intake

This can assist with navigation of the channel by boats, create a drop for generating hydropower, and make water available at intakes for water supply and irrigation.

You can build most of the structure away from the main channel, then divert the river through the recently-constructed intake or spillway, and finally construct the closure section of the dam.

We might expect that the most natural response to being told by a kind, patient and attractive person that they loved us would after a small intake of breath be to believe them.