The role of Cloud Affected Forests (CAFs) on water inputs to dams

► We present the most detailed geo-referenced database of dams (KCL TDD), across the global extent of CAFs, with around 18,770 dams and associated watersheds. ► About 32% of tropical, and sub-tropical land from 23.5N to 35.5S, flows into a dam. ► 41% of the current extent of CAFs is found in the watersheds of dams. ► CAFs represent only 4.4% of all tropical and sub-tropical areas (from 23.5N to 35.5S) that drain to dams but filter more than a fifth of the surface water available to downstream dams within these latitudes.