Hydro-Electric Power

The water is diverted to drive turbines which in turn produce electricity. Diversions usually take the form of river dams, the largest of which is the Three Gorges Dam in China. However, it is important to note that hydro-electric projects are not completely beneficial to the environment, particularly the status quo of the river. Species have been known to become endangered as a result of reduced connectivity and water supply is often disrupted.

For more general information, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity

For more information on the Three Gorges Dam in China, visit:
http://www.ctgpc.com/ - Official website
http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/china/three-gorges-dam - An environmental take on the project.

For more information on the disruption to rivers, visit;
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/surfacewater_section/stream_hydro/sideeffects.html - see section entitled 'Peaking Risks' in particular.