Minimum flow

Value of the flow maintained downstream of a localized water intake (short-circuited stream, etc) under Article L-232-5 of the Rural Code. This article specifically refers to "structures to be built in the bed of a watercourse", and "devices" to be developed to maintain a certain flow rate. It requires letting pass a minimum flow guaranteeing the life, circulation and spawning of the species that inhabit these waters. This minimum discharge is at least equal to one tenth of the module (1:40 for facilities existing on 06/29/84) or to the inflow if it is lower. The minimum flow is often called, wrongly, reserved flow.