Malpaso Dam

The Malpaso Dam, officially called Nezahualcóyotl Dam, is in the central region of Chiapas, Mexico, near the border with Tabasco and Veracruz. She was the first of several major dams, which were built on the Grijalva River for the purpose of hydroelectric power generation. It has the second largest reservoir in Mexico after the La Angostura Dam.

Reservoir

The dam flooded large areas of rainforest and farmland, various cities, villages and archaeological sites, including the city Quechula, the Dominican church emerges from the 16th century at low water level of the lake, and San Isidro with an ancient Mesoamerican ball court. For the reservoir hundreds of families had to be relocated; they now live in Nuevo Quechula. The reservoir and the subsequent construction of a motorway have promoted ecotourism in the region.

Hydroelectric power station

The hydroelectric power plant with six 180 MW Francis turbines ( together 1080 MW) was taken 1969-1977 in operation.

Flood protection

The dam is used together with the smaller Peñitas Dam and flood protection of the state of Tabasco.

More dams on the Grijalva

• La Angostura ( Belisario Domínguez ) - upstream, first of the Grijalva - cascade, the dam with the largest storage space in Mexico
• Manuel M. Torres Dam ( Chicoasén ) - upstream, second dam
• Peñitas Dam ( Ángel Albino Corzo ) - fourth and final dam downstream