Newguy, is much simpler to use a 555 timer and an opamp like 741, so you can vary from 0 up to 100% dutycycle without changing the frequency. Please Don't think that this circuit for the gate is absolutely necessary or the only way to make the gate to put the thing to work cause its not.
Of course is better than the opamp, for higher frequencies, maybe,,,
The important thing is to match the impedance so you can apply maximum voltage to the water restricting the amps.