The Lane Reverse Q Pond Outlet (RQ) is a unique and cost effective skimmer used to improve the quality of water discharging from ponds by drawing only from the upper levels so that only the clearest water is discharged. The RQ has the added feature of a variable depth orifice that facilitates a decrease in orifice head with increasing pond water elevations, thereby reversing the shape of the discharge hydrograph and optimizing the balance between pond retention time and pond discharge rates.