Rod mountings can be used in shallow streams, but cable suspension may be needed in deep water. Take meter readings at several measured locations in the stream cross-section and determine the corresponding velocities from the meter's calibration curve. Multiply the measured velocity by the cross-sectional area in square feet represented by that velocity to obtain the flow rate of each section. Sum the flow from each section to obtain the total flow rate of the stream. A weir is a notch of a specific shape through which water may flow.
Weirs are probably the most common device for measuring irrigation water in open ditches.
Weirs are simple to construct and fairly accurate if properly maintained. They require enough slope in the ditch to allow the water to be partially held back and spill over the weir. Air space is necessary under the falling sheet of water for accurate flow measurement. The bottom of the notch over which water flows is the crest of the weir. Of the three common shapes of weirs, the rectangular and trapezoidal weirs are useful for measuring large streams.