Instream use

Unlike withdrawal uses, instream uses cannot be measured quantitatively because the water is not removed from its natural environment. Instead, instream uses are described by certain characteristics of the water or by the benefits they provide to us and the ecosystem.

Flow rates and water levels are very important factors for instream uses. When these conditions are changed by a dam, for example, it is easy for conflicts to arise. The most common conflict is between hydroelectric development and other uses with respect of aquatic life, wildlife, water supply and water transportation. Storage of the spring freshet (a high river flow caused by rapidly melting snow) removes the natural variability of streamflows on which many life processes depend, in particular, the highly productive ecosystems of deltas, estuaries and wetlands. To make the best use of our water, all needs must be carefully assessed and taken into account.

The main instream uses are:

• Hydroelectric power generation
• Water transport
• Freshwater fisheries
• Wildlife
• Recreation
• Waste disposal

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