Stepped chutes are a standard element in hydraulic engineering. Among others, two basic problems have not yet been addressed so far. These include the direct spray reduction on stepped chutes for relatively small discharges by an improved step edge geometry, and the cavitation damage up to the point of self-aeration for relatively large discharges. This research adds to these two items by systematic observations on a stepped chute of definite slope and step size. The test data were analyzed resulting in preliminary recommendations for an improved performance of stepped chutes. It was concluded that the present knowledge applies also for stepped chutes extended with an aerator as proposed herein. The latter may be easily added to existing designs, of which the design discharge is increased. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.