What is a harmful consequence of hydroelectric power use? Dams release a lot of pollution downstream. Water released from a dam
is colder and contains less oxygen, which can harm fish downstream of a dam. Dam construction leads to increased run off into waterways. Water downstream of a dam has higher concentrations of nutrients than water upstream of the dam.
The increase in carbon dioxide and methane emissions from a hydroelectric plant can also harm all forms of aquatic plant life. The increased pollution of these greenhouse gases can cause plant life beneath the water to rot, which can severely impact the surrounding ecosystem.
