A canal outlet is a small structure built at the head of watercourse so as to connect it with a distributary channel. Thus, an outlet is a sort of head regulator for the field channel delivering water to the irrigation fields. The responsibility of maintenance of the distributing channel and the whole canal network lies with government, while that of the field channel lies with the farmer. The outlet is the connecting medium for the two.

There are different types of outlets such as

1. Non-modular Outlet.
2. Semi-module or Flexible module.
3. Rigid module.

Significance:-

1. The outlet should be strong, with no moving part liable to be damaged or requiring periodic attention and maintenance.
2. It should be so designed that the farmer cannot temper with its functioning and any interference from him should be easily detectable.
3. Since a large number of outlets are fixed on a distributing channel, the most essential requirement is that it should be cheap.
4. The design should be simple so that it can be constructed or fabricated by local masons or technicians.
5. It should be possible for the outlet to work efficiently with a small working head.
6. The outlet should draw its fair share of slit carried by the distributing channel.