Chapter 9. Dams and Their Discontents: Are the Benefits Worth the Costs?

Dams and aqueducts - the quintessential “hard path” technologies - are among the most useful, but also the most problematic, water-management tools. This chapter addresses the complex issues associated with these technologies, including questions such as these:

  • How has the discourse around dams changed over the last century? 
  • What are the impacts of dams on rivers and communities?
  • Can we maximize the benefits of dams while minimizing their social and ecological impacts?
  • What are the benefits and possible pitfalls of removing dams?
  • What are the pros and cons of long-distance water transport through aqueducts? 

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