What term describes a lake that stores water for human use?

A reservoir is a specific term used to refer to a large body of water that is created and maintained for the purpose of storing water for human use, such as drinking, irrigation, and recreation. It is often formed by damming rivers or streams. The significance of a reservoir lies in its ability to provide a reliable water supply, especially in areas where natural water bodies are insufficient or irregular.

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present at or near the surface for part of the year but are not primarily created for water storage for human use; instead, they serve ecological functions. Estuaries are the transition areas where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the sea, playing a crucial role in ecosystems but not specifically designed for human water storage. Bays are coastal bodies of water partially enclosed by land, which can be important for marine life and navigation but do not necessarily store water for human use in the way a reservoir does. Thus, the term "reservoir" distinctly identifies a man-made structure designed for water storage and management.