Equalizing basin

[1] The hydropower station sited above the basin works only a few hours a day.

Without some form of equalization, however, the tailwaters would run dry when the turbines shut down.

This would result in extremely low levels of water, causing serious problems for the plants and animals that live in and around the stream or river.

During periods when the turbines are running (peak current generation) the equalizing basin fills up; during periods when the turbines are shut down, the basin drains gradually.

The water flowing out of the equalizing basin into the tailstream can be used in a run-of-river power station.