Flow Measurement

Telemetry on ditch off the Bear River in South Routt County near the town of Yampa in late fall with trees losing their leaves in the background.

Flow measurement includes:

Streamflow and water diversion data (for sites with telemetry see near real time data using Stations search).
Water diversion data from wells, ditches, and other structures for beneficial use through Structures Search (includes sites without telemetry, data is reported less frequently).
DWR’s program to certify well meter testers and the list of certified testers.
Surface and groundwater diversion measurement guidance, such as how to properly install a flume, and water-division specific Rules covering measurement accuracy and data reporting.

Applications & Tools

Streamflow and Water Diversion Data

DWR’s hydrography program maintains streamflow stations and makes streamflow and telemetered diversion data (maintained by DWR and other organizations) available to the public through the stations and alerts tools. Stations includes flow data not only of streamflows, but also diversions (ditches, reservoir releases, etc.) on telemetry. My Stations and My Alerts can be customized for frequent users. For diversion data (ditches, pumps, pipelines, etc.) that are not on telemetry, and reported less frequently, access data through Structures Search. Water users can submit their diversion data online using the DWR Portal. You can find links to the tools in the Applications & Tools section of this webpage.

Well Meter Tester Certification Program

Some rules require the State Engineer to certify a person as being a qualified or approved well tester to test the accuracy of flow meters and/or determine the Power Conversion Coefficient as an alternative measurement method.

Surface and Groundwater Diversion Measurement Guidance and Requirements

The measurement of water diversions is important to Colorado and in many cases is required by law. Our video below describes why and provides useful guidance for installing flow measurement structures, explains how to read the flow amount and how to submit this data to DWR.

The State and Division Engineers may order water users to install and maintain flow measuring devices and submit diversion record data to DWR (see 37-92-502(5)(a), C.R.S.). Rules, decrees, or well permits may also require measurement and data submission. Different regions of Colorado have adopted varying Rules for water measurement as shown in the links below.