Potential for microhydro on small constant creek

Hi, I am wondering if there is any value in considering microhydro at the following site:

Very shallow, but constant creek. 4' wide and 6-10"deep. That is inches. 800' of property frontage with 40' head from start to finish.
I have the ability to dam, divert and alter the watercourse so long as a reasonable amount of the water continues to ultimately flow off the property. There is 50' or more available room on one bank to create a weir or whatever desirable earthworks. Are there any reasonably economical power generation capabilities at this site? I would consider something under $5-6,000 to be a feasible option.

Daniel, I have seen lots of youtubes on home made units. I would think you could get one to produce with that kind of water flow and head. I have not done it myself but will be looking at it in the future.

I tried crunching the numbers in a few different microhydro calculators, assuming a 20gpm flow rate (which honestly might be too optimistic) and I don't see it adding up to a worthwhile endeavor. It would only create about 50-60W, with a ROI of something like 50 years. Oh well, good to know there are limits to mini microhydro.

You should ask griffithshydro, some very forward thinking. I have had nothing but good experiences with them. Although I would suggest they be a little less cautious in their approach, but that is their way I guess.

Daniel B. : You need to do a google search on measuring flow rate, I just sold the table that that pamphlet was setting on and can't find its new place !

At 20 gal a min you should be able to find a spot where you could catch a 5 gal bucket full in 15 sec, bet you have more than that most of the time !
Constructing a small weir for your water to flow over will give you very accurate reading of what your water flow is today - just don't try to read into it
too much !

The site I have drops down 45' directly into a swamp ! and I will never be able to build where I can generate the power ! I have crunched the numbers
to bring the power back as most forms of D.C. power and would do better R.O.I. in municipal bonds !

When you do your calculations, add in the cost of getting the power where you can use IT ! For the Future of the craft ! Be safe !Keep Warm ! PYRO -
LOGICALLY, Big AL ! - As always your questions and answers are solicited and are Welcome ! A. L.