Descoberto river dam, Gravity dam in Federal District, Brazil

Descoberto River Dam is a concrete gravity dam in the Federal District of Brazil, built across the Descoberto River to form a large drinking water reservoir. The dam controls the flow of the river and channels stored water to treatment facilities that serve communities across the region.

The dam was completed in 1974, built during a period when the Federal District was growing fast after Brasilia became the national capital in 1960. The project was one of several water infrastructure works carried out to keep pace with the needs of the expanding population.

The reservoir is owned by Caesb, the Federal District's water and sanitation company, and its level is monitored by the regulator ADASA. The lake forms part of the Environmental Protection Area of the Descoberto River Basin, a protected zone around the water supply.

The dam sits west of Brasilia near the town of Águas Lindas de Goiás and is easiest to reach by car. Access to parts of the site may be restricted, so it is worth checking in advance with local water management authorities before planning a visit.

The reservoir holds 102,900,000 cubic metres of water and supplies about 60% of the Federal District's population, serving up to 1,200,000 people. The dam is owned by Caesb, the local water and sanitation company, and its level is monitored by the water regulator ADASA.