Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 200-299 - Environmental Protection - Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Chapter NR 218 - Method and manner of sampling
Section NR 218.05 - Methods for measuring flow

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 218.05

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) For process waste and for municipal waste at a treatment works, including any bypass, methods of flow measurement shall include continuous recording devices, preferably with integrating capabilities, and shall be one of the following:

(a) A magnetic flow meter installed in a section of pipe which is full at all rates of flow,

(b) A Parshall type flume installed in accordance with accepted design practices,

(c) A venturi meter,

(d) A sharp edged horizontal crest weir, either straight or with end contractions, installed in accordance with accepted design practices,

(e) A "V" notch weir installed in accordance with accepted design practices,

(f) Any other method approved by the department for any specific case in response to a written request for approval filed after the effective date of this chapter.

(2) For municipal wastes which are overflow or bypass flows from sewerage systems other than at a treatment works, reasonable estimates of rate of flow and duration are acceptable for short term discharges such as those caused by storm water. The department may require installation of a temporary flume or weir where the discharge is continual pending elimination by corrective construction.

(3) For noncontact cooling waters:

(a) Having a daily heat content above intake equal to or greater than one billion btu, flows are to be measured by;
1. Any of the methods specified in sub. (1),

2. Intake water meter readings where the intake, or a specific portion of it, is used for cooling,

3. Readings of a water meter on the discharge, or

4. Computation from the operating period of one or more calibrated pumps handling the flow;

(b) Having a daily heat content above intake of less than one billion btu, flows are to be measured by;
1. Any of the methods specified in par. (a), or

2. Calculations from the velocity and cross section of the discharge.

(4) Cooling water flows are to be measured using any of the methods specified in sub. (3) (a).

(5) Contaminated storm water flows may be estimated from the duration and head above the crest of an installed weir. Calibration of such weirs is not necessary.

(6) Storm water flows do not require flow measurement.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.