Do building dams and reservoirs help increase water supply?

Water is essential for both human and animal life, and it’s crucial that we have enough of it available to meet our needs. However, there is no one single source everyone obtains their water from. Some of us have dug wells while others use tap water.

When using tap water, one might be curious as to where their water comes from, and where has it been stored before it reaches their property. The answer to this question is simple: artificial reservoirs.

What are dams and reservoirs?

A dam is an artificial barrier constructed across a stream, river, or other body of water to impound water. Even though “reservoir” and “dam” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. All dams are reservoirs, but not all reservoirs are dams.

The water stored in a reservoir can be used for drinking, irrigation, power generation and many other purposes. However, let us focus on just water supply to homes through the entirety of this article.

Reservoirs are important. In fact, Canada has over 6,800 water reservoirs that store water distributed through the main line. If you are wondering how exactly do they improve water supply; well, Pure Wave Water is here to answer just that question.

When you run your tap to enjoy a shower or drink a glass of water, the water that pours out is transported all the way in pipes from the closest nearby reservoir. There! We have established the most important use of reservoirs: storing drinking water.

But wait, that’s not all! Reservoirs do a lot more than just store drinking water. They actually improve the water supply by storing water for dry seasons, and preventing purified water mixing with unnecessary or harmful compounds.

Dams, on the other hand, catches the water that is later purified. This is why dams are often built on rivers and between mountainous areas. Water flowing through the river, downstream from the mountains, or just simply rainwater gets stored between the high walls.

As you may imagine, this improves our water supply dramatically, since most of the water would just keep on flowing downstream otherwise. This is why Canada has over 15,000 dams built across the country.

Water caught and stored in dams are then transported to other reservoirs, where the water is treated and filtered. Some beneficial minerals will be added to the water during this process. Water leaving the reservoir is ready for distribution and consumption.

The treated water is then distributed across the area, to reservoirs built close-by to residences and commercial properties. This is the final place of storage for tap water, since you receive water straight from your nearest reservoir when you run your tap.

Are there any drawbacks to building reservoirs?

While there are no direct drawbacks that decrease the quality of the water supply, the reservoirs that store water must be cleaned frequently to keep the water stored inside them fresh. Besides that, reservoirs can be quite dangerous to reside next to, for any breach in the walls would result in flooding. Large size dams are prone to damages caused by earthquakes, and the extensive quantity of water stored inside could cause a tsunami.

Does my water come from a reservoir?

If your home’s main water supply is tap water, then you need not ask the question twice; your water does come from a reservoir. Reservoir water is just tap water, and the entire system works so smoothly that most people wouldn’t even bother thinking about where their tap water comes from.

Do I have any alternatives to drinking reservoir water?

We are glad you asked, because Pure Wave Water specializes in exactly that. If you do not like your water coming from a reservoir, or if your property simply does not have access to tap water, you are left with the alternative of digging a well. Underwater springs run throughout Canada, ensuring that you could get a fresh supply of well water by digging deep enough in most areas.

Well water, however, has not gone through the purification steps reservoir water goes through. After all, holes dug in the ground are prone to contamination by bacteria and minerals present in soils. Rainwater too, wash unhealthy substances as they flow downstream and seep into your well through the ground.

This is where Pure Wave Water comes in. Our filtration and water purification systems will ensure that the water you consume is only of the most pure, top quality.

How Pure Wave Water purifies well water.

With our water softeners, you can say goodbye to hard water that is often present in wells dug in areas rich with limestone.

Our UV disinfectants will kill any harmful living organisms, such as bacteria, present in the water. Well water is especially vulnerable to health-damaging bacteria that may be present in soil.

And if you require a more advanced water treatment system, our reverse osmosis system will handle all your watery needs efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

If your home’s main water supply is tap water, it is most likely your water comes from a reservoir. Reservoirs and dams greatly increase water security across the country by storing excess water for times of need. Furthermore, dams are extremely large collector, catching rainwater and river water, and storing them within their high walls.

If you prefer to not have your water originate from a reservoir, digging a well on your property is likely the most viable option. However, well water is vulnerable to contamination by bacteria and harmful minerals in the soil.

Fortunately for well owners, Pure Wave Water specializes in well water treatment. Contact us to have your well water tested and the appropriate purification system installed. With Pure Wave Water, you need not worry about the quality of your water supply ever again.