FAQs - IRRIGATION WATER DELIVERY & CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS

Q: What are some common devices used to measure flow?
A: Different methods to measure water flow for closed pipelines include propeller meters, orifice, venture, or differential pressure meters, and magnetic flux meters. Devices used to measure flow in open channels include weirs and flumes, stage discharge rating tables, and area/point velocity measurements. Ultrasonic devices, or travel time methods, may be used for both open and closed channels. Consideration in using open and closed meter as well as indirect methods requires attention to installation at each site. Improper installation can lead to inaccurate measurements. Important to note: volumetric measurements do not directly save water but they do provide information about costs associated with water use and efficiency of irrigation systems.