Hoover Dam - Hydroelectric Power on the Colorado River

The Hoover Dam, one of the world's largest, is an example of water use on the Colorado River. The dam provides electricity to thousands of people, but has massive environmental effects. By controlling the flow of water, annual flooding has ended, and the salinity levels of Lake Mead at its base is changing. As a result, the ecosystems are affected, with 4 species of native fish now listed as endangered.