| Priority / Condition | Recommended Choice | Key Reason |
| Ease of Maintenance | Cross Flow | Accessible open distribution basins. |
| Poor Water Quality | Cross Flow | Large gravity orifices resist clogging. |
| Minimize Pumping Energy | Cross Flow | Lower pumping head (gravity distribution). |
| Limited Ground Space | Counter Flow | Smaller footprint for the same capacity. |
| Maximum Thermal Efficiency | Counter Flow | Superior thermodynamic gradient. |
| Cold Climate Operation | Counter Flow | Less exposed water, reduced freezing risk. |
| Low Initial Cost (Generalization) | Cross Flow | Often simpler construction, but market-dependent. |