A four-year program of daily sampling from selected points extending beyond the original intake proved successful in establishing a reliable intake location for Ottawa's Britannia plant in Ontario, Canada. Regardless of weather conditions or seasons, representative Ottawa River water samples were obtained through plastic hoses connected to submerged stanchions. Since construction in 1977, no adverse water conditions have resulted from intense storms or spring runoff. Effects of urbanization, river current studies, precipitation effects, frazil ice, and new intake bells are discussed. Includes 7 references, tables, figures.