We all love the pristine beauty and endless fun that our favorite lake brings, but have you ever stopped to consider what it was intended to be used for in the first place?
Most significantly sized in the US are man-made, and while recreation is one reason some are created, it’s definitely not the most common.
Here are 5 reasons lakes are beneficial for everyone:
Drinking Water
Many lakes are created to maintain a supply of drinking water for the local population.
One big example? Lake Lanier, which provides drinking water for nearly 3 million people in the metro Atlanta area. Built by the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers in the 1950s, Lake Lanier encompasses approximately 38,000 acres in Northern Georgia.
Other examples include Lake Lanier’s sister reservoir, Lake Allatoona, and Lake Rhodiss in North Carolina.
Flood Control
Flood control is almost always a factor in creating man-made lakes, particularly those on river systems with multiple dams.
These reservoirs can hold in or release extra water depending on the needs of the downstream environment.
Such lakes that factor in downstream flood control include Lake Texoma in Texas and Oklahoma and Logan Martin Lake in Alabama.
These water bodies protect countless communities along their shores from devastating floods caused by area rivers and streams.
Hydroelectricity
Almost all dams on major rivers and lakes are now outfitted with turbines that produce hydroelectricity.
As water is released and flows through the dam, it spins these turbines, generating “green” energy.
While it is a growing, important, clean source of energy, hydroelectricity only generates about 7 percent of the country’s total energy production.
Lakes with hydroelectricity plants include Lake Oconee in Georgia, Lake Hamilton in Arkansas and Lake Murray in South Carolina.
Natural Coolant
Some lakes are created to keep nuclear power plants cool.
Like hydroelectricity, nuclear power is also a much cleaner energy source than coal or natural gas burning facilities.
Such reservoirs include Lake Anna in Virginia and Lake Keowee in South Carolina.
Efficient and clean energy — it’s a win/win.
Recreation
While recreation may not be the primary reason many lakes were created, it is what draws most people to the area.
At first glance, recreational activities may not seem as important as accessible drinking water, flood control or hydroelectricity, but they play a major part in driving tourism in the area, which brings in significant revenue to help boost local economies.
Not only are these bodies of water wonderful places to live, they also provide many unseen benefits to everyone in the region.
What is your favorite lake and how does it impact your community? Comment below and let us know!