Introduction

Abstract

Why the need for reservoirs in water resources management programs? Simply, for the regulation and control of natural water flow patterns and regimes — in order to meet and satisfy the spatial and temporal water needs of society. In fact, prospects for improved standards of living in many regions of the world hinges in part on the development and rational management of water resources systems — including the construction of dams and/or reservoirs. Flow regulation in water resources management is indeed one of the most important tools for supporting irrigation to boost food production; for the protection of life and property by mitigating the destructive effects of floods and droughts; and for the generation of energy to supply electricity — among other things. Some of these benefits cannot be realized without the construction of dams and, subsequently, the effective operation of the concomitant storage reservoirs.