Water is stored in a reservoir by constructing a dam across a river or in a valley. The dam acts as a barrier, blocking the natural flow of water and creating a large, artificial lake or reservoir basin behind it. As precipitation or water from rivers and streams enters the basin, it accumulates and forms the stored water.
The dam is designed to hold back this water, ensuring its containment within the reservoir. By controlling the water inflow and outflow through an outlet structure equipped with gates or valves, reservoir operators can manage the water level and release it as needed for various purposes, such as supplying freshwater, flood control, irrigation, or hydroelectric power generation.
