Weirs

A weir , or low-head dam is a barrier across the width of a body of water that alters the flow characteristics of water and usually results in a change in the height of the water level. Weirs are used to control the flow of water in rivers, outlets of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, industrial discharge, and drainage control structures. There are many weir designs, but commonly water flows freely over the top of the weir crest before cascading down to a lower level. There is no single definition as to what constitutes a weir. Weirs pose a serious danger to boaters and have been involved in several fatal drownings. A low weir is called a bed sill. Weir can also refer to the skimmer found in most in-ground swimming pools, which controls the flow of water pulled into the filtering system.