Water Management Scheme

Case Study - Three Gorges Dam

    • Based in Hubei province, China
    • The three gorges dam is a dam built across three gorges (duh!)
    • The three gorges are the Wu gorge, the Xi Ling Gorge and the Qu Tang Gorge
    • These are located on the YangTze River
    • Chong Qing is located on the west side of the river
    • YangTze river encounters big problems due to constant erosion
    • Many villages on the coast of river are in danger of being destroyed
    • River has a more meandering shape

Why the scheme was necessary

Environmental Factors

    • Provide alternative source (renewable) energy
      • Dam consists of 26 hydroelectricity generators
    • To prevent flooding
    • Stabilise water levels on two sides of the river
    • Provide reliable source of water for civilians

Human Factors

    • Prestige
      • Idea came from Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Chinese legend)
      • Claimed to be a human miracle that should be compared / considered with the Pyramids and the Parthenon
    • Would be the world's biggest hydroelectric power plant when built
      • Creates a more international image
      • Environmentally-friendly China (never....)

Effects*

Effects - People

    • Needed labourers to build dam - employment opportunities for people in Chong Qing
    • 20 000 worked around the clock in 2001
    • 26 hydroelectric generators make the dam the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world
    • Able to generate 15% of China's electricity - 18000 Megawatts
    • Connects the two parts of river together - five grade shiplocks
    • Assist in river shipping
      • Can lift ships as much as 113m when water levels reach 175m
    • Increases water supply for Chong Qing and villages
    • An extra tourist spot for tourists (The Heavenly Pit)
  • 1.5 million people have been relocated, 4 million will be relocated
  • Dam failure could threaten tens of millions of lives
  • The rising water level is a threat to neighbouring villages
  • The loss of farmland by the river will affect the farmers

Effects - Environment

    • Reduce 150 million tonnes of carbon emissions
    • Reduce usage of fossil fuels
      • Can replace coal-powered power station that would consume 50 million tonnes annually
  • Scientists express concern over landslides and water pollution
  • Erosion in reservoir (induced by rising water level) will cause frequent landslides
  • Reduction in species such as Yangtze alligator, Baiji dolphins, Chinese sturgeon
  • Could be world's largest cesspool
  • China still produces greenhouse gases (70+% of China's energy production are from burning coal)
  • Dam contributed to high levels of algae outbreaks in river
  • Reduced water velocity
  • Weakened ability of self-purification
  • Water may not be suitable for drinking

*Positive Effects = Green, Negative Effects = Red