The survey would be used to assess the feasibility of the scheme and help determine the following;
• Design flow rate (of water)
• Head (difference of elevation of the water stream)
• Locations for civil construction
• Distribution lines
• Village demand
Determination of the design flow rate is not straightforward. This varies with the climate and water use
patterns of the stream, which make the flow of water change continuously. A mere site survey with a
spontaneous measurement of the water flow cannot reasonably predict the power that can be generated.
Most designers use a cumulative flow duration curve for the stream for a year, and then decide on the
design flow rate for the scheme.
Measuring the flow rate
20L
14