There are the values of non-eroding water velocities for various types of bottom sediments (incoherent and cohesive) given in the normative documentation in the form of tables and graphs. Also there are a number of regulatory documents containing methods for calculation such velocities. These methods are based on empirical dependencies adapted to specific conditions. The calculated mean non-eroding water velocities are proportional to the depth of flow and bottom particle size in the case of incoherent bottom sediments erosion. The authors made an attempt to estimate non-eroding water velocity by a physical approach to the problem depending on the internal friction angle, the calculated clutch of incoherent bottom sediments and the depth of the water over the bottom. This approach should be universal. An analysis of the results indicated that the proposed formula for calculating bottom non-eroding water velocities in all considered cases gives results significantly higher than the values given in the regulato