Sluice

The Sluice is a contamination-aware flow control structure unlocked for 500 Science Points. Unlike Floodgates, which simply block water up to an adjustable height, the Sluice functions as a one-way automatic valve that can distinguish between clean water and Badwater. This makes it an essential tool for managing fluid systems during Badtide events, when contaminated Badwater mixes with your colony's clean water supply. Sluices can be configured to allow or block flow based on contamination status, ensuring that toxic fluids do not enter your drinking water, irrigation, or power generation systems.

The Sluice's contamination awareness sets it apart from all other water control structures. During a Badtide, rivers that normally carry clean water become contaminated with Badwater, which can sicken and kill beavers. By placing Sluices at the intake points of your reservoirs and canals, you can automatically seal off contaminated flow while allowing clean water to pass through during normal conditions. This automation eliminates the need to manually adjust Floodgates every time a Badtide begins or ends, saving you significant micromanagement effort on maps with frequent contamination events.

For optimal placement, install Sluices at every point where river water enters your controlled water infrastructure. Combine them with Levees and Floodgates to create reservoir systems that automatically protect themselves from contamination. Sluices also work well in conjunction with Valve Gates, which offer even more sophisticated multi-condition flow regulation. In Iron Teeth colonies, pair Sluices with Badwater Discharge stations to create systems that separate clean water for drinking from Badwater routed to industrial uses like the Explosives Factory. The 500 Science Point cost is a worthwhile investment for any colony that faces regular Badtide events.