Dams in European Context 5th

Dams form an essential part of the infrastructure of many countries. Control of water, whether for agriculture, public or industrial supply, or flood alleviation is a prerequisite for social and economic development. These structures form a small but significant risk to the communities to which they are intended to be of benefit. Catastrophic failure of dams can cause extreme flooding conditions downstream, also endangering the supply of key utilities. The operational safety of dams and the development of new technologies related to maintenance and rehabilitation are important issues for professionals as well as for the general public. This volume reveals how changes in water resource management will effect the environment of dams and related structures.