The world’s supply of fossil fuels such as coal
and oil is rapidly depleting. At the same time, we are become more aware of the
large toll that the use of these fossil fuels is taking on our environment. Not
only do they contribute to increased pollution and carbon dioxide levels but
mining practices required to tap these sources are often
devastating.As a result, the need for environmentally friendly,
renewable power sources becomes more evident every day. One of the most
exciting and widely used forms of alternate energy is hydroelectric power.
Hydroelectric power is known to be a clean and renewable resource with many
benefits.
From nearly the dawn of recorded time, mankind
has sought to find ways to utilize the power of water. We have used it for
travel, for processing our grain, and for sanitation. The use of water
wheels to generate primitive forms of hydroelectric power dates back to ancient
civilizations in Greece and Rome. Since its inception, hydroelectric power has
proven to be very valuable and modifications and improvements h