An artificial waterway, also known as a CANAL, is a man-made channel of water constructed to serve a variety of purposes, such as providing irrigation, navigation, and drainage. Canals are typically built to connect two bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes, or to connect a body of water with a human settlement. They can also be used to transport goods and people. Canals have been used since ancient times, and continue to be an important part of modern infrastructure.