Common Questions about Siphons
From ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox
Can a Siphon Replace an Outlet at My Dam?
The answer to the following 4 key questions must be YES:
- Is the dam small enough and at a low enough elevation so that the use of a siphon is physically possible?
- Will abandonment of the original outlet works not impact the reservoir's ability to pass the required inflow design storm (dictated by regulatory agencies)?
- Is there an alternate means to passively control reservoir level to prevent overfilling?
- Can the siphon reasonably be used for emergency drawdown if needed (in combination with pumps in some cases)?
Other Questions to Consider
- Siphons when regular releases aren't needed
- Siphoning May Not Always Be Possible
- Low Pressure During Siphoning Can Collapse Pipe
- Pump... or Siphon?
- Siphons can pose Reservoir Level Control Challenges.
References
- Simple Steps to Siphoning
- Guidelines for Use of Pumps and Siphons for Emergency Reservoir Drawdown
- Drawdown System Selection Flow Chart
Note: The content on this page was originally created as part of DamOutletWorks.org (DOWL, 2018). It has subsequently been updated and reformatted as part of the Dam Safety Toolbox.