Sediment Deposition in Nigeria Reservoirs: Impacts and Control Measures

Abstract

This work examines the issue of sediment deposition in reservoirs. As death is an inevitable end for humans, so is siltation an inevitable end for reservoirs. Sediment content of river inflows into reservoirs depletes the available storage capacity thereby reducing the benefits such as domestic and industrial water supplies, hydro power generation, irrigation, navigation, fish and wild life, sanitation and recreation, flood control, ground water recharge, etc. Sediment distribution pattern of the reservoir was examined. Factors affecting siltation in reservoirs were also captured. Impacts of reservoirs on the environment and our health were discussed.  Different methods of controlling silting in reservoirs were examined. It was recommended that there should be periodic monitoring of sedimentation in our reservoirs to prolong the life of the reservoirs and sustain their benefits.

Keywords: sediment deposition, storage capacity, reservoir life.