To get water out of the creek and into the ditch, several things are needed where the ditch begins.

1. A diversion dam keeps a constant water level at the headgate, so that a set amount of water will always be available to the ditch intake.
2. The headgate structure and trash rack keep excess water, branches and trash out of the ditch.
3. The headgate valve regulates the amount of water flowing into the ditch. It is chained and padlocked in position, so it cannot be tampered with.
4. The spillway allows excess water to return to the creek.