Out of nine majors dams for electric power generation in the basin, three are used for water accumulation (Tres Marias, Sobradinho, and Itaparica); therefore, the rainfall that occurs in this drainage area controls the regulatory mechanisms of its
defluent discharges in such a manner that when the water storage limit of the constructed dams and reservoirs exceeds the river water levels, there is a corresponding increase in the river discharge and flow velocity downstream.
when beside thy secret source, Remembrance points the mighty course Thy
defluent waters keep; Advancing, with perpetual flow, Through banks still widening as they go, To mingle with the deep!