Water evaporation can have a significant impact on reservoir storage, particularly in regions with hot and arid climates. As water surfaces in the reservoir are exposed to the atmosphere, especially in warm and arid regions, evaporation causes a gradual loss of water volume. Over time, this can reduce the overall storage capacity of the reservoir. In areas with high evaporation rates, the impact can be considerable, leading to the need for more frequent water replenishment or reducing the available water supply.
Reservoir managers must account for evaporation in their calculations and water management strategies to ensure the reservoir continues to meet its intended purposes, such as water supply, irrigation, or power generation, while minimizing the effects of water loss through evaporation.
