Which of the following can result from human interference with waterways?

Human interference with waterways can lead to various consequences, one of which is dam-failure floods. When infrastructure such as dams is constructed to manage water flow, generate hydroelectric power, or provide irrigation, it creates a controlled environment for the water below. However, several factors—such as design flaws, poor maintenance, seismic activity, or extreme weather events—can compromise the integrity of a dam. If a dam fails, the released volumes of water can lead to catastrophic flooding downstream, endangering lives, property, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Dam-failure floods are particularly notable because they can result in sudden and severe water level increases, which are often much more significant than the gradual rises that might occur from stormwater runoff or river swelling. This presents potential hazards not only to human communities but also to wildlife which may not be adapted to such rapid changes in their environment.

In this context, while decreased water flow in rivers, increased sedimentation in streams, and improved water quality in lakes are effects that can arise from human activities, they generally do not have the same immediate and severe consequences as dam-failure floods.