Chapter 2
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27
Uses of OurWaterforms
O
ur state’s waterforms serve many
useful purposes. Sometimes, we get
too much precipitation. During
heavy rains, our rivers fill withmore water
than they can carry. Beforedamswerebuilt,
the rivers would overflow their banks and
ruin crops and cities. Dams help to control
flooding by holding and storing extra
water. In dryer weather, the dams release a
steady supply of water.
Dams also help to supply Pennsylvanians
with electricity. The force of water falling
over a dam is used to turn a special engine at
a power plant. The wheeled engine creates
electricity. Electricity produced this way is
called
hydroelectric
power. Hydro means
water. Lake Wallenpaupack, in the Pocono
Mountains, has a hydroelectric plant located
at its dam. Electricity is sent through power
lines for use in homes, factories, hospitals,
and other businesses. You cannot transport
electricity by air, rail, or ship!
In addition, our state has six licensed
operating
nuclear
power plants. Nuclear
energy uses heat to create steam. This steam
is used to turn a special engine to create
electricity. In the process of creating electri-
city, water is needed to cool themachinery.
People use ourwaterforms inmanyother
ways. Some communities draw their
drinking water from rivers, streams, and
springs. In our deeper rivers, such as the
Delaware, Ohio, and Monongahela, ships
transport goods to and from communities.
Pittsburgh is one of the busiest in-landport
cities in the United States. Large lake and
ocean ships transport goods to and from
Erie and Philadelphia.
When there are waterforms, people will
use them for recreation. Thousands of
Hydroelectric power is generated at KinzuaDam.
