ABSTRACT
Water can be gotten from various sources, one of which is surface water. Surface water sources are veritable sources of water supply to communities. Raw surface water is usually stored in reservoirs. Globally, the storage capacity of reservoirs is reducing due to many factors, chief of which is reservoir sedimentation. While human population and water demand are on the rise due to population increase and industrialisation, the water storage capacity is declining. If left unchecked, this phenomenon can lead to an imbalance in water distribution systems, creating scarcity of potable water. This study aims to investigate current methods and strategies for managing sedimentation in dams and reservoirs. The study was carried out by extensive review of the literature in journals, internet resources and other relevant materials on state-of-the-art methods, procedures, and best practices and strategies in the management of sedimentation in dams and reservoirs. Nine case studies across the world including: (1) Marah Dam in Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe (2) Aswan High Dam, Egypt (3) Kanji Dam, Nigeria. (4) Nunobiki Dam, Japan (5) Asahi Dam, Japan (6) Afaka Forest reserve, Kaduna, Nigeria (7) Murera reservoir, Kenya (8) Mangla Dam, Pakistan and (9) Three Gorges Dam, China were reviewed. The results of the study indicate that combating reservoir sedimentation requires a multipronged approach, focusing on both preventive and mitigating measures such as watershed management in the catchment area, sediment flushing and desilting. Thus, the study recommends regular sediment monitoring and assessment, implementing sediment management strategies based on peculiar characteristics of the reservoir, stakeholder education and engagement and implementing policy and regulation as a means of improving the functionality and longevity of dam infrastructure while preserving the health of river ecosystems and supporting communities dependent on these water resources.
