Proposed complex utilization of water resources in the Prut River basin

Abstract

The realization of the proposed water-resources development scheme for the multi-purpose utilization of water and land resources in the Prut River basin would make possible the following: a) flood control, which would prevent the frequent flooding of 250,000 ha of lowland. This would make it possible to include the area in a program of intensive agricultural utilization, and would also prevent flooding and erosion of existing settlements and other objectives of the economy. b) The proposed multi-purpose storage reservoirs would permit regulating the river flow for water supply, irrigation and power generation. The total capacity of the run-of-river and pumped-storage plants in the basin is planned at 640,000 kW (if necessary it could be increased by increasing the capacity of the pumped-storage plants) with a total energy generation of 1047 million kWh/yr in a region with a big deficit in peak capacity. c) To achieve in the limits of the USSR territory land improvement on a 147,000 ha area and to improve agricultural utilization of the land on a 57,000 ha area. d) To reduce soil erosion, to protect agricultural facilities, and to increase land productivity. e) The storage reservoirs would create favorable conditions for recreation and sports facilities.