Manso Dam

Manso Dam is a hydroelectric facility in Mato Grosso State that harnesses water flow to produce electricity. The structure spans across the Manso River and uses turbine systems to convert the flowing water into power for the region.

Construction began in 1988 following devastating floods that affected the region. The completed facility began generating electricity in 1999 and has supplied power to the surrounding areas since then.

The construction displaced over 650 local families from their ancestral lands, leading to substantial changes in community structures and agricultural practices.

The reservoir behind the dam stores significant water volumes that serve regional needs. Water levels change noticeably with the seasons, so the landscape appearance shifts throughout the year.

The reservoir water level can drop dramatically during dry periods, sometimes falling to a fraction of its normal capacity. These extreme fluctuations reveal how dependent the facility is on seasonal rainfall patterns.