WATER CYCLE

Hydropower uses the water cycle to generate electricity. The sun heats water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing evaporation. Water vapor forms clouds and falls as rain or snow, replenishing rivers and reservoirs. Dams capture this flowing water, storing it in reservoirs. When released, the water flows through turbines, spinning them to generate electricity. This process converts the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy, then into electrical energy, providing a renewable power source.

The REAL Water Cycle: The Water Cycle Revisited

Illustration of a landscape with soil, trees, and sky, and overlaying white text in orange boxes across the image

Matty The Water Molecule Game

Illustration of islands in a body of water with an overlay of black text and a cartoon of a blue head with big eyes

Humans And The Water Cycle

A long white dam across a body of water with mountains in the background

HYDROPOWER

Conventional hydropower generates electricity using the energy of flowing water. Dams are built on rivers to create reservoirs, storing water. When released, the water flows through turbines, spinning them to produce electricity. This process converts the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy. Hydropower is renewable, as it relies on the water cycle, and it's a major source of clean energy worldwide, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Hoover Dam | Vegas PBS STEAM Camp

A person wearing a hard hat and safety glasses stands in front of a tall dam and points

Grand Coulee Dam And The Colville Indian Reservation

Non-Powered Dams Offer Opportunity For Clean Energy

A shallow dam and lake with an elevated train track in the background with blue sky and trees

WATER MANAGEMENT

Hydropower helps manage water systems by regulating river flows to prevent floods, store water, and support irrigation. It ensures a steady water supply for agriculture and communities. However, altered precipitation patterns and increased droughts brought on by climate change can affect water availability. Changing river flows can reduce hydropower efficiency and reliability. Addressing these challenges requires adaptive management to balance energy production with water resource sustainability.