Floats provide a quick way to measure water velocity and requires little time or equipment.
Estimates may not be very accurate, but they may suffice for events such as major floods . The ideal float should move at the same velocity as the water at the stream's surface. Objects such as oranges are preferred since they are highly visible, float low in the water, are not subject to wind disturbance, are environmentally expendable, and are relatively low in cost. Select straight reaches with a minimum of turbulence. Mark distance along the bank and record the time with a stopwatch.