Tailwater

Tailwater refers to waters located immediately downstream from a hydraulic structure, such as a dam, spillway, bridge or culvert.

Consistent flows, higher temperatures, and clear water found in tailwaters create an ideal habitat for filamentous green algae.

Nearly half of these species are specialists who spend their entire lives underwater and do not provide energy to the surrounding terrestrial environment.

The construction of the tailwater itself is a severe environmental disturbance that can reduce richness, but immediately following dam completion, many native fish species can still be found.

Tailwater flows can alter substrate size making it difficult for native fish to build spawning areas.

The resulting dam discharge is relatively cold compared to the natural temperature of waterway due to the stratification of water that occurs in reservoirs.

Nutrients from the lake upstream are released into the tailwater, creating a productive environment in which target fish species, usually trout, can thrive.