Construction Tips for Surface Water Sources

            Correct Set-up of Surface Water Intake Pipe

1. Surface water intakes should be placed as deep and as far away from the shoreline as possible.
   Lake water naturally separates into layers. The sun warms the top layer, which is the layer used for recreation in the summer, where most runoff accumulates and where most biological activity occurs. At a depth of 9 to 15 metres (30 to 50 feet) there is a dramatic drop in temperature. Water at this lower level usually doesn’t mix with the surface layers, so it is less likely to contain harmful pathogens.
   
2. Surface water intakes should be placed a third to half a metre (1 to 2 feet) off the bottom of the source to avoid sediment (dirt).
   
3. The mouth of the intake should be fitted with a large, fine-mesh screen. A screen with a large surface area reduces the likelihood of fish or other marine life being sucked into the intake pipe.