Economic benefits of rivers:

• Rivers provide water which is a basic natural resource for various human activities.
• They are used for irrigation, navigation and generation of hydroelectric power.
• They have a moderating influence on the climate of the surroundings and maintain the aquatic ecosystem.

Economic benefits of lakes:

• They help to regulate the flow of a river.
• They prevent flooding at times of heavy rainfall and during the dry season, they help to maintain an even flow of water.
• They also have a moderating influence on the surrounding climatic conditions and maintain the aquatic ecosystem.
• They enhance the natural beauty and recreational activities by encouraging tourism.
• Lakes are also used for the generation of hydroelectricity.