Dams are large, strong concrete holdings that serve as an active barrier against water. Dams are often used either to create a watershed where a community's drinking supply comes from, or can serve as protection against strong rains and flash floods. In addition, dams are good for the sustenance of local wildlife, serving its own ecosystem and indigenous species in the area.
Aside from all the good dams have done for us, people are exploring a new, more recreational use for the world's dams - Dam-Release Rafting. White water rafting and Kayaking are both great water sports that involve sitting in a boat and rowing as a good form of exercise or leisure. Most rafting and kayaking activities are done in rapids, or spots on the river that are narrower and shallower, so that the participant enjoys the thrill of riding the rapids.
Now, National Geographic says that dams don't always stay closed, they are equipped with mechanical systems that allow the dam to open in order to release water. Valves connected to the dam are so powerful, that they can release up to 8,000 liters of water in a single minute (2,113 gallons in 1 minute). This release is done in order to let the water pass through, and is used when there are threats to the dam's structural integrity, or a higher water supply is needed for a community's consumption, farming, or for hydroelectric power plants.
Releasing water from a dam in just one day can cost up to £1,500 ($1,952), however, more and more people have been requesting dam-releases in order to go white water rafting. Quiet streams turn into raging rapids in a matter of minutes, with the volume of water reaching 900 million liters (almost 24 million gallons), 50 times the normal amount, increasing the speed of the water by up to 10 times its usual speed.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
