List of dams and reservoirs in China
Dams and reservoirs in China are numerous and have had a profound effect on the country's development and people. According to the World Commission on Dams in 2000, there were 22,104 dams over the height of 15 m (49 ft) operating in China. Of the world's total large dams, China accounts for the most – 20 percent of them; 45 percent of which are used for irrigation. Accordingly, the oldest in China still in use belongs to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System which dates back to 256 BC. In 2005, there were over 80,000 reservoirs in the country and over 4,800 dams completed or under construction that stands at or exceed 30 m (98 ft) in height. As of 2007, China is also the world's leader in the construction of large dams; followed by Turkey, and Japan in third. The tallest dam in China is the Jinping-I Dam at 305 m (1,001 ft), an arch dam, which is also the tallest dam in the world. The largest reservoir is created by the Three Gorges Dam, which stores 39.3 billion m3 (31,900,000 acre feet) of water and has a surface area of 1,045 km2 (403 sq mi). Three Gorges is also the world's largest power station.
Dams and their associated reservoirs are constructed by the country for several reasons including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, irrigation, drought mitigation, navigation and tourism. China has the largest potential for hydropower in the world and currently ranks first in hydroelectric generating capacity with about 200,000 MW online. These benefits have come with adverse effects such as resettlement and inundation while impeding river flow often leads to habitat loss and on certain rivers there are issues with trans-boundary river flow.
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