Diverting water flow is often crucial for domestic, agricultural, livestock, and industrial operations. However, in order to divert water to irrigate a field of crops, marine life could also follow the diversion into ditches or fields. When water is diverted for an industrial facility such as a steam electric power plant or a town drinking water treatment plant, marine life can quickly be harmed and killed if passed through.
For any type of water diversion, marine life should be taken into consideration. In order to properly protect and maintain many species of fish, perforated metal diversion screens should be used. While water usage is a necessary element of everyday life, measures must be taken to maintain fish populations.
A number of states, including Oregon and Washington, protect sensitive fish numbers by requiring diversion screens. When considering diversion screens, most facilities or agricultural farmers want a screen that will allow for appropriate water flow without harming or killing marine life. They also want a screen that does not require constant cleaning and maintenance.
In many situations, the screens will be subjected to heavy debris and extreme temperatures. The flatness and strength of a fish diversion screen should be considered when the potential for damage from debris, tree trunks, or animals is high. The Hendrick Profile Bar Screen offers the strongest, flattest, most durable construction. A screen that has no movable parts and requires no electricity will offer less maintenance time and costs.
Fish diversion screens are often required for use in dams, lakes, and rivers to ensure that water can properly continue to flow while marine life is left unharmed. Certain screens will protect one specific species of fish, while it may harm others. The fish diversion screens should be custom designed with the water velocity and particular fish species in mind.
Often a costly investment, many factors should be considered when choosing a diversion screen. The initial cost should be weighed against the long term cost and maintenance. Screens that offer superior wire strength, damage resistant bars, flat and stable surfaces, a larger open area, and less maintenance will last longer and withstand the natural elements better than poorly constructed models.
Hendrick Manufacturing, a leader in passive water intake screens, ensures that each screen complies with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) standards. Their screens are also specified for use by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Corp of Engineers, and many State Departments of Fish and Wildlife. Implement an environmentally friendly diversion screen into your water system to efficiently maintain water flow and protect marine life.
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