Dams and hydropower projects can have impacts on:

Dams and hydropower projects can have impacts on river flow, fish migration, sedimentation, and other aspects of the environment.

• River flow: Dams can alter the natural flow of a river, which can have a number of impacts on the river ecosystem. For example, dams can reduce the amount of water available for downstream users, such as farmers and fish populations. Dams can also change the timing of flooding and droughts, which can disrupt the lives of people and animals that depend on the river.
• Fish migration: Dams can block fish from migrating upstream to spawn or downstream to feed. This can lead to a decline in fish populations, as well as changes in the genetic makeup of fish populations.
• Sedimentation: Dams can trap sediment that would otherwise be carried downstream. This can lead to changes in the river’s channel and a loss of habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Other impacts: Dams can also have impacts on water quality, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. They can also displace people and communities, and disrupt cultural and religious practices.

It is important to consider all of the potential impacts of dams and hydropower projects before making a decision about whether or not to build one.