Float method (cfs)

To measure water flow with a float, choose a section of the stream with a known length (for example, 10 feet). Place a floating object like an orange or small stick at the start point and use a timer to record how long it takes to travel the set distance. Repeat the test 3 times for accuracy. Measure the width and depth of the stream to estimate its cross-sectional area. Multiply the area by the float’s average speed to calculate the flow rate in cubic feet per second (cfs).