1 \u2013 Lakes are water-bodies formed naturally whereas reservoirs are artificial water bodies constructed by humans , either by damming a flowing river or by diverting water from a river to an artificial basin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 \u2013 A lake usually contains freshwater but some can be saltwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 \u2013 Lakes also work to replenish groundwater , positively influence water quality of downstream watercourses , and preserve the biodiversity and habitat of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4 \u2013 Lakes are highly valued for their recreationa l, aesthetic , scenic , and the water they contain is one of the most treasured of our natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5 \u2013 Lakes constitute important habitats and food resources for a diverse array of fish, aquatic life , and wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 \u2013 Lake transportation is far cheaper than rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 \u2013 Lakes are used by humans for many commercial purposes , including fishing , transportation , irrigation , industrial water supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 \u2013 More than 96.5 percent of the Earth\u2019s water is in its oceans , leaving only about 3.5 percent of it on land. Furthermore , about 70 percent of this water is frozen in polar icecaps or glaciers. Most of the rest lies deep underground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 \u2013 Large lakes and reservoirs are used as drinking water supplies , household use and for agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10 \u2013 Aside from their importance for human use, lakes have intrinsic ecological and environmental values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11 \u2013 They store water , thereby helping to regulate stream flow; recharge ground water aquifers; and moderate droughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 \u2013 Proper lake function can ease the impact of floods and droughts by storing large amounts of water and releasing it during shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13 \u2013 A lake moderates the surrounding region\u2019s temperature and climate because water has a very high specific heat capacity. In the daytime a lake can cool the land beside it with local winds , resulting in a sea breeze; in the night it can warm it with a land breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14 \u2013 Lakes are used to generate energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n