dam, built on the Indus River in Pakistan, is the largest earth-filled dam in the world. It was constructed in 1976 and has a water storage capacity of 14.3 cubic kilometers. The dam is 2,743 m in length and plays an important role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, producing up to 4,888 MW of electricity. It provides water for millions of acres of farmland and helps regulate seasonal floods.
Tarbela Dam in Pakistan
3- Itaipu Dam (Brazil and Paraguay)
The Itaipu Dam, located on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the most powerful hydroelectric dams in the world. With a generating capacity of 14 GW, it supplies about 90% of Paraguay’s electricity and 15% of Brazil’s. The dam, which stretches 7,919 meters in length and stands 196 meters tall, has been instrumental in fostering economic growth in both countries by providing a steady and sustainable power supply. But natural disasters like earthquakes can shift rivers, impacting major dams worldwide.
Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay
4- WAC Bennet Dam (Canada)
The W.A.C. Bennett Dam is one of the largest dams in North America. It is located in British Columbia, Canada, and created Williston Lake, a huge reservoir that covers 1,761 square kilometers and holds 74 cubic kilometers of water. The dam was built in the 1960s and is a major source of electricity for the province. The cost of construction of this dam was $750 million. The capacity of generating power of this dam is 2,907 MW. The lake also supports local wildlife and serves as a water supply for nearby communities.
WAC Bennet Dam in Canada
5- Krasnoyarsk Dam (Russia)
The Krasnoyarsk Dam is the greatest dam in the world. It is located in Russia on the Yenisei River, and created a reservoir that holds 73.3 cubic kilometers of water, covering 2,000 square kilometers of surface area. This was built in 1956 and 1972. The capacity of generating power of this dam is 6,000 MW. This reservoir helps produce electricity and supports industries in the region. It also plays a role in transportation and irrigation, ensuring a steady water supply for local agriculture.
Krasnoyarsk Dam in Russia
Conclusion
The world’s largest water reservoirs and biggest dams play a crucial role in water storage, power generation, and flood control. From Lake Kariba, the largest reservoir by volume, to the Three Gorges Dam, the most powerful hydroelectric dam, these structures support millions of people worldwide. As water demand increases, their importance in sustaining life and managing resources continues to grow.
FAQs
1- What is the biggest dam in the US?
The Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam are among the biggest dams in the US.
2- How do reservoirs help control floods?
By storing excess rainwater during heavy storms, reservoirs like Lake Kariba and Tarbela Dam reduce downstream flooding, protecting communities and farmland.
3- Which dam generates the most hydroelectric power globally?
The Three Gorges Dam (China) is the largest, producing 22,500 MW of electricity—enough to power millions of homes. It also prevents devastating floods on the Yangtze River.
