Volunteer Monitoring Streamflow:
Factsheet Series
2015
Flow Speaks Volumes
Why are we concerned?
Time Needed: Equipment Needed:
S treamflow, or discharge, is the volume of
water moving past a cross-section of a stream
over a set period of time. It is usually measured in
30 minutes — Tape measure
— Yardstick or marked
cubic feet per second (cfs). Streamflow is affected D-frame net pole
by the amount of water within a watershed, — Surveying flags/flagging
increasing with rainstorms or snowmelt, and — Float (please use a tennis
decreasing during dry periods. Flow is also ball with a small amount
important because it defines the shape, size and of water in it)
course of the stream. It is integral not only to — Net (Can use D-frame net
water quality, but also to habitat. Food40sources,
min. half hour to catch the float)
spawning areas and migration paths of fish and — Stopwatch
other wildlife are all affected and defined by
— Calculator
streamflow and velocity. Velocity and flow togeth-
er determine the kinds of organisms that can live — Form to record data
in the stream (some need fast-flowing areas; — Pencil
others need quiet, low-velocity pools). Different
When to
— Hip boots or waders
kinds of vegetation require different flows and Measure:
— String (optional)
velocities, too. At least
— Stakes (optional)
Streamflow is affected by both forces of20nature
min. monthly,
20 min.
and by humans. (continued on page 2) May-October.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Discharge: Another term for streamflow,
45 min. or the volume of water moving past a designated point over a
10 min.
set period of time.
Flow Regime: The pattern of streamflow over time, including increases with stormwater runoff inputs
and decreases to a base-flow level during dry periods.
Impervious Surface: A surface that does not allow water (e.g., rain) to pass through (infiltrate).
Rating Curve: A graphical representation of the relationship between the stage height and the discharge
(flow).
Run: An area of a stream that has swift water flow and is slightly deeper than a riffle (a run will be
about knee/thigh deep).
Stage Height: Height of the water in a stream above a baseline.
Watershed: An area of land that drains to a main water body.
In undeveloped watersheds, soil type, vegetation, change flow regimes, causing faster runoff with
and slope all play a role in how fast and how much storm events and higher peak flows due to increased
water reaches a stream. In watersheds with high areas of impervious surface. These altered flows can
human impacts, water flow might be depleted by negatively affect an entire ecosystem by upsetting
withdrawals for irrigation, domestic or industrial habitats and organisms dependent on natural flow
purposes. Dams used for electric power generation rates.
may affect flow, particularly during periods of peak
Tracking streamflow measurements over a period of
need when streamflow is held back and later re-
time can give us baseline information about the
leased in a surge. Drastically altering landscapes in
stream’s natural flow rate.
a watershed, such as with development, can also
Safety considerations
You will need to enter the stream channel to make width and depth measurements and to calculate
velocity. Be aware of stream velocity, water depth, and bottom conditions at your stream-monitoring site.
Do not attempt to measure streamflow if water velocity appears to be fast enough to knock you down when
you are working in the stream. If you are unsure of water depth across the width of the stream, be sure to
proceed with caution as you move across the stream, or choose an alternate point from which to measure
streamflow.
Determining Streamflow (Area x Velocity = Flow)
The method you are going to use in determining streamflow is known
as a velocity-area approach. The task is to find out the volume of water
in a 20-ft. (at least) section of stream by determining both the stream’s
velocity and the area of the stream section. You will first measure the
width of the stream, and then measure water depth at a number of
locations across the width to find the average depth at your monitor-
ing site. Then by multiplying the average depth by the width, you can
determine the average cross-sectional area (ft2) of the stream. Water
velocity (ft/sec) is determined simply by measuring the number of
seconds it takes a float to travel along the length of stream you are
studying. Since water velocity varies at different depths, (surface
water moves more quickly than subsurface water because water
moving against rough bottom surfaces is slowed down by friction) you
will need to multiply velocity by a correction factor to adjust your
measurement to account for the effect of friction. The actual equation
you will use to determine flow is this: Flow=Area x Corrected Velocity.
This method was developed and adapted from several sources (see
bibliography). Alternative methods that may be better for your moni-
toring site are featured in the sidebar below.
Streamflow Monitoring Methods: Professional and Home-Made
The type of monitoring station used by professionals depends on the conditions at the site including
size, slope, accessibility, and sedimentation of the stream. Flow can also be measured at spillways, dams,
and culverts or by using a weir or flume, which are man-made structures within a stream that provide a
fixed stage-flow relation. Another method, using a home-made combination staff/crest gage, allows
volunteer monitors to measure the water level (stage) both at the time of inspection and at the highest
level reached since last inspected. This tool is made of PVC pipe, granulated cork and other materials.
For more information, including how to make your own, visit:
www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/newsletter/volmon07no2.pdf
2
Measuring and Calculating Streamflow
Site location across the stream, in both slower and faster areas, will
help to ensure the closest approximation to the stream’s
1. At your monitoring site, locate a straight section of true velocity. This in turn will make your flow calcula-
stream that is at least 20 feet in length and has a tions more accurate. However, be sure your tennis ball
uniform width. The water should be at least 6 inches travels freely downstream (during every float trial)
deep, and have some movement. Unobstructed without catching in slack water areas of the stream.
runs or riffles are ideal sites to choose. For narrower streams (less than 10 feet), you can
2. Measure 20 feet along the length of your chosen conduct only three float trials to assess velocity.
stream segment with your measuring tape and 6. Position the person who will release the tennis ball
mark both the up and downstream ends of the upstream from the upper flag. Position the time-
section with flagging. keeper on the stream bank (or out of the main flow
Width and depth measurements path) at the downstream flag with the stopwatch.
Position the person who will catch the floating tennis
3. Working with a partner, measure stream width
ball downstream from the timekeeper (Note: Unless
(wetted edge to wetted edge) by extending a
velocity is very fast, the timekeeper should be able
measuring tape across the stream at the midway
to catch the tennis ball float with a net after they
point of your marked stream segment. Record the
have finished timing its run down the stream).
width in feet on your recording form. (Using a tape
measure graduated in tenths of feet will make 7. The float-releaser will
calculations easier.) gently drop the float into
the stream a few feet
4. Secure the measuring tape to both
upstream from the upper
shores so that the tape is taut
flag, and will alert the
and above the surface of the
Figure 1 timekeeper to begin
water. You might choose
timing as the float passes
to attach the tape or
the upstream flag (the
a length of string to
float should have time to
two stakes secured
get up to speed by the
on opposite banks to
time it passes the upper
create a transect
flag into the marked
line across the stream
length of stream). If the
if it is impractical to
float gets stuck on a log,
secure the tape using
rock or other obstruction,
shoreline vegetation.
it should be released from
(Figure 1)
the starting point again.
5. Using your yard-
8. The timekeeper should
stick or pre-marked
stop the stopwatch as the
(in tenths of feet)
Chris Padick, float passes the down-
D-frame net pole, Malibu Creek Stream Team stream flag and retrieve
measure the water depth
the float using the net.
(ft) at one-foot intervals
across the stream where you measured 9. Record the float time for the first trial on the
width (and secured the measuring tape). Be sure recording form.
to measure depth in tenths of feet, not in inches 10. Repeat steps 7-9 for each of the remaining float
(See conversion chart from inches to tenths of feet time trials in different sections of the stream.
on data recording form). Record depth measure- Record the float time (seconds) for each trial on
ments (ft) on the recording form. If your stream is the recording form.
greater than 20 feet wide, measure depth in 20
equal intervals across the stream. Determine the correction factor
To account for the effects of friction with the stream
Velocity measurement bottom, select the correction factor that best describes
Velocity will be measured by tracking the time it takes the bottom of your stream:
a floating tennis ball to move the marked 20-foot length a. Correction factor for rough or loose rocks,
of stream. You will time the floating tennis ball (in coarse gravel or weeds: 0.8
seconds) a total of four times, at different locations
b. Correction factor for smooth mud, sand or
across the stream. Repeating your measurements
bedrock: 0.9
3
Determining streamflow
The DNR SWIMS online database will calculate What is a Staff Gage?
streamflow for you when you enter your measured
depths, width, assessed length, velocity float times, A staff gage is a tool that is often used
and chosen correction factor. If you are curious about in conjunction with other methods to
the answer while in the field, follow steps in the next determine streamflow. It looks like a
section to calculate streamflow on your own. large ruler placed vertically within a
stream in a position least likely to catch
Calculating streamflow floating debris, and that will be stable
11. To determine the average depth at the site, first during high water flows and the winter
find the sum of your depth measurements. Then freeze. Staff gages are calibrated in
divide the sum of the depths by the number of tenths of feet and allow a monitor to
depth measurements (intervals) you made. read and record the stage height (the
12. Next, multiply your average depth by the stream height of water in the stream at a
width. This is the average cross-sectional area certain level) any time a monitor has
(ft2) of the stream. the opportunity to visit the stream site.
13. Determine the average float time by first deter- Staff gages are often placed at the
mining the sum of float times measured. Then stream’s edge on a bridge abutment.
divide the sum of the times by the number of float WAV monitors may choose to place a
time measurements taken.
staff gage at their monitoring site. You
14. Divide the length of your stream segment (e.g., 20 may need a permit to do this, however.
feet) by the average float time (seconds) to deter- Contact your local DNR Service Center
mine the average surface velocity at the site.
for more information on permits.
15. Multiply your correction factor by the average
velocity measurement. If a staff gage is installed, monitors can
16. Multiply the average cross-sectional area (ft2) by simply record the water level on the
the corrected average surface velocity (ft/sec) to staff gage without measuring flow.
determine streamflow. This method will provide added detail when
assessing other parameters. However, scores
cannot be compared between sites because each
Overestimation of the float method reading is germane only to that site.
In 2011-2012 a number of WAV monitors assisted with Monitors may also choose to install a staff gage
a WAV study to compare this method of determining
at their monitoring site and then, at a number
streamflow to results obtained using a flow meter.
of different water levels, record the stage height
The great news is that a consistent relationship was
found between the two methods from very small and determine the flow in the stream by
(<1 cfs) to large (about 125 cfs) streams. Unfortunately, following methods provided in this fact sheet.
results suggested that this float method overestimates This type of monitoring is similar to what
by about 24% on average. The SWIMS online database professionals do to determine a rating curve for
will automatically correct results using an equation a stream discharge monitoring station. The
derived from the study, but those carrying out field rating curve will reveal the stream’s unique
calculations should remember to reduce their final result
relationship between flow and stage height.
by about a quarter.
Eventually, a monitor could determine streamflow
simply by reading the stage height on the staff
Bibliography:
We reviewed and adapted information and methods from Missouri gage and looking at the site’s rating curve to see
Stream Team Program, the WI DNR, the EPA Volunteer Stream what the flow is at that stage height. Caution
Monitoring Methods Manual (EPA 841-B-97-003), the Nohr Network of
Monitors, the Washington Co. (WI) Waterways Program, Hoosier must be used with this method since weeds, ice,
Riverwatch, Project SEARCH, and California’s Nonpoint Source Pollution
Control Program as well as other technical information.
or other factors can cause ponding of the stream
water or movement of the staff gage over time,
©2010 University of Wisconsin. DNR PUB WT-755. This publication is
part of a seven-series set, “Water Action Volunteers- Volunteer thus affecting rating curve results.
Monitoring Factsheet Series”and is available from the Water Action
Volunteers Coordinator at 608/264-8948.
Water Action Volunteers is a cooperative program between the
University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources. For more information, contact the Water Action
Volunteers Coordinator at 608/264-8948.
