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
Average flow rate during a month: it is most often obtained by adding the average daily rates of the month and by dividing the result by the number of days in the month.
"Threshold" value of the flow that triggers the first restrictions for some activities. These measures are taken at the initiative of the prefectural authority in connection with a crisis cell and in accordance with a crisis plan. Below this threshold, one of the functions (or activities) is compromised. To partially restore this function, it is necessary to limit temporarily another: withdrawal or discharge (first restriction measures)…
Legal reference flow, defined as the monthly low-flow recurring every five years (or frequency of 1/5, i.e. occurring one year in five), known by the acronym QMNA 5 (frequency 1/5).
According to the Water Act of 1992, "when hydraulic development works, other than those conceded or authorized and intended or resulting in the regulation of the flow of a non-State owned watercourse or for increasing its flow during low-flow periods, all or part of the artificial