What is the main purpose of Castaic Dam?

The main purpose of Castaic Dam centers around hydroelectric power generation. This facility is part of the California State Water Project and plays a significant role in managing water resources while also producing electricity. The dam utilizes a pumped-storage system, where water is pumped to the upper reservoir during low electricity demand and released to generate power during peak demand. This ability to store energy in the form of water makes hydroelectric power generation the primary function of the dam.

While the dam also contributes to water storage, flood control, and supplying water, these roles support primarily its hydroelectric capabilities. Agricultural water storage is crucial for regions like the Central Valley, but Castaic Dam is primarily designed for energy production. Flood control is an important aspect of many dams, yet the core purpose of Castaic is its hydroelectric output, utilizing its water management system to generate power efficiently.