Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of dams.

Advatages of installing dams include the large amount of profit that can be made in the long-term. It also generates renewable hydroelectric energy that can be used to power local towns and villages. Due to the reservoir only releasing water when needed, none is wasted which makes the dam more reliable if a shortage becomes present. Additionally, the dam will create jobs for a vast number of people. The disadvantages of the dam are that it’s initial cost is very high which could cause an economical risk at first if the dam does not proceed to become successful. Agricultural land and settlements may be lost by the initial build of the dam and if the reservoir floods from the river valley. Another issue is that sediment often gets trapped behind the dam walls and this can lead to erosion, causing the dam to need repairs which cost money and damage the surrounding environment.