Abstract: A skimmer for removing water from a sediment basin to a water removal system may include a float portion, and a first pipe having a first end attached to said float portion and in communication with the water removal system. The first pipe has an orifice formed therein to admit water from below a surface of said sediment basin. A guard is attached to said float portion and said first pipe, said guard fixedly positioning said float portion so that said orifice is located below said surface. The guard has a continuous, vertically-extending side wall having a bottom edge defining a water flow path opening located below said orifice. A flow path into said orifice from the sediment basin extends only through said flow path opening, upwardly to said orifice, then downwardly though said orifice into said first pipe.

Abstract: A water skimmer has a float portion supporting a drain portion for draining water from a sediment basin. The drain portion includes a first pipe connect via flexible couplings to a second pipe and then to a water removal system. Water enters the first pipe's orifice through a removable, restrictive orifice saddle. The first pipe is bolted to the float portion using a guard and brackets that hold first pipe just below the water surface to receive water with less sediment. The guard also blocks floating debris while allowing water to flow to the weir under its bottom edge. As the water level rises and falls, the flexible couplings and float portion help maintain first pipe horizontal.