Wetlands
   Frederick County Public Schools -Frederick, MD - Contact: Eddie Main - 240-236-4787 - eddie.main@fcps.org

 
 
 
 
 
What's the Speed of the Water?
 

The rate of flow of water is measured in centimeters per second, CM/Sec. Rate of flow is extremely important since it can affect many other factors. For instance the amount of dissolved oxygen is directly related to the speed of the water. Other factors such as temperature and sediment types are both influenced by the speed of the water.

 

flow meter in water
 
flowing stream

1. Place the flow meter in the stream for 30 seconds. Press the "play" button on the LabQuest.

 

2. After 30 seconds, use the LabQuest to determine the mean for rate of flow.

OR

Use the formula below to calculate flow rate:

cm/sec = (counts/minute x .0854) + 5