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The hard engineering method involves building artificial structures to control rivers. They are high-cost structures with the majority being funded by the government.
Dams, resevoirs, and retentions
The dam traps water, which builds up behind it, forming a reservoir. Water can be released in a controlled way. The reservoir is an artificial body of water that is used to store and manage water resources, they are usually created by constructing dams across rivers. Retentions are made in the urban area, usually underground. They are used to store water in the urban area.
Advantages:
Can be used to produce electricity by passing the water through the turbine with the dam.
Has gates that could be opened or closed to manage the flow of water. This can be applicable for various purposes such as flood control, water supply, and irrigation.
Disadvantages:
Expensive.
Sometimes traps sediments within the dam, so the reservoir will be able to hold less water.
Habitats are flooded often leading to rotting vegetation. This releases methane which is a greenhouse gas.
Settlements are lost leading to the displacement of people.
River straightening and dredging
Straightening the river speeds up the water so high volumes of water can pass through an area quickly. Dredging makes the river deeper so it can hold more water.
Advantages:
More water can be held in the channel.
It can be used to reduce flood risk in built-up areas.
Disadvantages:
Dredging needs to be done frequently.
Speeding up the river increases flood risk downstream.
Flood relief channels
The floodwater flows into the relief channel and is taken either to an area where it can be absorbed or re-enters the river further down its course.
Advantages:
Removes excess water from the river channel to reduce flooding.
Disadvantages:
Expensive.
If the water level rises, the relief channel will also flood.
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