Download coordinates as: Water can be supplied by diversion from a nearby river, tidal current, electric pumps, or a combination.
A single channel on the Olympic model — a six-metre (20 ft) drop at 17 m³/s — represents one megawatt of energy, either supplied by pumps or sacrificed in the case of diversion around a hydroelectric generator.
Ironically, diversion is often more expensive than pumping if the diverted water would have made a bigger drop inside the hydroelectric facility.
Most artificial whitewater courses cover their operating costs by charging passengers for guided raft rides.
Every city that hosts a summer Olympics is now expected to build a spectacular new whitewater stadium, usually powered by electric pumps.