Laboratory Exercise No.

2 – STREAMFLOW MEASUREMENTS

I. INTRODUCTION
Measuring the streamflow of a canal is simply knowing the amount of its discharge or
any water distribution system. It is a basic skill and very essential to practice.
This task can be carried out in two ways, first by using the float-velocity method and the
other is through the current meter.
Float-velocity method, from the term itself, uses any floating object to take the speed of
the water. Probably, it is the basic way of taking the average discharge. The floating object
will cover a definite distance in a canal stream from upstream to the downstream. The
distance traveled divided by the length of time it took to cover the said distance is the rate
of travel of water.
Current meter is a mechanical device developed to give a more accurate way of
providing the speed of the stream. It is composed of a pole, with its end having a propeller
which tends to spin whenever placed underwater due to the flowing motion of the water. On
the other end of the pole, a long wire is connected with a speaker on its end. Series of
“beeps” can be heard from the speaker whenever the propeller spins.
This device does not provide a direct measurement of speed, but the recorded number
of tones in a definite amount of time will be used in the formula below to get the speed of
water.

𝑉 = 0.671𝑁 + 0.049

To get the discharge of a stream, its cross-sectional area must also be computed. Of
course, it all depends upon the shape of the canal, and each shape has a definite formula.
Some canals are rectangular, others are parabolic, and others have indefinite cross-sections.
The last situation happens when canals are constructed in an earthen medium, in which
erosion is abundant; which constantly changes the shape of the canal.

II. OBJECTIVES
1. To measure the flow of water in an open channel using the float-velocity method
and
2. To estimate the discharge of a stream by using the current meter.

III. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

ordinary meter stick (improvised measuring stick) and measuring tape, current
meter, stop watch (or a wrist watch with a second hand) and a float (maybe an empty
can, an empty bottle or a small piece of dry-floating object, preferably rounded)

IV. METHODOLOGY
A. Estimating Discharge by Float-Velocity Method

1. The students started by choosing an appropriate section of the channel about 10 to

25 meters long. The section must be relatively straight and uniform in cross section.
2. The students marked both the upstream and downstream ends of the section with
easily identifiable stakes on one side opposite an observer.
3. Using a meter, the students determined the length of the section.
4. The students carefully placed the float at the center of the flowing stream at a point
upstream from the section.
 5. As the float moves with the current, the students recorded the time it took to travel
the entire length of the test channel section.
6. This is done by taking note of the time interval it took the float to pass through
imaginary lines across the stream at each upstream and downstream ends of the
channel section. Each imaginary line must be perpendicular to the flow.
The procedure was repeated at least three times since observation errors would be
likely encountered.
7. If the length of the channel section is now divided by the average time to travel, the
average maximum velocity (Vmax) would result:

Channel length in meters

Vmax = ------------------------------------------
Average travel time in seconds

8. The average stream cross-section was likewise determined at three points or more
along the channel section. Measurement of the areas was achieved by separating
the cross-section into series of adjacent triangles, trapezoids and rectangles across
the entire breadth of the stream.
9. The depth of water at each division and width between divisions were then measured
with the meter stick.
10. By applying the appropriate formula to each shape, the individual areas in square
meters were determined. The sum of the small areas gave the stream cross-
sectional area at one location.
11. With the average of the measured surface velocity and stream cross-sectional area,
the average stream discharge was calculated by means of the discharge equation,
as:

2
𝑸𝒂𝒗𝒆 =
(𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥)(𝐴)
3
where: Qave - represents the average stream discharge in cu.m./sec
Vmax - average maximum velocity of flow in meters/second
A - average stream cross-sectional area in sq.m.
The factor 2/3 is applied to obtain the average velocity of flow in the channel and
hence, the average stream discharge.

B. Discharge Measurement Using a Current Meter

1. The students used the same section of the open channel in Methodology A.
2. Rh students set up the current meter (the laboratory instructor supervised the
students in setting up the equipment with the use of the instruction manual).
3. Formula for the computation of velocity as stated in the manual was followed.
4. Using the average stream cross-sectional area of the previous exercise, the students
computed for the average stream discharge.

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 Before starting the activity, the students selected three representatives of their class
who will perform the measuring on the water. The three students wore proper working
attire for the said activity.
The students, together with their professor, went on the site located near Villa Quizon,
still inside the campus.

Estimating Discharge by Float-Velocity Method

The students started the activity by selecting a 25-meter canal section run by the
National Irrigation Administration (NIA). They used a meter stick and manually took the
specified length.

One student was assigned at the upstream part who will initiate the travel of the float,
the other was at the downstream side to stop the float, and the other was assigned to
keep an eye on the float throughout its travel whenever it hits an obstruction.
 Another student of the class was assigned to record the travel time of the float for each
trial. The task was repeated for five times so that they can use its average time. This was
done to get an accurate speed of the water and minimize errors.

𝑇1 + 𝑇2 + 𝑇3 + 𝑇4 + 𝑇5
𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
5

48.79 𝑠 + 45.39 𝑠 + 54.06 𝑠 + 57.91 𝑠 + 49.40 𝑠

𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
5

𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 51.11 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

Now that they have completed the data needed, the students used the given formula to
calculate the average velocity of the water in the section.
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑙 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑚)
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑒(𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠)

25 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
51.11 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.489 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐

To get the average area of the stream, the students selected reference points (every 5-
meter interval of the 25-meter section) along the stream. The cross-section of the stream is
said to have a trapezoidal shape, so the students measured the top length (T), the base length
(b), and average of three measurements of the depth of water (y) at three different points of
the cross-section to get the area of each selected reference points.
T

y1 y2 y3

b
 The students took the average depth of water in each section by dividing the sum of
three measurements over three.

𝑦1 + 𝑦2 + 𝑦3
𝑦=
3

The average depth of water for the first reference point is:
0.87 𝑚 + 1.42 𝑚 + 1.37 𝑚
𝑦= = 1.22 𝑚
3

The average depth of water for the second reference point is:
0.69 𝑚 + 0.71 𝑚 + 0.87 𝑚
𝑦= = 0.757 𝑚
3

The average depth of water for the third reference point is:
0.73 𝑚 + 0.70 𝑚 + 1.0 𝑚
𝑦= = 0.81 𝑚
3

The average depth of water for the fourth reference point is:
0.68 𝑚 + 0.89 𝑚 + 0.88 𝑚
𝑦= = 0.817 𝑚
3
The average depth of water for the fifth reference point is:
0.83 𝑚 + 0.67 𝑚 + 0.93 𝑚
𝑦= = 0.81 𝑚
3

Using the formula for getting the area of a trapezoid, the area of the cross-
sections was gathered.

𝐴0 = (𝑏 + 𝑧𝑦)𝑦

𝑇−𝑏
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒; 𝑧=
2

The area of the first cross-section is:

5.25 𝑚 − 3.5 𝑚
𝐴1 = (3.5 𝑚 + ( ∗ 1.22 𝑚)) 1.22 𝑚 = 5.57 𝑠𝑞𝑚
2

The area of the second cross-section is:

8 𝑚 − 7.5 𝑚
𝐴2 = (7.5 𝑚 + ( ∗ 0.757 𝑚)) 0.757 𝑚 = 5.82 𝑠𝑞𝑚
2

The area of the third cross-section is:

7.37 𝑚 − 6.37 𝑚
𝐴3 = (6.37 𝑚 + ( ∗ 0.81 𝑚)) 0.81 𝑚 = 5.49 𝑠𝑞𝑚
2

The area of the fourth cross-section is:

4.6 𝑚 − 3.9 𝑚
𝐴4 = (3.9 𝑚 + ( ∗ 0.817 𝑚)) 0.817 𝑚 = 3.42 𝑠𝑞𝑚
2

The area of the fifth cross-section is:

5.5 𝑚 − 4.7 𝑚
𝐴5 = (4.7 𝑚 + ( ∗ 0.81 𝑚)) 0.81 𝑚 = 4.07 𝑠𝑞𝑚
2

And then, the average cross-sectional area of the stream is:

𝐴1 + 𝐴2 + 𝐴3 + 𝐴4 + 𝐴5
𝐴=
5

5.57 + 5.82 + 5.49 + 3.42 + 4.07

𝐴= = 4.874 𝑠𝑞𝑚
5

Finally, to get the average discharge for the whole section, use the formula:

2
𝑄𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (𝐴 ∗ 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥)
3
 2 𝑚
𝑄𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (4.874 𝑠𝑞𝑚 ∗ 0.489 ) = 1.59 𝑐𝑚𝑠
3 𝑠𝑒𝑐

Discharge Measurement Using a Current Meter

The current meter was used in every cross-section. For each, the device was held
vertically about half of the depth of water.

The other student holding the speaker-end of the device counted the number of tones
(N) created in one minute or 60 seconds.

Using the formula found below, the velocity of water was calculated for each reference
point.

𝑉 = 0.671𝑁 + 0.049

For the zeroth cross-section, the velocity was:

45 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠
𝑉0 = (0.671 ∗ ( )) + 0.049 = 0.552 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐

For the first cross-section, the velocity was:

25 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠
𝑉1 = (0.671 ∗ ( )) + 0.049 = 0.329 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐

For the second cross-section, the velocity was:

31 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠
𝑉2 = (0.671 ∗ ( )) + 0.049 = 0.396 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐

For the third cross-section, the velocity was:

33 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠
𝑉3 = (0.671 ∗ ( )) + 0.049 = 0.418 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐
 For the fourth cross-section, the velocity was:
40 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠
𝑉4 = (0.671 ∗ ( )) + 0.049 = 0.496 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐

For the fifth cross-section, the velocity was:

43 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠
𝑉5 = (0.671 ∗ ( )) + 0.049 = 0.530 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐
For computing the maximum average velocity in the cross section, the students simply
added the recorded data and divided it by six.

𝑉0 + 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3 + 𝑉4 + 𝑉5
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
6

0.552 + 0.329 + 0.396 + 0.418 + 0.496 + 0.530

𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 0.4535 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
6

Finally, the students computed the average discharge for the stream uaing the
computed average cross-section in the first part of the activity and the newly computed average
maximum velocity.

2
𝑄𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (𝐴 ∗ 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥)
3
2 𝑚
𝑄𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (4.874 𝑠𝑞𝑚 ∗ 0.4535 ) = 1.47 𝑐𝑚𝑠
3 𝑠𝑒𝑐

Table 1. Data for Float-velocity Method

REFERENCE TOP BASE DEPTH DEPTH DEPTH COMPUTED
POINTS LENGTH LENGTH OF OF OF AREA (A)
(T) (b) WATER 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 IN m2
(y1) (y2) (y3)
1st (5-m) 5.25 m 3.5 m 0.87 m 1.42 m 1.37 m 5.57
2nd (10-m) 8.0 m 7.5 m 0.69 m 0.71 m 0.87 m 5.82
3rd (15-m) 7.37 m 6.37 m 0.73 m 0.70 m 1.0 m 5.49
4TH (20-m) 4.6 m 3.9 m 0.68 m 0.89 m 0.88 m 3.42
5TH (25-m) 5.5 m 4.7 m 0.83m 0.67 m 0.92 m 4.07
Average 4.874

Table 2. Travel Time for each Trial

TRIAL NO. TRAVEL TIME in seconds
1 48.79
2 45.39
3 54.06
 4 57.91
5 49.40

Table 3. Data for Current Meter Method

REFERENCE POINTS TONES IN 60 SECONDS VELOCITY (V) IN m/sec
(N)
TH
0 (starting point) 45 0.552
st
1 (5-m) 25 0.329
2nd (10-m) 31 0.396
rd
3 (15-m) 33 0.418
4TH (20-m) 40 0.496
TH
5 (25-m) 43 0.530

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

In this laboratory exercise about streamflow measurements, the students were able to
carry out all the necessary procedures properly and accomplished the objectives of the
activity.
First and foremost, the students want to emphasize that the activity shall be carried out
with the professor or any elder personnel to ensure their safety. Proper attire should also be
worn.
During the float-velocity method, common events that could result to inaccurate result was
during the travel of the floating object. Obstruction causes delay of travel. Measurements of
the different components of the sections may also be a source of errors due to inaccurate
reading of measurements. The sticks they used were all improvised measuring sticks and the
markings were a little hard to recognize at once.
When we used the current meter for the next method, what we did was just to put the
propeller underwater and listen for beeps. There were no such obstructions encountered due
to the fact that it works underwater. Little changes could happen when the propeller is being
blocked by the observer.
The students would recommend to perform both methods because anyone from them
could generate accurate results, just minimize the errors.
VII. PROBLEMS
1. Convert the discharge obtained in your experiments into cfs, acre-in/day and
hectare-cm/day units (24- hour/day).
2. Assuming 30% of the flow is lost through conveyance and application, how many
hectares of rice fields could be irrigated by the stream if the water requirement of rice
is 15 mm/day
3. Enumerate and document at least five structures you have seen in the field where
you conducted the Laboratory Exercise. Identify all the parts of each structure basing
from a figure from the book/internet.

VIII. REFERENCES

United States Geological Survey (USGS). Measurement of Streamflow. United States

Department of Interior. [Online] Available at https://web.sahra.arizona.edu. (Accessed
last October 31, 2018.)