Name: MALADIAN, PATRICK S Yr.

/Course/Section: 3BSABE-C
Instructor: RYAN ART M. TULING, ABE, EnP Date submitted: December-01-22

Lesson 1
Laboratory No. 4
MEASURING STREAMFLOW USING FLOAT METHOD
I. Introduction:
Scientifically, A very simple method for measuring flow rate through an open channel is
the Float method. Contrary, it is sometimes not as accurate as a measuring device such as a
flume or a flow probe, but still, the float method can provide an educated estimate. However,
this method basically involves measuring the surface velocity of the water with a floating
object and then multiplying this velocity by the width and average depth of the channel is one
of the methods in order to have accurate data.

Furthermore, given the importance of freshwater ecosystems to human well-being, it is

necessary to monitor natural processes and attributes that support freshwater ecosystems on
local and global scales. Streamflow monitoring may be helpful in establishing the appropriate
levels of use in order to manage water resources sustainably in the midst of climate change.
In this activity, we will be able to determine the streamflow and measure it using the float
method which is one of the best methods for measuring streamflow.

II. Objectives:
1. To be able to measure streamflow using the float method;
2. To be able to determine streamflow discharge;
3. To be able to know and analyze the factors influencing stream velocity and streamflow
III. Materials Used:

 Measuring rod
 Nylon strings
 Range poles
 Plastic Bottle
 Measuring Tape
 Mobile phone as timer
IV. Methodology:
 Choose a suitable reach (location) with minimum turbulence (have the length be at
least 3 times the width of the channel) and mark the start and end points of your reach
whereby travel time exceeds 20 seconds.
 Drop the object into the stream at the designated start point and simultaneously start
the timer. Stop the timer when the object reaches the designated end point.
 Record the time it took for the object to go from the start point to the end point.
 Repeat steps 2 and 3 at least three times to be able to get an average later on.
  Measure stream width and depth across at least one cross section.
Name: MALADIAN, PATRICK S Yr./Course/Section: 3BSABE-C
Instructor: RYAN ART M. TULING, ABE, EnP Date submitted: 12-01-22

V. Data Analysis and Discussions:

Starting Point End Point

Distance/Length: 50m
Width: 2.42m Width: 5.44m
Interval: 0.484m Interval: 1.088m
Depth: Depth:
1. 0.217m 1. 0.175m
2. 0.455m 2. 0.205m
3. 0.500m 3. 0.200m
4. 0.425m 4. 0.410m
5. 0.445m 5. 0.475m

Travel Time (secs.)

1st Trial: 91.37secs.
2nd Trial: 94.37secs.
3rd Trial: 100.36secs.
4th Trial: 103.19secs.
5th Trial: 107.62secs.
6thTrial: 99.25secs. Total Time:
7th Trial: 95.81secs. 1,006.06/ 10
8th Trial: 105.95secs. Average Time:
9th Trial: 104.95secs. =100.606 secs.
10th Trial: 105.95secs.

k: 0.85
Ave. Time: 100.606 secs.
Distance: 50m
Velocity: (50m/100.606secs.) (0.85) = 0.42m/s

Starting Point Area (m2) End Point Area (m2)

(1/2)(0.2715m x 0.484m) = 0.052635
(0.2175m + 0.455m)/2 (0.484m) = 0.163
(0.455m + 0.500m)/2 (0.484m) = 0.23111
(0.500m + 0.425m)/2 (0.484m) = 0.22385
(0.425m + 0.445m)/2 (0.484m) = 0.21054
Total Area: 0.88088 = 0.90m
(1/2) (0.175 x 1.088m) = 0.0952
(0.175m + 0.205m)/2 (1.088m) = 0.208
(0.205m + 0.200m)/2 (1.088m) = 0.22032
(0.200m + 0.410m)/2 (1.088m) = 0.33184
(0.410m + 0.475)/2 (1.088m) = 0.48144
Total Area: 1.33552 = 1.34
 Average Area = (0.90m2 + 1.34m2) /2
= 1.12m2

VI. Conclusion:
Measuring streamflow is one of the critical activities wherein it needs a pound of
effort in order to get accurate data. As the activity implies, we get into many trials just to
get the right data. With this regard, the data itself was good and viable. therefore, to
improve accuracy in very wide channels you can take more velocity readings by dropping
the float in different locations across the width of the channel. Moreover, the velocity of
an object varies from the width and depth of the area of water. Barriers such as stones and
rocks also affect the flow of an object and also the flow of water, for the rocks sometimes
dictate the direction of the flow of water in the said area. Hence, take a few extra
measurements, and then average those measurements in order to get accurate and viable
data by the use of the float method.

VII. Literature Cited:

 Brikowski, T. (2009). GEOS 4430 Lecture Notes: Streamflow and Hydrographs.
https://personal.utdallas.edu/~brikowi/Teaching/Hydrogeology/LectureNotes/
Streamflow/streamflow.pdf. gz
 Michaud, J.P, And Enviro Vision, M.W (2005). Estimating Discharge and Stream Flows: A
Guide for Sand and Gravel
 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-016-0488-y?platform=hootsuite
 https://hess.copernicus.org/articles/23/1045/2019/
VIII. Photo Documentation: