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Water Monitoring Instruments

Water monitoring instruments are used to gather information about water in a variety of settings ranging from natural wells to home water tanks. Commercial manufacturers produce these instruments for both retail sales and wholesale use. Popular styles of instrumentation include water level indicators, water level gauges, data loggers and water level sensors. Depending on the scope of the project, water monitoring instruments may require installation by a trained professional.

  1. Water Level Indicator

    • A water level indicator consists of three major components. The cable reel, cable and the probe. The cable reel contains electronic devices that control the output of cable or tape that descend into the water. These monitor the distance from surface to first water contact.

      The probe is lowered down toward the body of water. Using sonar or other tracking systems, the probe can detect when contact with water has been made. Usually, a beeper installed on the probe goes off when water has been reached. The depth of the water can then be read from the cable contained within the cable reel.

    Water Level Gauge

    • Water level gauges are often used to monitor smaller water systems like those found within homes and commercial buildings. The gauge consists of four parts: pressure gauge, vinyl tubing, pressurizing bulb and dip tube. The pressure gauge is designed like an old-fashioned clock, with one hand monitoring the pressure against a fixed set of levels. The gauge sits above the water and is attached directly to the pressurizing bulb and the dip tube by vinyl piping. The dip tube rests under water and fills to capacity.

      Air is pumped into the gauge via the bulb and the gauge monitors how much time it takes for all of the water to be expelled from the dip tube. Once this is complete, the gauge gives an accurate reading of the water pressure, which is the same figure as the depth of the water system.

    Water Level Datalogger

    • A water level datalogger is a small, self-contained water monitoring device. Infra-red data transfer is used to monitor the level of a given water system. A cable is attached to the datalogger and kept at ground-level to present data collected by the submerged datalogger. Aside from depth, the datalogger also monitors water temperature and pressure. Out of all the water monitoring instruments, the datalogger is the most compact and portable device.

      Scientists and academic researchers use the datalogger for salinity and saltwater studies as well as storm water run-off monitoring and research.

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