Water head
Culvert, screen and outfall manual, (CIRIA C786) published by CIRIA in 2019, defines ‘head’ as: ‘The total energy per unit weight of fluid expressed in metres of water above a datum.’
Head loss is: ‘The difference in head between two points due to friction or other features that result in energy loss (eg a transition, step, construction, expansion or bend).’
Headroom is the: ‘Vertical gap between the water surface and the roof (soffit) of a culvert or outfall to allow for floating debris (also known as air draught).’
Headwater depth is: ‘The depth of water above culvert invert at the culvert inlet.’
Headwater elevation is: ‘The depth of water above datum at the culvert inlet.’
Headwater ratio is: ‘Specific energy of headwater divided by barrel height.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.


















