Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline Summary

How to calculate the screen size for an end-of-pipe diversion

Freshwater Fish Screening addresses the need for fish protection, as identified under the Fisheries Act.
When water is taken from Lakes, Streams, Rivers and other bodies of water fish and other aquatic
organisms are often destroyed when they are drawn into a water intake (entrainment) or become trapped
on the intake (impingement). Fish mortality can be reduced by proper siting and screening, according to
the recommendations in the Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline. This Guideline is for
diversions of 125 L/s (2000 US gpm) or less, with an emphasis placed on screening criteria for fish with a
minimum fork length of 25 mm (1). It is not intended for application to large diversions such as
hydroelectric or canal screens; however, such proposals can be considered on a site specific basis. This
brief brochure is intended as a supplement to the Guideline
1.
Determine the flow of the diversion
A water license describes the total volume of water allocated and the period of time that the water can be
used with in. On the license, typically the volume is described as acre-feet per annum for irrigation and
US gallons per minute (USgpm) for domestic use. A license will also describe any conditions of use
such as the duration for use for example, irrigation is usually licensed for between May and September
with some variation on the water source and region in the province or the maintenance of fish flows. For
a copy of your license, check on-line at http://www.lwbc.bc.ca/water/surface.html through the Scanned
Licenses Directory, or contact the nearest Land and Water BC office.
The output of an irrigation system is based on the size of the pump, number and type of sprinkler heads,
system pressure, length of pipe, and the vertical distance between the water level pump, point of
discharge (e.g. sprinkler head) and duration.
To roughly estimate the output of an individual sprinkler head, set out a bucket between one half and two
thirds of the throw radius away from the sprinkler head making sure that if there are multiple sprinklers in
the system that there is only one sprinkler contributing to the bucket, for a known period of time (two to
four hours). After the known time period has elapsed, measure the depth in the bucket, it probably will be
about 1 within a few hours. Measure the radius of throw for the sprinkler.
2

Single Sprinkler Output in USgpm = 1.96 * (Radius of Throw in feet) * (Depth of Water in Bucket in
inches)
(Time Period of Measurement in minutes)
Repeat the bucket test and calculation for each type of sprinkler head that is used in the system. To
determine the Maximum Flow Diverted, multiply the Sprinkler Output by the number of sprinkler heads of
that type operated at the same time. Add up each sprinkler head type in the configuration used. The
largest of these numbers is the Maximum Flow Diverted.
For assistance and a more accurate determination of your systems output, contact your local irrigation
equipment supply company.
Check to ensure that you are not exceeding your water allocation beyond the constraints identified in the
water license by calculating total output over the duration of the irrigation season.
Total Irrigation Use in acre-feet = 0.00018 * SUM ((Duration in Each Configuration in hours) *
(Total Sprinkler Output in Each Configuration in USgpm))
For example, a system that has two sprinkler heads each with an output of 30 US gpm each operated in
two locations for a maximum of 5 hours once a week for 16 weeks would have used 1.73 acre-feet during
the irrigation period.

Irrigation scheduling is critical to maximize the efficiency of water use particularly during low water years.
Contact your local Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries office for technical assistance in improving
the efficiency of your irrigation system or check out the Farmwest website (www.farmwest.com) to learn
more about irrigation scheduling for your crop and location. Local community watershed groups may
assist with the coordination of irrigation scheduling in the watershed.
2.
Determine the fish swimming mode
The way a fish swims also affects how fast it can move and as a result must be taken into consideration
when selecting a screen. The water velocity as it approaches the screen, called the approach velocity, is
a key factor in determining screen size and is based on the way a fish swims. For subcarangiform
swimmers, such as trout, the approach velocity should be 0.11 m/s (0.36 ft/s) or less and for anguilliform
swimmers, such as eels, 0.038 m/s (0.12 ft/s) or less. Depending on your watershed different species of
fish are present, contact your local Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Ministry of Water, Land, and Air
Protection offices for assistance if you are unsure which fish to screen for in your area.
3.
Determine the open screen area
The maximum size of a screen opening is 2.54 mm (0.10 inches). The openings may be round, square or
rectangular but the screen surface should not have any protrusions that could injure fish.
The Open Area of a screen is the sum of the area of all the holes. To calculate the minimum Open Area
Required for the screen for a particular diversion:
Open Area Required in feet = 8.04 * (Maximum Flow Diverted in USgpm (from step 1)
(Approach Velocity in ft/s (from step 2))
4.
Determine the effective screen area
Once the Open Area has been calculated, the Effective Screen Area, or the actual area of screen that
needs to be installed, can be determined. Screen suppliers should have the percentage of open area for
the particular screen material to assist with calculations. Most screening materials have between 50 and
70% effective open area. For a particular material to calculate the effective screen area:
Effective Screen Area in feet = (Open Area Required in feet (from step 3))
((% Open Area for the Screen Material) x 100)
5.
Determine the screen dimensions necessary to meet the effective screen area
The shape of the screen can be decided upon once the effective area of the screen has been calculated.
Cylinders and boxes are common shapes. When designing a screen, to ensure that the effective area is
completely exposed and that any supporting structure does not block the screen. Also when siting,
ensure that the screen is not resting on the water source bottom for the same reason. Large box and
cylindrical screens should have a manifold installed inside to ensure even water velocity distribution. The
screen should be fish tight at all joint and guide locations. Examples of screens are illustrated in figures 1
through 4 for various flows.

Figure 1 This screen example is for use by systems up to 1300 gallons per minute. Note, the
center siphon is perforated in a way that disperses water flow throughout the screened area.

Figure 2 This is an example of a drum screen for use with systems of up to 750 gallons per
minute.

Figure 3 This cylindrical example of a high velocity intake is rated at approximately 500 gallons
per minute.

Figure 4 This is an example of a domestic intake screen that is suitable for withdrawals no more
than 20 gallons per minute. The unit and screen size are both relatively small.

Other Design Considerations

All screens need maintenance in varying degrees depending on their design, location in the stream and
type of stream. Some tips to reduce maintenance requirements are to increase the Effective Screen
Area, this reduces the approach velocity by providing more Open Area resulting in less debris, such as
leaves and twigs, being impinged on the screen surface. Screen material also plays a factor in
maintenance such as using stainless steel to reduce clogging due to corrosion. A coarse trash rack
around the screen can also assist where larger debris is a problem. Debris can also be reduced by
orienting the main screen face with the direction of flow. Any maintenance activities that are done where
the screen integrity may be compromised should be done with the pumps and diversions shut down.
This information is not intended to replace guidelines that exist in regards to the screening of freshwater
intakes. This brochure displays examples of styles of freshwater intake screens. For more detailed
information see the Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline (http://www.dfompo.gc.ca/Library/223669.pdf) or contact your nearest DFO office for a copy and assistance.