Typical Applications For Water Level Monitoring Systems

Wetlands

Water level is an essential parameter to monitor in a wetland, as plants are sensitive to oxygen concentrations in the soil. Wetlands with high water levels typically have lower soil dissolved oxygen (D.O.) concentrations, while wetlands with low water levels have higher soil D.O. concentrations. Water levels can change in wetlands throughout the year – some are permanently flooded, others have periods of being completely dry.

Industry

Measuring water level is also relevant in some industries. For example, stormwater runoff from oil refineries can contain dangerous chemicals. Industrial facilities like oil refineries must monitor their stormwater runoff to ensure harmful chemicals from the site don’t end up in water bodies. Part of this required monitoring may involve measuring the level of runoff in a stormwater channel that leads into receiving waters. Similar to wastewater and water treatment facilities, industrial facilities often have large holding tanks. Measuring the level inside these tanks allow managers and operators know how much water or chemical is available for their processes.

Groundwater Level

Monitoring groundwater levels is essential for several reasons, including understanding how groundwater pumping impacts the availability of groundwater in aquifers and the amount of water present in surface water bodies that interact with groundwater. Monitoring groundwater levels in aquifers used as a water supply can help minimize undesirable results if too much groundwater is extracted via pumping. If excessive groundwater is extracted, wells can go dry, resulting in the need to deepen the well, drill a new well, or attempt to lower the pump – all of these can be prohibitively expensive.

Rivers & Streams

Gage (gauge) height, sometimes referred to as stage, is the water level of a river or stream. Gage height changes due to precipitation (or lack thereof), snowmelt, and water management decisions. A common reason to gather gage height data is to establish a baseline profile. These data are helpful to engineers that are designing structures such as bridges or levees. Additionally, ecologists can use baseline data when studying aquatic habitats and environmental impacts. Real-time gage height data can indicate when river levels are beginning to exceed the baseline, providing the local community an early warning of dangerous flood conditions.

Wastewater & Water Treatment

Water level is an essential measurement in wastewater and drinking water facilities when monitoring and managing water flow. In combination with a weir or flume, level sensors are used to calculate flow at various points in the wastewater treatment process, particularly at the influent and effluent of the facility. Drinking water facilities often use level sensors to monitor their source water, various filtration processes, or water tanks. Additional applications in the water and wastewater industry include chemical tank monitoring, lift stations, digesters, and more. Level data collected in wastewater and water treatment facilities are often used to trigger pumps and alarms. Operators can also adjust their processes based on the level and flow data acquired from these sensors.

Reservoirs, Lakes & Ponds

Establishing a baseline of water level is also crucial for ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, as these data indicate when the volume of water is unusually low or high. Monitoring the water level in lakes and reservoirs is especially important, as they often serve as the source of drinking and irrigation water in many communities. In addition, these surface water bodies can generate electricity via a dam, help control floods, serve as a place for recreation, and as a habitat for wildlife. Monitoring the water level in a pond – especially in an artificial pond – can help indicate potential problems with its design. Water will evaporate from a pond, especially during the summer. However, if the water level drops more than expected, a leak is often the cause; these can be expensive to fix. Low pond and lake levels are especially problematic for aquaculture operations, as dissolved oxygen (D.O.) levels often decrease while predation and disease increase whenever water level drops.