How Can The Dams Be Classified?

Dams refer to the structure to be formed in order to control the flow of a stream or a river. It may be classified in accordance with the purpose –

• Storage dams – This is built up to provide water source for a short or long period of time depending on the type of construction whatsoever. It may be further classified depending on the purpose of the water being used such as municipal water supply or recreation etc.

• Diversion dams – This is built up to elevate the water level so that the water can be transferred to other location for further use. The usage of this type of dam can be seen in irrigation canals, transfer of water into municipal reservoir etc.

• Detention dam – This type of dam is built to control the impact of flooding to its minimum level as well as it also regulates the flow rate in a particular channel. Debris dam, belongs to this category, is designed to fence in sediments.

Large dams can be designed to cover up more than one aspects of the dam or it may be designed in such a way that it fulfils the purpose of three types of dams in combination.