Airlift Debris Removal System for Water Intake Structures

A compressed air system was installed beneath a 6 × 4.9‐m horizontal screen at the water intake for Willamette Hatchery, Oakridge, Oregon. Pulses of compressed air were used to lift leaves off the screen to prevent clogging during the fall months. Manual cleaning and inspection were regularly required, especially during heavy leaf fall, but the system greatly decreased the staff‐hours needed for cleaning and reduced the risk of restricted water flow to the hatchery.