Flow Control Gate to Increase Irrigation, Water Quality Treatment, and Detention Efficiency

The proposed device is a headgate that discharges water at a constant flow despite a variable headwater depth which will promote equitable distribution of water resources reduce labor requirements for irrigation companies and allow for more efficient stormwater management. This is possible due to a meticulously designed adaptable float and track system. The innovation is already patented the equation has been calibrated based on physical testing around 20 sites have been modeled and discussions with potential end-users have occurred. During the period of this grant we will be fabricating 3 prototype gates to install across two test sites. Before installation we will test the whole gate system at the local water treatment facility using a 2500-gallon tank to simulate the conditions of a real-world application. We will then test it again at the USBR Hydraulic Laboratory in Denver so that results can be verified/certified. Currently we have designs and quotes for two real-world sites where we will install the gates for further testing. We will monitor these sites throughout the grant period to research the accurate continued function of our product in real- world applications. We will also be building a digital platform for our product and continuing stakeholder outreach throughout the rest of the grant period to continue soliciting valuable feedback and establishing connections. This gate has great potential to make it easier for growing rural communities to meet appropriate stormwater management requirements and ensure equitable distribution of water resources in areas of the world with limited or over-appropriated water sources.