headgates
/ˈhɛdˌɡeɪts/
noun
- A gate or set of gates at the entrance of a canal, lock, or irrigation channel that controls the flow of water.
- During the flood, the headgates were closed to prevent the canal from overflowing.
- The old headgates at the mill race were replaced with modern steel ones.
- The farmer opened the headgates to let water flow into the irrigation ditches.