Inside the Earth Natural environments: Rocks and soils 190

The importance of rivers

Water supply Rivers are the largest source of drinking water in the world. (Drinking water is also sourced from lakes and groundwater.) In some countries, dams have been built across certain rivers to collect the water in a reservoir. The water is piped from the reservoir to Poulaphouca dam and hydro station in towns and cities. The dam can also be used to generate Blessington, Co. Wicklow hydroelectric power. Energy The energy produced by flowing water can be harnessed and used to generate hydroelectricity. Ireland’s first hydroelectric power station was built on the River Shannon at Ardnacrusha in Co. Clare. Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station, Co. Clare Water farming and fishing When a river floods, it can sometimes cause a lot of damage. However, flooding also transfers nutrients from the water to the soil over thousands of years. This makes the land in a floodplain good for agriculture. Aquaculture is the farming of fish or shellfish in rivers and seas. It is an important food source for populations around the world. In Ireland, there are a number of freshwater trout farms attached to our rivers.

Transport and trade Before the invention of buses and lorries, rivers were commonly used to transport people and goods around Ireland by boat. In the past in Ireland, goods could only be imported and exported by sea. In the 18th century, Dublin Port began to develop on the banks of the River Liffey, close to the river’s mouth. The port had wharves where ships could load or unload their cargo safely. Today, Dublin Port is the largest and busiest seaport in Ireland. Recreation Nowadays, many recreational activities take place along rivers. Popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, cruising and angling. These are great ways to enjoy the natural landscape and appreciate the diversity of freshwater flora and fauna. Many parks and walkways have also been established alongside rivers. Can using water features in this way also cause damage to the water systems, do you think? Habitats Rivers provide habitats for many types of freshwater flora and fauna. This means that rivers have a rich and varied biodiversity. The river itself is home to fish, amphibians and aquatic plants, while the river bank provides a habitat for birds, small mammals and waterside plants. How do you think human activity on a river can affect these plants and wildlife?

Trout farm, Co. Kilkenny Dublin Port

River kayaking River Liffey riverbank