Supply of Water Power in the United States

In olden times, the simple water wheel, served by its nearby dam and canal, was purely of local value. Introduction of the turbine increased efficiency but not the range of service. Next came steam generation, expanding the over-all power picture, to the detriment of water power, relatively. A new phase began with electricity, by making large hydro generating units feasible and in particular by greatly extending the area of distribution. Tabulations and graphs with country- wide coverage, supplementing the economic findings, show the tremendous strides that have since been made in hydroelectric power production. However, economic limitations have now appeared, since western generating and eastern load centers do not coincide and since many regions are fast approaching depletion of unused hydroelectric possibilities. Meanwhile engineering, by better designs and practices, is partly meeting the increased needs by greater effectiveness.