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Water School

Archive by category: HydropowerReturn

Why do electric companies need water?

Water is an essential part of the electrical generating process at steam-electric power plants. The plants generate heat, either through the burning of fossil fuels, or in the case of a nuclear plant, through a nuclear reaction. Water is pumped into the area and turned to steam by the heat. That steam builds pressure, which turns the turbines that generate electricity.  After passing through the turbines, the spent steam must be cooled to remove the remaining heat from the process.  Water from t...
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What is a hydroelectric plant?

A hydroelectric plant uses energy provided by the weight of water to rotate turbines that generate electricity.  Considered renewable energy, hydroelectric plants are located at dams and utilize water stored in the reservoir.  Once the stored water is passed through the turbines to generate electricity, it is allowed to continue downstream.
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The information provided on this site is intended as background on water within the Brazos River basin. There should be no expectation that this information is all encompassing, complete or in any way examines every aspect of this very complex natural resource.

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