A spillway is a structure constructed in a hydroelectric dam to provide a safe path for floodwaters to escape to some downstream area. Generally, the area that the spillway is released to is the river on which the hydroelectric dam was constructed. These spillways are an important functional part of a hydroelectric facility. If there is too much water going through the dam, elements like the turbines cannot function properly and can be damaged. Spillways protect these other parts from damage or complications.
