Lakes and Reservoirs

Lakes and reservoirs are bodies of stored freshwater, but they differ in origin. Lakes are natural, large bodies of water formed by geological processes, containing freshwater or sometimes saltwater. Reservoirs are man-made, created by constructing dams across rivers to store water for purposes like drinking, irrigation, hydropower, or flood control. While lakes naturally exist in the environment, reservoirs are designed and maintained for specific human needs. Both serve as vital water resources, supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and communities, but reservoirs typically have regulated water levels and flow stemming from human intervention.