What is the appropriate size for a bucket used in the bucket and stopwatch technique?

The appropriate size for a bucket used in the bucket and stopwatch technique is determined by the need to accurately measure flow rates in various environmental compliance contexts. A bucket that is large enough to fill in 10 seconds or longer allows for a more stable and consistent measurement of flow without the complications of overflow or rapid filling that can occur with smaller buckets. This time frame provides an adequate window for effective timing that reduces the influence of variables such as turbulence or sudden changes in flow, which can impact measurement accuracy.

In contrast, smaller buckets that fill in faster times might lead to less reliable data, as they can overflow or misrepresent the true flow rate if not timed precisely. Therefore, utilizing a sufficiently large bucket ensures that the measurement process can be both manageable and precise, which is essential for accurate environmental assessments.