Keswick Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Shasta County, United States
Keswick Dam is a concrete gravity dam and power station on the Sacramento River in California. The structure holds back water and channels it through turbines to generate electricity while managing river flow downstream.
Construction of the Keswick Dam began in 1941 as part of California's major water management initiative. The project marked an important development in harnessing the Sacramento River for power generation and water supply.
The dam forms part of the Central Valley Project, which transformed California's agricultural capabilities through improved water distribution and power generation systems.
The site is visible from above and shows the structure of the facility with the water reservoir and power station buildings. Visitors should know that the area operates as a working power plant and may have restricted access, so viewing from outside or from designated areas is usually best.
The facility plays an important role in managing acid drainage from the Iron Mountain Mine, preventing heavy metals from entering the Sacramento River. This pollution-control function is less known than its power generation role but crucial for water quality downstream.
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