Unbelievably large quantities of water are required to keep the canal operational - approximately 52 million gallons of water are released into the sea per single lockage. Gatun Lake (SEE TRIUMPHS AND SCANDALS) was constructed particularly for the purpose of providing water. It is 163 square miles in area, built between the Miraflores and [P 012 / Gatun Locks], and is maintained at 85 feet above sea level. Gatun Dam and Madden Dam hold the lake back and provide it with water through the spillways. They are also used to generate electricity throughout the entire Canal Zone. Rainfall and river measurements are broadcasted through hydrologic telemeters -microwave radio transmitters controlled from 11 unmanned remote stations. In the past the dams were filled by water from the surrounding rainforests, but in recent years water levels have dropped substantially because of consistent felling of trees. This has started causing great concern as the operation of the canal may well be jeopardized.
