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.

 

Place flowmeter into stream
 
flowing stream

1. Place flow meter in stream for 30 seconds. Multiply  reading by two (2) to calculate counts/minute.

 

2. Use chart on page 12 of packet or alternative method to determine flow rate.

OR

Use the formula below to calculate flow rate:

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