Changes

[[Image:intake icon.png|right|80px]]

[[Image:FloatingIntakePond.jpg|thumb|right|200px|When choosing a river intake location, select one with few rocks and boulders, so that the intake system does not get damaged. These types of locations are further downstream, as opposed to higher elevations.]]

Floating intakes for drinking-water systems allow water to be abstracted from near the surface of a river or lake, thus avoiding the heavier silt loads that are transported closer to the bottom during floods. The inlet pipe of a suction pump is connected just under the water level to a floating pontoon that is moored to the bank or bottom of the lake or river. The pump itself can be located either on the bank or on the pontoon. The advantages of placing the pump on the pontoon are that the suction pipe can be quite short and the suction head will be constant (less risk of cavitation). If the river currents frequently carry logs or large debris, a floating inlet needs extra protection or it will be damaged. To construct the pontoon, a steel or wooden frame can be attached to floats made from empty oil drums, plastic containers, or sealed steel tubes at least 30 cm in diameter.