current flow meters

[Cedarman]

I am wanting to measure current flow in small streams with accuracy.
I know there are several flow meters available such as the Pygmy Current Meter.
Have any of you used current meters?  Things to watch our for?  How accurate are they? ETC.
Thanks, Richard

[Stan snider]

Cedarman;  I would look up "weir structure flow measurement". I think there is a fact sheet from OSU on their use. If not the Extension Engineer in Irrigation would be able to explain their use.
The consist of a plate with a "V" notch of a dimension that will carry the flow to be measured and are read by using a framing square in the notch held "plumb" to determine the trajectory of the flow thus giving you the velocity that is used on a nomograph to find volume/sec,min,etc.   
That is the traditional way of measuring ditch irrigation water.
My answer is a little tardy but maybe it is what you are looking for.

[Cedarman]

Thanks Stan for the reply.  We have purchased a pygmy flow meter with rod and will now learn how to use it.  We are wanting to find base flow rate from numerous springs to determine drainage area for each spring.  Later we will be doing dye tracing to try to determine where some cave streams go and if they come out the springs we think they do.