The volume of water that moves past a point on a river in a given time is called the river’s

The volume of water that moves past a point on a river in a given time is called the river’s DISCHARGE or FLOW RATE. The flow rate is used to measure and study bodies of water to better understand how they work. It is useful in areas such as wastewater treatment. Water flow or velocity typically increases as the the depth or hydraulic radius of the river increases.