Al Braden Photographer

An early source of electric power, hydro is largely operating at its practical potential - while in many areas water needs and environmental issues begin to take precedence. It remains an important carbon free contributor, and one that is often used to handle high demand periods. Hydro power stations can be either 'run of river' or fill intermittent demand.

In today's world - especially in the drought challenged western United States - the water is now much more valuable that the electricity produced.