The Colorado River in the United States has been dammed for a variety of purposes, including water consumption, hydropower generation and flood control. However, these actions have had negative impacts. One of the consequences has been a reduction in the flow of water reaching the river’s deltas for extended periods of time, which has adversely affected fish and wildlife habitats. In addition, sediment deposition has decreased, particularly in the Grand Canyon, while the lower irrigated areas of the basin have experienced increased salinity and chemical deposition.