Man-made lakes, or reservoirs, are artificial lakes built near dams to supply water for various uses. Exploration and interrupting a water source to make an embayment can create man-made lakes that conserve fresh water. In the U.S., more than 53,000 lakes are man-made, accounting for 48% of all lakes or about the same number as natural lakes.
The National Lakes Assessment (NLA) found that natural lakes in the country range in size from small to large by surface area and volume. Man-made lakes are much smaller. The research also found that 40% of man-made lakes are under 10 acres. However, some reservoirs are large enough to resemble lakes.
Hydroelectric generation, potable water, agricultural irrigation, flood control, fisheries, recreation, and navigation are all possible with reservoirs. They create habitats for many creatures. Many of the bigger US ones are multipurpose.
Man-made lakes are gorgeous, even though they’re not natural. Locals adore them for their outdoor leisure and wildlife-rich surroundings. What are these gigantic man-made lakes, and where are they? The 3 largest US man-made lakes are listed below.
Lake Mead, Nevada
With a total capacity of 28,945,000 acre-feet and a length of 112 miles, Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in the United States. It is also one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, with a depth of 532 feet at its deepest point and a shoreline of 759 miles.
Given its massive size, it’s no surprise that it piques people’s interest and prompts the question, “Is Lake Mead man-made?” It is thanks to the information supplied here.
Lake Mead, located on the Arizona-Nevada border, was created by the damming of the world-famous Hoover Dam in the Colorado River. The reservoir, which opened in 1936, was designed to offer hydroelectric power, water supply, recreational opportunities, and habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Despite being the largest dam in the United States by capacity, Lake Mead rarely fills due to Arizona, Nevada, and California’s protracted drought. Lake Mead, which supplies water to nearly 20 million people in these states, was last filled to capacity in 1983. Lake Mead frequently reaches 40% capacity.
Lake Powell, Arizona
Lake Powell, with a total capacity of 26,214,900 acre-feet and a total surface area of 161,000 acres, is the United States’ second-largest reservoir. Aside from providing significant water storage for the American states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico, Lake Powell is also well-known for its magnificent landscape, which attracts approximately two million tourists and visitors annually.
Lake Powell, like Lake Mead, was built by a dam (Glen Canyon Dam) on the Colorado River. It has a maximum depth of 532 feet and is located between the states of Arizona and Utah. During the spring months, the reservoir’s water source is melted snow.
Lake Sakakawea (North Dakota)
Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota covers a total surface area of 307,000 acres and has a full capacity of 24,300,000 acre-feet. The lake has a maximum depth of 180 feet and a 1,320-mile shoreline, making it North Dakota’s largest man-made lake and the third-largest in the US.
The reservoir was created by the Garrison Dam to accommodate recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Aside from this function, the dam was designed to offer irrigation, navigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power. Damming the Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea was completed in 1953 and took three to 10 years to fill to capacity.
Conclusion
Man-made lakes, comprising nearly half of all lakes in the U.S., serve crucial roles in hydroelectric power, water supply, agriculture, and recreation. Among them, Lake Mead and Lake Powell stand out as the largest, each a testament to human engineering. Despite their artificial origins, these reservoirs contribute significantly to water management and environmental conservation.