Use this turbidity curtain selection guide to identify the best solution for your specific site conditions and regulatory requirements. Selecting the right type and grade of turbidity curtain is essential for effective silt containment and compliance with environmental standards.
Which turbidity curtain is right for your project?
Several critical factors affect your choice—including water flow rate, project duration, depth, and type of sediment disturbance. Understanding these variables will help ensure successful deployment and performance. When developing your floating turbidity barrier plan, it’s important to align your curtain type with the appropriate marine-grade accessories for anchoring, tensioning, and floatation. The right configuration ensures stability and effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Our friendly staff is here to help you get the exact product you need!
Turbidity Curtain Selection Guide
TYPE 1 SILT CURTAIN*: For still water areas with calm wind conditions, and where there is no current. See Type 1 Silt Barriers Detail Specs.
| Model |
Water Depth |
Fabric |
Flotation |
Ballast Chain |
| Type 1 Geo Permeable |
4'-10' |
8 oz Nonwoven Geo |
4" or 6" |
5/16" |
| Type 1 Contractor |
4'-10' |
13 oz PVC |
4" |
3/16" |
| Type 1 Economy |
4'-21' |
13 oz PVC |
6" or 8" |
3/16" |
| Type 1 DOT |
4'-21' |
18 oz PVC |
6" or 8" |
1/4" |
TYPE 2 SILT CURTAIN*: For conditions where waves are less than 2 feet, with calm to moderate wind, and current is no more than 1 knot. See Type 2 Silt Barriers Detail Specs.
| Model |
Water Depth |
Fabric |
Flotation |
| Type 2 Contractor |
4'-11' |
13 oz PVC |
4" |
| Type 2 DOT |
4'-21' |
18 oz PVC |
6" or 8" |
| Type 2 HD |
4'-101' |
22 oz PVC |
6", 8" or 12" |
| Type 2 Permeable |
4'-101' |
22 oz PVC w/ Monofilament Fabric |
6", 8" or 12" |
TYPE 3 SILT CURTAIN*: For conditions where waves are less than 2 feet, wind is calm to moderate, and current is no more than 1.5 knots (or 2.5 fps). See Type 3 Silt Barriers Detail Specs
| Model |
Water Depth |
Fabric |
Flotation |
Type 3 DOT
(3' to 20' Draft) |
4'-11' |
18 oz PVC w/Monofilament Fabric |
6" or 8" |
Type 3 HD Impermeable
(3' to 100' Draft) |
4'-21' |
22 oz PVC |
12" |
| Type 3 HD Permeable |
4'-101' |
22 oz PVC w/ Monofilament Fabric |
12" |
* Mechanical conditions and construction factors may affect product performance and maintenance. In addition, special anchoring methods may be required.
Turbidity curtains will also require the proper accessories to ensure it is installed and maintained correctly. One such accessory is a curtain ballast. A curtain ballast offsets some of the billowing of the turbidity curtain without completely stopping it. How the curtain ballast will perform will depend on site conditions. See: turbidity curtain installation accessories.
NOTE: Turbidity curtains also are known by many other names, such as: turbidity barriers, silt curtains, sediment barriers, floating silt fence, filter fence, and filter curtain!
Please discuss your site conditions, performance needs, and turbidity barrier options with your turbidity curtain specialist.Call us at 1-863-261-8388 for more information or Contact Us.
