Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

When designing a diversion channel, a critical consideration regarding water velocity is that it should not be so great as to cause erosion. This is essential because high water velocities can lead to the erosion of the channel's banks and bed, resulting in instability and increased sedimentation downstream. Erosion can compromise the channel's ability to effectively divert water, leading to failures in controlling runoff and potential environmental damage.

By managing water velocity to prevent erosion, designers ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the diversion channel while minimizing adverse effects on the landscape. This approach aligns with best management practices in stormwater management, emphasizing the need to control the speed of water to protect both the structure and the surrounding environment. Matching the surface runoff rate or maintaining a specific speed may be important in other contexts, but the primary concern remains preventing erosion, which can degrade water quality and ecological conditions.