ESTIMATES OF WATER FLOW

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October 7, 2020)

3.0 Introduction

There are a number of good ways to measure the amount of water in a stream or a canal. What
method of measurement you should use will depend on several factors:

• The accuracy of the result needed;

• The quantity of water present in the stream or canal you will measure;
• The equipment you have available to use.

Let us compare various methods. Table 3 will help you to compare various methods and to select
the one best suited to your needs. Each of these methods is fully explained and illustrated in the
following sections.

Note: to find the time it will take to fill or empty a pond using a straight pipe or a siphon,
see Sections 3.7 and 3.8.

TABLE 3
Water flow measurement methods for streams or canals

Section Method Water flow Accuracy Remarks Equipment

Quick and An For a quick
3.1 * Small None
rough approximation estimate
Most Dam, pipe,
3.2** Bucket Very small Very high accurate of buckets,
all methods 1 -l bottle, watch
Float, stakes,
3.3** Float Medium line, measuring
stick, watch
Float, stakes,
Float and
Best for line, measuring
3.4** cross
Small to large streams with stick, record
section
Low to calm water sheet, watch
medium Dye, stakes, line,
Dye, stain
measuring stick,
3.5** and cross
record sheet,
section
watch
Does not Wood, sheet
For
vary greatly, metal or
recording
Weir, 114 l/s or smaller, corrugated roof
3.6*** High flow over a
triangular or does vary sheeting; tools
period of
greatly from for working with
time
small to large wood or metal;
 Does not vary shovel, pick, line,
Weir, greatly and is level,
rectangular greater than 114 measuring stick
l/ s

NOTE: * very simple; ** more difficult; *** most difficult.

3.1 Quick rough estimate

This is a very simple method to measure

approximate water flow in very small
streams. You do not need any special
equipment for this estimate.

Drop a leaf in the water flow of the stream

you want to measure.
Walk in the direction the leaf is floating at
a normal pace for about 30 meters or 35
paces.

See how far the leaf floats during the time

you are walking and estimate the water
flow as shown in the examples.

Examples

The leaf floats half the distance (15 m); the

stream is 20 cm wide and 10 cm deep in the
center; this stream can supply 2500 m3 of
water in one week.

The leaf floats half of the distance (15 m); the

stream is 30 cm wide and 15 cm deep in the
center; this stream can supply 10000 m3 of
water in about one week.

The leaf floats as fast as you walk (30 m); the

stream is 30 cm wide and 15 cm deep; this
stream will supply 20000 m3 of water in about
one week.
If you find that your water requirements are no If you find that your water requirements are
greater than those seen in the examples, you greater than those seen in the examples, you
do not need to make any more water flow should use one of the more accurate methods
measurements. to measure the water flow so you will be sure
that you have sufficient water available.

3.2 Bucket method

This is a simple method for measuring a very
small flow of less than 5 l/s with very high
accuracy.

Begin to build a small dam of earth across the

stream to stop the flow. You can use wood
poles, bamboo or tree branches to hold the
earth in place while you build the dam.

When the dam is about half built, put in a pipe

about 5-7 cm in diameter and about 1-1.5 m
long. This pipe can be made of bamboo.

Finish building the dam across the stream so

that all the water flow passes through the
pipe.

Find at least two buckets or other, similar

containers which you can use to catch the
water flowing through the pipe. You will also
need a bottle or other, smaller 1-litre
container.
Using the 1-litre container, count the number Example
of liters needed to fill the buckets with water,
in order to find how much each bucket will You need 10 1-litre containers to fill a bucket,
hold. so it holds 10 liters.

Using one bucket after the other, catch all

the water flowing through the pipe for 1
minute (60 seconds). Count how many
buckets you can fill during that time.
Calculate the total water flow (in l/s).

Example

Each of your buckets holds 10 liters; you

collect 9 buckets in 1 minute; the total
water flow in 1 minute is 10 l x 9 = 90 l; 1
minute = 60 seconds; total water flow in 1
second is 90 l ÷ 60 s = 1.5 l/s.

3.3 Float method

This is a method for measuring small to large

water flow with medium accuracy. This
method is best used in streams with calm
water and during periods of good weather for
if there is too much wind and the surface of
the water is rough the float may not travel at
the normal speed.
Prepare a float

A good float may be a piece of wood or a

smooth tree branch about 30 cm long and
5 cm wide or a small well- capped bottle
10 cm tall, containing enough matter (such
as water, soil or pebbles) so that, when it
floats in the stream, the top of the bottle is
just above the surface.

Where to measure

Find and mark a length AA to BB along the

stream, which is straight for a distance of
at least 10 meters. Try to find a place
where the water is calm and free from
water plants so the float will flow easily
and smoothly.

Find the average water velocity Example

Ask a friend to place the float in the middle of You have measured the time it takes for the
the stream, a few meters upstream from line float to travel from AA to BB as 15, 21 and 20
AA, and to release it gently into the current. seconds; 15 seconds is much less than the
Stand at line BB and using a watch, measure other measurements; take another
exactly the time (in seconds) it takes the float measurement and use this number instead of
to travel the distance from AA to BB. 15.

Repeat this measurement three times. Place

the float in the water and note how long it takes
to travel the distance from AA to BB three
different times.
Note: if one of the three measurements is
greatly different from the other two, take a
fourth measurement and use this one.

Now you can calculate the average time it has Example

taken the float to travel from AA to BB. Add the
three measurements and divide the sum by 3. Your three-time measurements are 19, 21 and
20 seconds; their sum is 19 + 21 + 20 = 60 sec;
the average time to travel from AA to BB is 60
÷ 3 = 20 seconds.

Find the surface water velocity (in m/s) by Example

dividing the distance from AA to BB (in this
example, 10 m) by the average time (in AA to BB = 10 meters;
seconds) and multiply this result by 0.85 (a Average time = 20 seconds;
correction factor) to estimate the average water Surface water velocity = 10 m ÷ 20 s
velocity of the stream. or 10 ÷ 20 m/s= 0.5 m/s
Average water velocity = 0.5 m/s x 0.85 =
0.425 m/s.

Find the average width

Measure the width (in m) of the stream in a

number of places. Take the measurement
that occurs most frequently as the average
width.

Example

Your width measurements were 1.1 m, 1 m, 1

m, 0.9 m, 1 m and 1.2 m; use 1 m for the
average width.
Find the average depth

Measure the water depth (in m) of the stream

at several points along its width. Take half of
the deepest measurement as an
approximation of the average depth.

Example

Your depth measurements were 0.2 m, 0.6 m.

0.9 m. 1.2 m, 0.8 m and 0.3 m: the deepest
one is 1.2 m, so the average depth is 1.2 m ÷
2 = 0.6 m.

Calculate the water flow

To calculate the water flow (in m3) multiply the Example

average water velocity (in m/s) by the average
width (in m) and by the average depth (in m). Water flow = 0.425 m/s x 1 m x 0.6 m = 0.255
m3/s.

Note: remember that 1 m3 = 1 000 l so multiply Example

by this to convert water flow measurements to
liters per second (l/s). Water flow = 0.255 m3/s x 1 000 l = 255 l/s.

3.4 Float and cross-section method

This is a simple method for measuring small

to large water flow with an accuracy
somewhat greater than the float method
described in Section 3.3. Like the float
method, it is best used in calm water and
during periods of good weather when there is
little wind. You will need to prepare a float as
you were shown in the previous section.
Where to measure

Find a length along the stream that is straight

for a distance of at least 20 meters. Try to find
a place where the water is calm and free from
water plants so the float will float easily and
smoothly. Mark it with stakes on both sides of
the stream at points AA and BB and stretch a
line between the stakes.

Find the average cross-section

The cross-section of the stream will be different

at the beginning (AA) and the end (BB). You will
need to find the average cross-section.

Measure the water depth (in m) five times at It will be easier to record the measurements you
equal distances across the stream at point AA. take at points AA and BB if you prepare a small
drawing as a record sheet to write them on.

When you have taken all the measurements at Example

point AA, add the five depth figures and divide
by 5 to find the average water depth at AA. Your depth measurements at point AA were
0.6 m, 1.1 m. 1.4 m, 1.1 m and 0.8 m; their sum
= 5.0 m; then the average depth at point AA is
5.0 m ÷ 5 = 1 m.

The cross-section (in m2 ) at point AA is the Example

average depth multiplied by the width of the
stream. The stream width at point AA is 2 m; the cross
section at that point is thus 1 m x 2 m = 2 m2.
Now take measurements at point BB as you Example
did at point AA to find the average depth,
stream width and cross- section at BB. At point BB, the average depth is 0.8 m and the
stream width is 2 m; the cross section at that
point is thus 0.8 m x 2 m = 1.6 m2.

To calculate the average cross-section of the Example

stream at points AA and BB add the two cross-
section values you found and divide by 2. Cross-section at point AA = 2.0 m2
Cross-section at point BB = 1.6 m2
Total (AA + BB) = 3.6 m2
2 2
Average cross-section = 3.6 m ÷ 2 = 1.8 m .

Find the average water velocity

Now you must find the average water

velocity using a float as described in
previous section 3.3. Have a friend put the
float in the middle of the stream, a few
meters upstream from line AA, and
release it gently into the current. Stand at
line BB and, using a watch, measure
exactly the time (in seconds) it takes the
float to travel the distance from AA to BB.
Repeat the measurement at least three Example
times and calculate the average time by
adding all the measurements and dividing Distance AA to BB = 20 m; your three time
by the number of measurements you have measurements are 59, 61 and 60 seconds; their
taken. Now divide the distance from AA to sum is 180 seconds: the average time to travel
BB by the average time to find the surface from AA to BB is 180 ÷ 3 = 60 seconds; surface
velocity of the water, and multiply this by water velocity is 20 m ÷ 60 s = 0.33 m/s; average
0.85 (a correction factor) to estimate the water velocity is 0.33m/s x 0.85 = 0.27 m/s.
average water velocity.

Calculate the water flow

To calculate the water flow (in m3/s) multiply Example

the average water velocity by the average
cross-section. Average water velocity 0.27 m/s;
Average cross section 1.8 m2 ;
2 3
Water flow = 0.27 m/s x 1.8 m = 0.486 m /s

To express this water flow in liters per second Example

(l/s), multiply the result (in m3/s) by 1000.
0.486 m3/s x 1 000 = 486 l/s.
Note: you can increase the accuracy of
this method if you increase the distance
from A to B to 30 m, 50 m or even 100 m.
A greater distance between A and B is
especially recommended if the stream is
fast flowing. The faster the water flow,
the greater the distance should be.

Note: you can also increase the accuracy

of this method if you increase the number
of time measurements to 5, 7 or even 10.

But remember... Example

• The longer the time measurement, Distance from AA to BB = 20 m.

the less the number of
measurements required; You have released the float five times and have
• The longer the time measurement, measured the time it takes to travel from AA to BB
the greater the difference between as 50, 47, 51, 48 and 54 seconds.
each figure will be.
The average floating time is 50 + 47 + 51 + 48 + 54
=(250 ÷ 5) = 50 s.

Surface water velocity = 20 m ÷ 50 s or 0.4 m/s.

Average water velocity = 0.4 m/s x 0.85 (correction

factor) = 0.34 m/s.

Remember to adapt your calculations accordingly.

3.5 Dye stain and cross-section

method

This is a method for measuring small and

large water flow with medium accuracy. In
this method, water-staining dye is used
instead of a float to measure the water flow.

Measure the time (t1, in seconds) it takes

for the front of the dye stain to reach line
BB.
Drop a small amount of dye in the middle of
the stream a little above line AA. This will
form a dye stain in the water.

Note: potassium permanganate and

fluorescein are suitable dye solutions that
may be available from chemical suppliers.

Measure the time (t2, in seconds) it takes for

the end of the dye stain to reach line BB.

Calculate the average time it takes the front Example

and back of the dye stain to reach line BB
by adding t1 and t2 and dividing the result by Time for front of dye stain (t1) to reach line BB =
2. 95 seconds
Time for end of dye stain (t2) to reach line BB
=105 seconds
Total time: 95 + 105 = 200 seconds.
Average time: 200 ÷ 2 =100 seconds.

Calculate the water velocity (in m/s) by Example

dividing the distance from AA to BB (in m)
by the average time (in s). Length of AA to BB = 20 m.
Average time = 100 s.
Note: when you use a dye stain you do not Water velocity = 20 m ÷ 100 s = 0.2 m/s
have to multiply the water velocity by a
correction factor as you do when using a
float.
Calculate the average cross-section of the Example
stream as described in section 3.4.
Average cross-section = 1.8 m2.

The water flow equals the water velocity Example

multiplied by the average cross-section.
Water velocity = 0.2 m/s
Average cross-section = 1.8 m2
2 3
Water flow = 0.2 m/s x 1.8 m = 0.36 m /s or 0.36
m3/s x 1 000 = 360 l/s

Note: you can increase the accuracy of this method if you increase the distance from AA to BB
or increase the number of time measurements as described in the previous section.

Remember to adapt your calculations accordingly.

3.6 Weir methods

Weirs are commonly used to measure small

and large water flow with high accuracy. They
are especially useful for recording water flow
over a period of time.

What is a weir?

A weir is an obstruction placed across a

stream that forces all the water to flow through In both the triangular and the rectangular weir
a notch in the weir. There are weirs of many the notch used has sharp edges so the water
types and designs. In this section we will flowing over the weir will touch only a fine line
discuss two types, the triangular weir and and the notch width is smaller than the stream
the rectangular weir. width (contracted weir).
When a weir is in place across the stream it
raises the upstream water level. To be
efficient, a weir should create a sufficient
vertical drop between the notch bottom and
the downstream water surface. In such a
case, the water will fall free, and air can
circulate beneath the water as it overflows.

The crest of a weir is the bottom edge of the

weir notch. In a rectangular weir the crest
length is the width of the notch. In a triangular
(or V-notch) weir the crest length is zero.

The head of the weir is the vertical distance

from the weir crest to the undisturbed
upstream water surface.

Advantages and disadvantages of

weirs

Advantages:

• They allow for easy and accurate flow

measurement;
• They are easy to build and require only
little maintenance; small, floating debris
will easily pass through the notch;
• They are durable.

Disadvantages:

• They require considerable head-loss for

proper operation;
• Large pieces of floating debris can
become caught in the notch and change
the water flow;
• Changes in flow can occur, for example, if
debris becomes caught in the weir, silt
builds up behind the weir, etc.
Where to install a weir

A weir should be installed in a channel

that, upstream from the weir, is straight
for a minimum distance at least 10 times
greater than the length of the weir crest.

To increase accuracy, place the weir at

the lower end of a long pool sufficiently
wide and deep for the water flow to
approach the weir slowly, regularly and
without any eddies.

The water velocity immediately

upstream from the weir should not
exceed 0.14 m/s.

Place the weir where the upstream water

level (behind the weir) will not cause
abnormal water losses by flooding the
banks next to the stream, or water
infiltration loss into the upper soil of the
stream banks, which were not under
water before. You must be particularly
careful in flat countryside or where there
are channels or ditches next to the
stream that will be below the new water
level behind the weir.

How to choose a suitable weir

First estimate the stream flow by using the

float and cross-section method described
in Section 3.4.

Use a triangular weir if the stream flow to be

measured:

• Does not vary greatly from season to

season and is generally smaller than 114
l/s;
• Does vary greatly from small to large flow
or large to small flow.

Use a rectangular weir if the stream flow to be

measured:
 • Does not vary greatly, and is generally
greater than 114 l/s.

How to design a triangular weir

A triangular weir or V-notch weir has a notch

that is a right or 90° angle. Both edges of the
notch must be sharp and no more than 3 mm
thick.

To obtain accurate water flow measurements

with a triangular weir, be sure that:

• The water head is greater than 5 cm;

• The crest height, above the stream
bottom upstream from the weir, is greater
than two to three times the head;
• The water drop behind the weir is high
enough to create a sufficient vertical drop
so the water will fall free.

Note: before you begin to build the weir, plan

carefully in order to meet the above
requirements of head, crest height and water
drop. Be particularly careful about the stream
width (if possible more than seven times the
maximum water head) and the depth of the
stream where you plan to install the weir. After
the weir is built it will be difficult to change it.
When you estimate water flow using a
triangular weir, the error will tend to
increase as the head decreases. Under
field conditions, if you have fulfilled the
requirements listed, the error will generally
be limited to 10 percent. In a triangular
weir, if you want to decrease the error
further you can increase the notch depth,
within the limits stated above, which will
increase the head.

The following notch depths (in cm) are

required for the sizes of water flow (in l/s)
shown:

• 20 cm, flow less than 15 l/s;

• 30 cm, flow 15 to 45 l/s;
• 40 cm, flow 45 to 65 l/s;
• 50 cm, flow 65 to 110 l/s.

If the water flow is more than the largest water Water flow
Corresponding Required notch
flow figure shown above (110 I/s) you will to measure
head (cm) depth (cm)
have to approximate the required notch (l/s)
depth. Using Table 4, find the head (in cm) 180 44.5+10 55
corresponding to the maximum water flow (in 260 51.5+10 62
I/s) to be measured and add about 10 cm to 390 60.5+10 71
the head value to obtain the corrected notch
depth.

How to design a rectangular weir

The type of rectangular weir discussed in this

section has a rectangular notch with a crest
length that is less than the width of the
stream. All three edges of the notch must be
sharp and no more than 3 mm thick.
To obtain accurate water flow
measurements with a rectangular weir, be
sure that:

• The water head is greater than 5 cm;

• The crest length is at least 15 cm and
should, preferably, be greater than three
times the maximum water head to be
measured;
• The crest height above the stream
bottom upstream from the weir is greater
than two to three times the head;
• The distance from the sides of the
notch to the sides of the stream
channel should be greater than two
times the maximum water head to be
measured;
• The water drop behind the weir is high
enough so the water will fall free.

Note: before you begin to build the weir, plan

carefully in order to meet the above
requirements of head, crest height and water
drop. Be particularly careful about the stream
width (if possible more than seven times the
maximum water head) and the depth of the
stream where you plan to install the weir.
After the weir is built it will be difficult to
change it.

When you estimate water flow using a

rectangular weir, the error will tend to
increase as the head decreases. Under
field conditions, if you have fulfilled the
requirements listed, the error will generally
be limited to 10 percent. In a rectangular
weir, if you want to further decrease the
error you can reduce the crest length,
within the limits stated above which will
increase the head. Table 5 may help you
to do this.

The following notch depths and crest

lengths (in cm) are required for the water
flow range values shown:

• 30 x 60 cm, flow 80 to 120 l/s;

• 40 x 90 cm, flow 120 to 300 l/s;
• 55 x 120 cm, flow 300 to 600 l/s;
• 75 x 180 cm, flow 600 to 1500 l/s.
To define notch dimensions for a Example
rectangular weir other than those shown
above, you can use the white upper part of The maximum water flow to be measured is 250
Table 5. Locate the maximum water flow l/s.
(in l/s) to be measured, keeping the crest Using Table 5 you find that 253.97 l/s is the closest
length (in cm) as small as possible. Read to 250 l/s in the most accurate, or upper, part of
horizontally the corresponding head (in the table, and with the smallest crest length = 90
cm) and add 10 to 15 cm to find the notch cm.
depth you should use. This water flow value corresponds to a head value
of 30 cm.
Then the notch depth should be 30 cm + 10 cm =
40 cm.
The notch size you should use is 40 cm (depth) x
90 cm (width).

How to build and install a weir

How you build and install a weir will depend

on the speed of the water flow and the size
of the stream.

In a flowing stream

If there is a slow water flow or the stream is

small, you may choose to build the weir on the
bank, where it is dry and easier to work, and
install the weir in the flowing stream after it is
finished.

With a very small stream, a weir that has been

built on the bank can be installed by pounding
it into place or digging it into the sides and
bottom of the stream while the water is
flowing.

Note: if there is a fast water flow or the stream

is large, you may choose to build the weir in
place in the stream. The larger the stream, the
larger the weir will have to be; it may turn out
to be too large and heavy to build it on the
bank and place it in the stream after it is
finished.
By diverting the water

When the stream is large and you must

build the weir in place, you will have to
divert the water from the stream channel
around the place where you will put the
weir while you are building it.

To divert the water, dig a ditch from a point

in the stream bank upstream from the
place you will put the weir to a point in the
stream bank below the weir.

Build a barrage just below the upstream

end of the diversion ditch. When the
water backs up behind the barrage it will
flow through the ditch, around the site
and back to the stream.

To prevent the water diverted

downstream from flowing back into the
site you may have to build another
barrage below the weir.

When the water has been diverted and

the site is dry, you can begin to build the
weir in place. After the weir is finished,
remove the barrages and let the water
back in the stream channel. It will soon
reach its constant level and begin to
flow through the notch.

Position of the weir in a stream

A weir must be placed or built in the

stream in a vertical position and on a line
across the stream perpendicular to the
water flow. Mark the position you have
chosen for the weir by stretching a line
across the stream from bank to bank at a
right (90°) angle to the water flow.

Drive a row of strong wood stakes into the

stream bed along the line. Use a level to
make sure the stakes are vertical. This
row of stakes will help you to position the
weir properly, whether it has been built on
the bank before installation or built in
place in the stream.

When you are installing a weir that has

either been built on the bank, or is being
built in place in the stream where the
water has not been diverted, position the
weir on the upstream side of the vertical
stakes so that the flow of the water holds
the weir in the correct position against the
stakes.

After the weir has been well installed in

the banks and bottom of the stream, you
can remove the vertical stakes if the weir
needs no additional bracing. If the water
flow is strong and additional bracing is
needed, remove only the stakes behind
the notch.

Building a weir of wood

You can build a weir of close-fitting wood

boards or planks held together by
upright pieces of wood on both sides.

The thickness of the wood you should

use will depend on the width of the
stream and the force of the water flow.
For a very small stream you can use
light wood, but for a large and fast
stream you will need to use heavy wood
or timber.
Measure the width of the stream and the
distance from the tops of the bank to the
stream bed to find out what size of weir
you must build. A weir must be built high
enough and wide enough so that it can
be driven well into the stream banks and
bottom to give the necessary support
and to prevent water leakage around the
sides and under the weir.

Build the weir in such a way that there is

enough space in the center between the
uprights for the size of notch you will
need.

Cover the joints between the wood

boards or planks with strips of wood to
prevent water leakage.

After the weir has been built, you are

ready to cut the notch in the upper edge.

Triangular weir

How to construct a 90° triangular notch

in wood:

• Find the center point on the top

edge of the weir;
• On each side of the center point,
measure and mark a distance
equal to the depth of the notch (say
30 cm) you will use;
• At the center point, draw a right
angle line downwards, equal in
length to the depth of the notch;
• Connect the end of this line with
the two marks on the top edge of
the weir. You have constructed a
right angle (90°) triangular notch;
 • Using a wood saw, carefully cut out
the notch;
• Check the notch you have cut with
a square to see that it has a 90°
opening and that all other
measurements are exact;
• If necessary, strengthen the
boards or planks you have cut. Do
this with wood bracing on
the downstream side of the weir;
• File both sides of the notch to an
angle with a sharp edge of no more
than 3 mm on the upstream side
of the weir.

Rectangular weir

How to construct a rectangular notch in

wood:

• Find the center point on the top

edge of the weir;
• On each side of the center point,
measure and mark a distance
equal to half of the crest length, say
30 cm (crest length 60 cm), you will
use;
• At each of these two marks, draw a
right angle line downwards equal in
length to the depth of the notch;
• Connect the ends of these two
lines. You have constructed a
rectangular notch;

• Using a wood saw, carefully cut out

the notch;
• Check the notch you have cut with
a square and a mason's level to
see that the crest edge is at a 90°
angle to the sides and that all the
other measurements are exact;
• If necessary, strengthen the
boards or planks you have cut. Do
this with wood bracing on
the downstream side of the weir;
• File all sides of the notch to an
angle with a sharp edge of no more
than 3 mm on the upstream side
of the weir.
When the weir is in position in the
stream and has been well built into the
banks and stream bottom, make sure it
is watertight. Pack the joints between
the boards with moss, clay or greasy
cotton waste. Fill all the holes along the
bottom and sides of the weir by packing
them with clay, sod or turf.

Building a weir with other materials

You can also build a weir with sheet metal or

corrugated roof sheeting.

Sheet metal

The thickness and strength of the sheet

metal you will have to use will depend on
the speed of the water flow and the size
of the stream.

When you cut a notch in sheet metal be

careful that the edges are straight and
sharp. You might ask the local
blacksmith to help.

Note: if a weir made of sheet metal

needs additional bracing, leave the
vertical stakes you have put in the
stream to mark the position of the weir,
but be sure to remove those stakes in
front of the notch.

Corrugated roof sheeting

Corrugated sheeting is usually easy to find in
large sheets and much less expensive than
sheet metal.

Corrugated sheets have the disadvantage of

bending along the corrugations. If the
corrugations are placed across the stream
and the weir is well built into the banks and
stream bottom, the sheet will be quite strong.

A notch cut in a corrugated sheet will be

irregular and will give a less accurate result.
To avoid this, fit a section of wood into the
center of the sheet and cut the notch in this as
described earlier for a regular wood weir.

Note: if a weir made of corrugated sheeting

needs additional bracing, leave the vertical
stakes you have put in the stream to mark
the position of the weir, but be sure to
remove those stakes in front of the notch.

For accurate measurement it is essential

that your weir:

• Be built at a right angle (90°) to the

direction of the water flow;
• Be placed exactly vertical at a 90°
angle to the surface of the water.

While you are installing a weir or building a

weir in place, check this regularly.

Using a weir to determine water flow

A weir is used to determine water flow

by measuring the head, or the difference
between the level of the crest of the weir and
the water level upstream from the weir.
The level of the water actually passing over
the crest of the weir will not be as high as the
water level upstream because, as water flows
closer to the weir, the level begins to drop
before it flows over the crest.

To measure the head, or the constant

upstream water level equivalent at the weir,
you will have to transfer a point equal to the
crest height at the weir to another point
upstream where the water level will be
constant.

Find the upstream point by measuring a

distance above the weir that is a least 10
times the depth of the weir notch.

Preparing an upstream point to measure the head when you have diverted the
water flow
If you have diverted the water from the
channel to build the weir it will be easier to
prepare this upstream point.

Drive a stake into the stream bottom near the

bank at the upstream point you have selected.
Use a mason's level and straight board and
transfer the height of the weir crest to the
stake. Continue to drive the stake down until
the top is at the same height as the weir crest.
Now let the water flow back into the
channel. Be sure to close the diversion
ditch so that when the level rises behind
the weir no water will be lost in channels
or ditches or by infiltrating or
flooding (see p. 63). When the constant
upstream level has been reached, the top
of the stake will be under water.

Check to see that the weir is built properly

and all requirements have been met.

• either for the triangular weir;

• or for the rectangular weir.

Find the head by placing a measuring

stick, with the zero mark at the bottom, on
top of the stake and reading the depth
figure at the surface of the water.

Preparing an upstream point to measure the head when you have not diverted
the water flow
If you have not diverted the water from the
channel to build the weir, you will have to
prepare this upstream point while the water
is in the channel.

Drive a stake into the stream bottom near

the bank at the upstream point you have
selected.

The stake should be tall enough to remain

above the surface when the level of the
water reaches its maximum height.

Hold a measuring stick, with the zero mark

at the bottom, in the weir notch. The length
of the measuring stick should be a bit longer
than the notch is deep. Using a mason's
level and straight board, transfer the height
of the top of the measuring stick to the stake
and mark it.
Remove the measuring stick from the notch,
place it beside the stake and tie the top of it
to the stake, even with this mark.

Check to see that the weir is built properly

and all requirements have been met, either
for the triangular weir or for the rectangular
weir.

Find the head by reading the depth figure on

the measuring stick at the surface of the
water.

We have seen previously that triangular

weirs are generally used for measuring
small water flows while rectangular weirs
are used for measuring large water flows.
For this reason, measure the head in a
triangular weir with a measuring stick
graduated in half -centimeters and the head
in a rectangular weir with a measuring stick
graduated in centimeters.

Note: when you are measuring the head at

the upstream point, be careful not to disturb
the water surface (by standing in the water,
for example), which may make the head
reading inaccurate.

Maintaining a weir

To ensure accurate water flow estimates

using a weir you must maintain it
regularly:

• Clean the weir and remove floating

debris caught in the notch;
• Remove any silt that builds up on the
upstream side of the weir;
• Control the erosion of the stream
bottom on the downstream side of
the weir;
• Check the alignment of the weir,
both vertical (from the surface of the
water) and perpendicular to the flow
of the water;
• Check that the weir is watertight;
 • Check that the zero mark on the
upstream measuring stick is equal to
the weir crest.

How to calculate water flows using a

weir

Triangular weir

When you use a triangular weir, measure the Examples

head value (to the nearest half -centimeter) on
the upstream measuring point. When you have The constant water level at the upstream
found the head value, use Table 4 and find the measuring point is closest to 23.5 cm; this is
water flow (in l/s). the head value on the weir. Using Table 4, you
find that, for a head value of 23.5 cm, the water
flow = 36.68 l/s.

The constant water level at the upstream

measuring point is closest to 34 cm; this is the
head value on the weir. Using Table 4, you find
that, for a head value of 34 cm, the water flow
= 92.35 l/s.

Note: remember that triangular weirs are best suited to measuring water flows of 114 l/s or
smaller. When using Table 4, all values higher than F = 114.08 l/s and H =37 cm will become
less and less accurate as H and F increase above these values.

TABLE 4
Water flow estimates using a triangular or V-notch weir
 (H = Head in centimeters; F = Water flow in liters per second)

NOTE: The grey section is less accurate.

Rectangular weir

When you use a rectangular weir, measure the Example

head value (to the nearest centimeter) on the
upstream measuring point. When you have The crest length of your weir is 30 cm and you
found the head value, use Table 5 and, in the have found that the head value is 10 cm; find
column corresponding to the weir crest length, this last value on the left scale of the table and
find the water flow (in l/s). follow the line across until you reach the crest
length column for 30 cm (note that this is still in
the upper section of the table where water flow
values are most accurate); you find that the
water flow value is 16.29 l/s.

If you find in-between or odd-number head Example

values, you will have to approximate to find the
correct water flow value. Only even-number Your crest length is 60 cm and you have
head values are shown in Table 5. measured a head value (H) that is closest to
15 cm. To approximate the water flow for a 15-
cm head you must average the difference
between the water flow values (F found in
Table 5 for H = 14 cm and H = 16 cm); for H =
16 cm, F = 66.89 l/s and for H = 14 cm, F =
55.13 l/s.

Adding these two F-values and dividing the

result by two: 66.89 + 55.13 = 122.02 ÷ 2 =
61.01 l/s or say 61 l/s which is the corrected
water flow value for a 15-cm head.

If the crest length of your weir is greater than 30 Example

cm and is not listed in Table 5 (e.g., 40, 50, 70
and 80 cm), you can calculate the water flow Your actual crest length is 110 cm and you
value by using the 10-cm column, at the right have measured a head value that is closest to
of the table, and by following the steps as in 34 cm.
the next example below. The column where the crest length is smaller
than 110 cm is 90 cm, with a water flow value
• Find the head value in the right-hand of 303.50 l/s.
column of the table. Following the same line, the water flow value
• Find both the water flow value shown in the in the 10-cm column is 34.40 l/s.
column where the crest length is smaller The difference between the actual crest length
than the actual crest length of the weir you and the crest length in the table is 110 cm - 90
are using and the water flow value in the cm = 20 cm.
10-cm column. The number of additional 10-cm lengths is 20
• Calculate the number of additional 10-cm
÷ 10 = 2.
lengths the actual weir crest has,
compared with the smaller crest length you Then the additional flow due to this is 34.40 x
have found in the table. 2 = 68.80 l/s.
• Now multiply the water flow value found in The correct water flow value for the actual
the 10-cm column by this number and add crest length of 110 cm is 303.50 l/s + 68.80 l/s
the result to the water flow value = 372.30 l/s.
corresponding to the smaller crest length.
• The result is the corrected water flow value
for the actual crest length.

If you are measuring a water flow that is 130 l/s Example

or less, you can use Table 6. Do this by finding
the head (in cm) on the left scale of the table The crest length of your weir is 50 cm and you
and follow this value horizontally across until have found that the head value is 15 cm; find
you reach the curve that represents the correct the head on the left scale of the table and
crest length. Bring this point vertically down to follow the horizontal line across until you reach
the bottom scale and read there the water flow the curve for a crest length of 50 cm; from this
(in l/s). point follow vertically down to the bottom scale
of the table. You will find that the water flow is
about 51 l/s.
 TABLE 5
Water flow estimates (in l/s) using a rectangular weir1

NOTE: The accuracy of the water flow values decreases when head values are greater than one
third of the crest length. Water values in this table are divided into three sections: white, darker
and lighter grey. The values in the white section are the most accurate. In the other two sections,
the accuracy decreases as the head increases toward a value equal to the crest length.

1
With full end contractions and sharp edges.
2
Approximate water flow for each additional 10 cm of weir crest (for crest lengths of 30 cm or
longer and for values in the unshaded upper part of the table only).
 TABLE 6
Water flow estimates (in l/s) using a rectangular weir1

1
With full end contractions and sharp edges

3.7 Water flow through a straight

pipe
This is a method to estimate
water flow through a relatively
short, straight pipe, from a
higher level to a lower level,
and can be used, for
example, when you fill or
empty a pond. To use this
method you will have to find
the head (in cm).

If water flowing from a higher

level to a lower level flows out
of the pipe above the water
line of the lower level, you can
find the head by measuring
the vertical distance (C.L)
between the surface of the
water above and the center
line of the pipe below.

If water flowing from a higher level to a

lower level flows out of the pipe below
the water line of the lower level, you can
find the head by measuring the vertical
distance between the surface of the
water above and the surface of the water
below.

To find the head, first prepare a constant

point to measure from. You can do this
by using a mason's level and a straight
board, or a line level and a string tied
between two stakes.

Place a straight board on the top of the

bank. Make sure it is horizontal by using
a mason's level. If the board is not
horizontal, prop it up with stones until it
is. Find the head by measuring
downwards on both sides of the bank
and taking the difference between the
two measurements.
Example

For a pipe above water line, measure

the distance from the horizontal to the
surface of the water (AB) on the upper
level; measure the distance from the
horizontal to the center line of the pipe
(CD) on the lower level; the head is CD-
AB.

Another way to find the head is to drive

a stake into the bank on each side. Put
the stakes in the water a little out from
the edge of the bank. Using a line level,
tie a string between the two stakes in a
horizontal position. Find the head by
measuring downwards on both sides of
the bank and taking the difference
between the two measurements.

Example Examples

For a pipe below water line, measure Your pipe has an inside diameter of approximately
the distance from the horizontal to the 7.6 cm; you have found that the head value is 18 cm;
surface of the water (AB) on the upper find this value on the left scale of Table 7 (diameter
level; measure the distance from the smaller than 9 cm) and follow across until you reach
horizontal to the surface of the water the curve for a 7.6-cm pipe; follow vertically down to
(CD) on the lower level; the head is CD- the bottom scale, where you find that the water flow
AB. is 6.5 l/s.

When you have found the head value, Your pipe inside diameter is about 25.4 cm and the
find the water flow using Table 7 for head value is 19.5 cm; find this value on the left
pipes with an inside diameter smaller scale of Table 8 (diameter greater than 9 cm) and
than 9 cm, or Table 8 for pipes with follow across until you reach the curve for a 25.4-cm
an inside diameter larger than 9 cm. Do pipe; follow vertically down to the bottom scale,
this by finding the head value (in cm) on where you find that the water flow is about 76 l/s.
the vertical scale of the table and follow
horizontally across until you reach the
curve that marks the size of pipe you are
using. Now look down to the bottom
scale where you can read off the water
flow (in l/s).
 TABLE 7
Water flow estimates through straight pipes with an inside diameter smaller than 9 cm
 TABLE 8
Water flow estimates through straight pipes with an inside diameter larger than 9 cm

3.8 Water flow through a siphon

This is a method to estimate water flow

through a relatively short, curved tube called
a siphon, from an upper level to a lower level,
and can be used, for example, when you fill or
empty a pond. As with the pipe method just
described, to use this method you will need to
calculate the head (in cm).

How to make a siphon

A siphon can be made from a length of rubber

or plastic tube that is long enough and pliable
enough to reach over the bank from the upper
water level to the lower water level.

How a siphon functions

A siphon will function only when there is
a difference in the two water levels and
the end of the tube at the lower level is
below the end of the tube immersed in
the water at the upper level.

Measure the head, the difference

between the surface of the water on the
upper level and the surface of the water
on the lower level, by using a mason's
level and a straight board, or a line level
and a string tied between two stakes, as
shown in the previous section.

Example

Measure the distance from the

horizontal to the surface of the water
(AB) on the upper level; measure the
distance from the horizontal to the
surface of the water (CD) on the lower
level; the head is the difference between Example
the two, or CD-AB.
Your siphon has an inside diameter of
When you have found the head value, approximately 5.1 cm; you have found that the head
find the water flow using Table 9 for value is 21 cm; find this point on the left of the table
siphons with an inside diameter smaller and follow horizontally across until you reach the
than 9 cm, or Table 10 for siphons with curve for a 5.1-cm siphon; follow vertically down to
an inside diameter larger than 9 cm. Do the bottom scale where you find that the water flow
this by finding the head value (in cm) on is about 2.5 l/s.
the vertical scale of the table and follow
horizontally across until you reach the
curve that marks the correct size of
siphon. Now look down to the bottom
scale where you can read off the water
flow (in l/s).
 TABLE 9
Water flow estimates through siphons with an inside diameter smaller than 9 cm

TABLE 10
Water flow estimates through siphons with an inside diameter larger than 9 cm