The first part of this study considers jet flow on stepped spillways. Using the experimental results of Horner (1969), a method has been developed to estimate the energy loss on a stepped spillway. It appears that the energy loss in jet flow regime is mainly due to jet circulation in the pool beneath the nappe. An equation for the energy loss is presented based on the idea of the proportion of energy loss on each step, usd\alpha.usd Equations are derived to evaluate usd\alphausd for horizontal and inclined steps. It is found that the energy dissipation of maximum discharge in jet flow regime is a function of step geometry and number of steps. Since the drop is the basic element of a stepped spillway, the flow characteristics of a drop were evaluated by model study, to develop a better understanding of flow in a stepped spillway. The plane jet model is also studied because of its similarity to the drop flow. Flow visualization shows that the nappe oscillation is an important factor in the flow exchanging process between the pool and the jet. It appears that the flow circulation in the pool is a major cause for energy dissipation. Laboratory measurements show that the energy loss at the base of a drop is significant at lower discharges and decreases as the discharge increases. The relative energy loss for plane jet is approximately constant and equal to about 11%. Empirical equations are derived to estimate some of the flow characteristics of the drop based on the experimental data of the present contribution and previous studies.