FLOOD WARNING

SYSTEMS
A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING, IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS
WHAT’S INSIDE FLOOD
WARNING
01 Flood Warning

02 A Real-Time Solution

04 Streamflow Measurements

06 Typical Flood Warning System Protecting Lives and Property from Floods
08 Monitoring Location In the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather
Service — part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
10 Data Management — work together to maintain flood warning systems across the country.
12 Quality Assurance Specifically, the USGS acts as the principal source on surface and ground-
water data, and operates more than 85 percent of stream gaging stations in
14 Recommended Equipment the U.S. The NWS uses those data and data from other sources to issue river
forecasts and flood alerts.
16 Purchase or Rent?

17 About Fondriest Environmental Generally speaking, the NWS issues flood alerts either on a county basis, or
for particular rivers and streams. Those alerts are divided into several basic
18 System Configuration Tool categories:

Flood watches are issued when conditions suggest a possibility of flooding,

or if flooding is anticipated within 12-48 hours.

Flood warnings are more severe, and are issued if widespread flooding is

WHY MONITORING MATTERS

expected across a large region, or if flooding is imminent or actively taking
place.

Flash flood watches and warnings follow the same protocol, but indicate
While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, the establishment of flood warning systems near any major waterway or body potential for especially rapid flooding, usually from heavy rain or dam failure.
of water provides critical information that can protect property and save lives. Of course, the most effective flood warning methods extend
beyond the installation of gages and telemetry equipment, and employ qualified staff and carefully designed procedures to provide the Flood statements are issued when flooding is expected along major streams
earliest warning about whether a flood should be expected, when it will occur, and how severe it will be. This guide offers instruction to where people and property are not threatened. They may also be issued as
individuals, communities, and organizations interested in establishing and operating flood warning systems. an update to previous warning and watch alerts.

In the U.S., these alerts are distributed in Specific Area Message Encoding
through the Emergency Alert System and the NOAA Weather Radio network.

In communities that lack a flood warning program, but are interested in

developing their own, the NWS can provide further guidance and technical
support, as well as outreach and education to involved parties and com-
munity leadership. A flood warning system need not be expensive or overly
complicated, and the benefits — protecting lives and property — far out-
weigh any potential complications or inconveniences.

When it comes to the installation and maintenance of gages, sensors, and

other equipment, Fondriest Environmental can help you through every step
of the process.
 A REAL-TIME
SOLUTION
An effective flood warning system should be based on
the regular collection of local rainfall, stream level, and Automated Flood Warning System Data Processing
streamflow data. This can be done through routine The software used to collect and process data from ALERT gages will vary
Developing a flood warning system requires attention to three basic factors:
monitoring, in which operating personnel make visits based on the user’s needs and preferences. Many ALERT gage manufactur-
Data collection via gaging, data processing, and the hardware and software
to stream gage and precipitation measuring sites, but ers offer their own proprietary software to view data remotely, whether in
required, and the dissemination of flood warning information. While auto-
a real-time monitoring system with telemetry can a graphical or text format. The most useful ALERT processing software will
mated flood warning systems are often surprisingly inexpensive to imple-
make data collection easier — and in many cases, permit multiple users to access the data simultaneously, and for multiple
ment, the primary factor determining cost for any such system is the number
more cost-effective — while allowing for the fastest gages to be monitored at once.
of gage site locations. Additionally, the type of communications and telem-
possible response to a flood event. The NWS acknowl-
etry capabilities at each site will contribute to costs.
edges that, even in areas where they provide flood
warning coverage, a real-time, community-oriented
flood warning system can reduce risks involved with
flooding.

The NWS forecasts floods using complex mathemati-

cal models that predict how rivers and streams across
Information Dissemination
the U.S. will respond to varying levels of rainfall and
Automated flood warning systems may utilize radio, cellular, or satellite
snowmelt. These models are based on records of
telemetry to communicate with a host computer or network, but ALERT
stream stage and discharge, the calculations for which
are outlined below. If you are interested in developing ALERT Gages systems specifically operate using radio frequencies. Because of this, ALERT
systems can suffer from some of the same issues as any other radio transmis-
a responsive flood warning system without advanced
sion device, including interference from electrical noise and atmospheric
forecasting capabilities, however, you can likely get by There are a wide variety of automated stream gages that can transmit stream
conditions. Interference may also occur if several ALERT systems operat-
with a system based on Automated Local Evaluation in level data via telemetry, but gages developed according to the NWS ALERT
ing in a close vicinity transmit simultaneously. Satellite and cellular telem-
Real Time, or ALERT gages. protocol are among the most common and will be the focus of this guide.
etry tends to avoid these problems, but still require some consideration to
However, it’s worth noting that many other gages designed to measure pre-
site selection in order to maximize transmission quality. Automated flood
cipitation and water level operate under similar principles, and this guide
warning systems of all sorts will also require a power supply. While gages
may be applicable to certain aspects of other systems.
installed near developed communities may be powered by connection with
a commercial power grid, those located in remote areas generally rely on
ALERT systems have the advantage of operating under a common stan-
a combination of battery and solar power to run their telemetry devices.
dard of communications criteria, so although a wide array of manufacturers
develop and produce ALERT hardware and software, most of those products
are cross-compatible.

ALERT gages perform two primary tasks: sensing and communicating. An

ALERT gage employs sensors to detect changes to a certain parameter,
usually precipitation volume and/or water level. More advanced gages may
also be equipped with temperature and wind speed sensors. Some ALERT
gages can also provide site-specific information, or information regarding
the health of the unit.

In the example of a precipitation-measuring ALERT system, the gage will be

designed to detect a particular “event” — in a common case, 1 millimeter of
rainwater entering the gage’s tipping bucket through the top of its funnel.
When the bucket tips, it pours out any water within, engaging a switch that
transmits ALERT data and resetting the bucket. Any other sensors on the
gage will also activate the ALERT data transmitter after detecting a specific
event. On days without rain, ALERT gages will transmit a “no rain” report to
show that the device is still working.

2 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 3

 STREAMFLOW
MEASUREMENTS
While streams and rivers may be monitored for many
qualities and parameters that they share with lakes, Calculating Streamflow It may not always be cost-effective or space-efficient to install a stilling well
where stream gaging is necessary. In these cases, stage can be measured
wheel formed of several cups revolving around an axis. Each revolution gen-
erates an electronic signal that is counted and timed by the meter, which
ponds and basins, they possess one quality that sets with a vented pressure transducer installed within a PVC or metal pipe along translates to water velocity.
them apart from other freshwater bodies: movement. Streamflow is a measurement of the amount of water flowing through a the stream bank. In locations where a bridge or overhead structure is avail-
Streamflow is a keystone parameter that impacts stream or river over a fixed period of time. Streamflow cannot be measured able for instrument mounting, a non-contact radar or ultrasonic water level A faster, but more expensive method to measure velocity involves the use
many other aspects of a river’s hydrology and water directly, say, by plunging an instrument into a river. Instead, it must be cal- sensor can also be used. of an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) which can be mounted in
quality. Although these other aspects may be just culated in a process known as stream gaging. The USGS has been doing this a small watercraft. The ADCP sends a pulse of sound into the water and
as vital to a river’s health — or just as applicable to since 1889, when it established its first stream gage on the Rio Grande River Stage must always be measured relative to a constant reference elevation, measures changes in the pulse’s frequency as it returns to the instrument.
your particular project — they may be shared with in New Mexico to determine how much water was available for irrigation as or datum. Depending on the duration of your project, it may be necessary to The ADCP speeds discharge calculations by measuring velocity and depth
other types of water bodies, and in many cases will be the nation expanded westward. Today, the USGS operates more than 7,000 routinely survey the elevation of your stream gage structure and its datum, at the same time. Width is also measured as the boat-mounted ADCP is
covered in other guides provided by Fondriest Envi- stream gages across the U.S., which provides streamflow information used to ensure that elevations have not shifted due to settling or natural erosion. navigated across the channel. Though somewhat more limited in capabil-
ronmental. For this reason, this application guide will widely for flood prediction, water management, engineering and research, ity, rod-mounted Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters allow similar functions to
focus primarily on establishing streamflow through among other uses. be performed while wading through shallow streams.
stage discharge measurement.
The USGS splits stream gaging into a three-step process: measuring stream
Measuring Discharge
stage, measuring discharge and determining the stage-discharge relation.
Determining the Stage-Discharge Relation
10
Measuring Stream Stage
5

STAGE (ft)
ANTENNA VELOCITY

DATA RECORDER
SUBSECTIONS
DEPTH

1
FLOAT 1 10 40 100 1,000
WIDTH
STREAM DISCHARGE (ft /s) 3

INTAKE PIPES
In addition to stage, discharge must also be established before streamflow Stage-discharge relation, or “rating,” is a dynamic variable that is deter-
information can be computed. Discharge is the volume of water moving mined by comparing stage at a stream gage to discharge at the same point.
down a waterway per unit of time. It is most commonly expressed in cubic Accurate stage-discharge relations can only be developed by measuring
feet per seconds or gallons per day. To calculate discharge, multiply the area discharge across many ranges of stage. Furthermore, channels should be
of water in a channel cross section by the average velocity of water in that continually surveyed for changes caused by erosion, sediment deposition,
The first step in calculating streamflow involves measuring stage, which is cross section. In short: discharge = area X velocity vegetation growth and ice formation.
the height of the water surface at a particular point in a stream or river.
Stage is sometimes known as gage height, and can be measured several The simplest way to measure discharge is to divide the channel cross section When discharge has been established across enough stages, stage-dis-
ways. Among the most common of these approaches uses a stilling well into vertical rectangular subsections. Once the area (width X depth) of each charge relation can be visualized in the form of a graph. When this rela-
installed in the river bank or attached to a stationary structure such as a pier of these subsections is established and multiplied by velocity to determine tion is properly maintained through periodic updates, it can provide useful
or bridge support. An underwater intake allows water into the stilling well subsection discharge, the results can be added together to calculate total streamflow information for a given stream or river.
at the same elevation of the river’s surface. A float or a sensor — whether discharge.
pressure, optical or acoustic — then measures the stage inside the well.
An electronic recording device or data logger records stage measurements Subsection width is best measure with a cable or steel measuring tape,
at regular intervals; in the case of the USGS, usually every 15 minutes. A while depth can be measured by a wading rod in shallower channels and
telemetry system may also be present in a stilling well, allowing data to be suspended sounding weights in deeper waters. Velocity, on the other hand,
transmitted remotely to a host computer in real time. should be measured with a current meter. Many current meters rely on a

4 FLOOD WARN IN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 5

 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
Consisting of a funnel and a small container

TYPICAL FLOOD affixed to a tipping lever, rain gauges collect a

set amount of precipitation before the container
tips, dumping out any collected water and

WARNING SYSTEM Integrated Data Logging System

sending an electrical signal to a data transmitter.

An integrated data logging system is a

real-time monitoring station that houses
As discussed above, there are a number of ways to
the data logger, telemetry module, and
configure an automated flood warning system, but the
power/charging supply. Since it is generally
needs of one system can differ widely from another.
cost-prohibitive to run AC power to the
The number of gage sites, their locations, and the Telemetry
monitoring location, integrated solar panels
instruments and sensors used at each will vary based Telemetry provides access to data in
are used to continuously charge the 12VDC
on the nature of your application and the size of the real time. ALERT transmits wireless
battery for autonomous operation.
intended coverage area. If your warning system is communications via radio frequencies,
intended to service an entire community, the number but cellular and satellite-based options are
of gages necessary will depend on the location of also available.
nearby water bodies in relation to property and infra-
structure. If only a small portion of your community is
exposed to a jutting stretch of river, for instance, one Mounting Hardware
gage may be sufficient. Data loggers can be mounted directly
to the pier/abutment or to a pole on the
In a single-gage system, installing a station on a riv- bridge, depending on the location and
erbank or standing structure, such as a pier or bridge recommended monitoring plan.
support, will likely provide the best results. Gages
can also be built into stilling wells or standpipes,
making it easier to include other instruments, such
as multi-parameter sondes equipped with an array of
sensors, as well as data loggers and telemetry systems.
While radio transmission is the standard telemetry
option for ALERT-based systems, satellite and cellular
options may be more beneficial to your application,
depending on its size and location. Nearly all telem-
Live Data
etry options will provide continuous real-time data
Instant access to project data is
to any computer or mobile device, ensuring that your
available 24/7 through a cloud-based
system runs smoothly, and any control measures or
data center. Monitoring data can be
emergency actions can be implemented immediately
if parameter limits are exceeded.
viewed in real time, or as a graph to Radar Water Level Sensor
identify trends. Real-time automated Water level sensors using radar
alerts can be sent via text or email when technology provide a non-contact
specified parameters exceed predefined alternative to other level gauging
limits. methods such as submersible
pressure transducers, allowing
for monitoring in hard to reach
locations.

6 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 7

 MONITORING
LOCATION
As mentioned before, the ideal placement for a flood
warning gage will depend largely on the site consid- Site Considerations
erations of the waterway where it is located. Careful
Cellular Telemetry
planning is needed to select the location, determine • The monitoring location should have access to a bridge or overhead
coverage
substrate stability and water level fluctuation, and to structure for securely mounting the radar sensor. There should be No man-made
design a housing solution that will effectively protect a clear path between the sensor and the water to avoid false reflec- control structures
the gage from acts of nature or vandalism. Physical tions.
• Monitoring site
constraints of a site, the time required to reach the location
location, legal and physical access to a site, and safety • If using telemetry, determine whether there is sufficient cellular
issues must be considered when making site selections. coverage to get a signal at the site. If not, satellite telemetry will
likely be required.
•
• Avoid submerged obstructions such as rocks or bridge piers that
disturb or influence the water level. Check for such obstructions
when the water is at the lowest anticipated level.
•
• The mounting location should also avoid horizontal structural sur-
faces such as beams, brackets, and side wall joints, these surfaces NO SUBMERGED
OBSTRUCTIONS
tend to reflect a strong false signal.
•
• Avoid man-made control/flow structures upstream or downstream
of the site that may change flow profiles erratically, as this will
making rating development difficult.

Installation Considerations
• Make sure data logging and telemetry equipment will be installed
sufficiently above the high water mark to prevent it from being
flooded or otherwise damaged by high water.
•
• The radar sensor should be mounted directly above the water
surface, such that the radar beam is perpendicular to the water.
•
• The radar sensors should be securely mounted to prevent vertical
displacement by wind or vibration. Any movement can disturb mea-
SECURE MOUNTING
surements and result in vertical alignment errors.
•
• Make certain the radar sensor is mounted high enough to avoid
being submerged during high water or flood conditions.
•
• Any potentially exposed sensor cables near the ground should
be run through a conduit to the data logger box to protect from
animals.
HIGH WATER
PERPENDICULAR

8 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 9

 DATA
MANAGEMENT
A major part of any monitoring project is collect-
ing and accessing the data. While it is possible to Data Logger base station required. If multiple monitoring stations are required, each data
logger can send information individually to a central database. All the data
simply record measurements onsite, the ability to can then be accessed wirelessly from any computer via the Internet. Data
log, send and view monitoring data in real time is As the name implies, a data logger is an instrument that stores data. In loggers may be equipped with cellular modems from different providers,
far more efficient. environmental monitoring applications, data loggers can be used not only including AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.
to collect data from sensors and sondes, but to control sampling rates and
transmit data to a central location in real time. For remote applications where radio and cellular telemetry are not feasible,
satellite telemetry can be used. The Iridium communications network main-
While some water monitoring instruments have the ability to log their own tains a dynamic, cross-linked constellation of Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) sat-
data, a separate, dedicated data logger can gather all data from any and ellites, providing coverage all over the world. This means that data loggers
all attached sensors ensuring that no data are lost. If telemetry (wireless with an Iridium satellite modem can transmit data in real time from any-
communication) is available, the logger can remotely control sensor sam- where on Earth. As with cellular networks, the data are sent to a central
pling rates and transmit collected data to a central project computer. Data gateway, which then transfers the data over the Internet to any project
loggers with telemetry technology can provide real-time hydrological profile computer or cell phone.
data and remote access via a cellular modem, radio transmission or satellite
modem.

When housed in a data buoy, a data logger is charged by the buoy’s solar
Real-Time Online Datacenter
power system. If a solar panel system or external battery is not available, the The easiest way to share and view river and stream monitoring data is
logger can be self-powered using alkaline batteries. Data loggers can be con- through a web-based datacenter. An online datacenter offers 24/7 instant
figured with a number of sensor ports for connection to industry-standard access to project data via any web browser. Water pressure and other
digital and analog interfaces, including RS-485, SDI-12 or 0-2.5 VDC. A data data can be exported into the datacenter directly from the data logger, or
logger can also support water quality sensors and sondes, weather stations, through the project software.
and other instruments to complement the hydrological profile data.
This project management service can be password protected or public, and
allows users access to the collected data in real time. In addition to any
profile-specific information, the online interface can provide dynamic area
Telemetry maps, overlaid with weather information, recent and historical data, time
series graphs and statistical summaries. Visitors can interact with the project
Telemetry, or wireless communication, is a useful tool for monitoring rivers maps and view real-time monitoring data or trends over time.
and streams in real time. Common telemetry options are cellular and radio,
though satellite telemetry can be used in more remote locations. The decid- But these cloud-based datacenters are more than just a pretty face. Many can
ing factor when determining the most cost-effective telemetry option be programmed to send out automated alarm notifications when param-
should be the local site conditions and proximity to a project computer. All eters exceed pre-defined limits. Once an allowable range has been set, the
three of these options permit real-time updates for temperature profiles. data are entered into the online database. If levels exceed or fall below these
recommended ranges, the datacenter will immediately issue an alert (text
Radio telemetry is recommended when all equipment is in close proximity. If and/or email) to the appropriate project manager or interested party.
equipped with a license-free spread-spectrum radio, a data logger can com-
municate with a shore-side or dam-mounted radio base station. This range With the availability of real-time data and the datacenter’s auto-alert system,
may vary depending on the logger and base station used. Spread-spectrum project managers can be notified immediately when interesting or action-
radio technology may allow a range as far as five miles (line-of-sight) or a few oriented events may exist. This can be nutrient pollution, algal blooms, tur-
hundred feet (non-line-of-sight). The radio base station serves as a central bidity, eutrophication, etc. The online datacenter can also transmit this alert
hub for any compatible data logger in range, with the ability to send the back to the data logger in order to respond to the exceeded temperature,
collected data to a project computer. conductivity, pH or any other range. Automated responses may include
taking more frequent readings high or low temperature periods, then
Cellular telemetry offers more geographic flexibility than radio, though it resuming regular log intervals when levels return to normal.
does require a cellular data plan. This small, additional cost permits data
transmissions from anywhere that receives a cellular signal. With cellular
telemetry, monitoring stations do not need to be in close proximity, nor is a

10 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 11

 QUALITY
ASSURANCE
To maintain accuracy and keep equipment func-
tioning within specifications, best practice recom- System Maintenance
mends cleaning and calibrating the instruments
at regular intervals. It is also recommended to Radar sensors are nearly maintenance free. There are is no calibration fre-
cross-check sensor accuracy against a separate quency or consumable parts to be concerned with. That said, it is still impor-
instrument. Projects may even require the use of tant to periodically visit the site to check for potential problems.
a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) that provides a
detailed outline of maintenance, calibration and Check the sensor for dirt, spider webs, insect nests, etc. that can lead to
QA/QC requirements. impairment of the measurement. If obstructions are observed, carefully
clean the sensor using a non-abrasive cleaner and soft sponge.

It is also important to check for obstructions in the measurement beam. This

can include flotsam or branches of trees and bushes growing in the water.
Remove any beam obstructions.

Performance Verification
In addition to visually checking the sensor and measurement beam, it’s
also important to periodically verify that the sensor is providing accurate
data. This can be accomplished using a portable distance sensor or nearby
staff gauge.

12 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 13

 RECOMMENDED
EQUIPMENT
When it comes to developing an automated flood
management warning system, there are many pre- OTT RLS Radar Water Level Sensor NexSens MAST Data Logging System NexSens WQData LIVE Web Datacenter
made ALERT systems available for purchase, but
customizing a system to your specific needs may The RLS non-contact radar level sensor with
provide the best results. Fondriest Environmental pulse radar technology is ideal for monitor-
has selected these products as the best in their ing in remote areas and applications where
field for their quality, reliability and value. Together, conventional measuring systems are not
they provide an advanced and powerful real-time suitable. The RLS accurately and efficiently
monitoring system for any river or stream prone to measures surface water level With a non-
flooding. The RLS Radar Water Level Sensor from contact distance range of up to 115 feet
OTT is uses radar pulse technology to measure above water. The sensor is IP67 waterproof
depth in areas unsuitable for contact-based depth and has extremely low power consump-
sensors. The HSA TB3 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge tion, making it ideal for solar-charged
offers reliable precipitation data with less than 3 monitoring systems.
percent margin of error for rainfall intensities from
0 to 500 millimeters per hour. The NexSens 3100- The radar level sensor uses a revolutionary level measurement technol-
MAST Wireless Telemetry System features a mast- ogy, meeting the USGS accuracy requirement of +/-0.01 feet. Two antennas
mounted data logging system with cellular modem are enclosed in a compact housing and transmit pulses toward the water
telemetry and solar charging to keep your data up surface. The time delay from transmission to receipt is proportional to the
to date, eliminating the need to routinely visit a distance between sensor and water surface. A sampling rate of 16 Hz (16
gage site. Additionally, the WQData LIVE web data- measurements/second) with 20 second averaging minimizes water surface WQData LIVE is a web-based project management service that allows users
center allows 24/7 remote access to collected data conditions such as waves and turbulence. The RLS does not require calibra- 24/7 instant access to data collected from NexSens remote environmen-
from any computer or mobile device, while incorpo- tion and is unaffected by air temperature, humidity, flood events, floating tal data logging & telemetry systems. More than just an online database,
rating instant alarm notifications and trend tracking. debris, or contaminated water. WQData LIVE offers the ability to generate automated reports, configure
alarms to notify project personnel when data values exceed threshold limits,
create FieldBooks to store calibration forms, notes and media and much
The iSIC-MAST system includes the data logger and solar panel pre- more. Projects are password protected with the ability to configure a public

HSA TB3 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge mounted to a 2” diameter pole to create a truly plug-and-play data collec-
tion and sensor interface platform. The system integrates a NexSens iSIC
portal or presentation view to share data with the general public. Project
Administrators have the ability to edit project descriptions and informa-
data logger and 20-watt solar power kit - all in a compact, pre-configured tion, while users given Collaborator access are limited to data viewing and
The Hydrological Services TB3 Tipping Bucket Rain package. Simply thread the system to any 2” NPT male pipe thread, connect form entry.
Gauge incorporates a syphon mechanism to deliver the solar panel & battery, wire the sensors, and setup a project using iChart
high levels of accuracy across a wide range of rainfall software - it’s that simple! The Google Maps view shows all project sites on a map with zoom, scroll
intensities. This rain gauge has 5 tipping bucket capac- and drag capability. Mousing over a site on the map displays the most recent
ity options: 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.5mm, 1.0mm and 0.01 The iSIC data logger arrives ready for long-term deployment. All electron- data values, and clicking on the site navigates to a display showing the last
in. The TB3 also offers the choice of bucket materials: ics are housed in a rugged, NEMA 4X enclosure constructed of heavy-duty reading or tabular data that can be downloaded to Excel and sent via email
a synthetic ceramic coated brass tipping bucket or an fiberglass. The built-in 8.5 amp-hour sealed lead acid battery provides 12 or FTP. FieldBooks can be created to store notes recorded during field visits,
injection molded ABS chrome plated tipping bucket, volt power to the system, and the battery is continuously charged using including forms to store calibration data, which can be submitted from the
both of which are balanced to +/-0.05 gms. solar power. Polymer-coated circuit boards, sealed connectors, corrosion- WQData LIVE mobile app. This eliminates the need for conventional field-
resistant stainless steel hardware and built-in lightning protection ensure books while keeping critical project information in a single, easy-to-access
Each unit consists of a collector funnel with leaf filter, reliable performance in the harshest conditions. All sensors are cabled location. Site photos can even be placed onto FieldBook pages or uploaded
an integrated syphon control mechanism, an outer enclosure with quick through Sealcon gland fittings to ensure protection from the elements. into the project’s Media page.
release fasteners, and base which houses the tipping bucket mechanism.
The rain gauge also includes dual output reed switches with varistor protec- NexSens iChart Software is a Windows-based program for interfacing to an The WQData LIVE report feature allows data to be shown both graphically
tion that senses the pulse from each tip and logs it in an internal or external iSIC data logger or network of data loggers. The iChart Setup Device Wizard and in a tabular format. Report templates can be saved so that specific
data logger. The dual reed switch can also transmit the tipping bucket pulse includes built-in drivers and a step-by-step interface for setting up and con- information can quickly be referenced. Project alarms send email or text
from the rain gauge to a telemetry system. figuring remote monitoring sensors and systems. When connected, the user messages to project staff for immediate notification of critical conditions.
can quickly configure sample & log intervals, upload data, or troubleshoot With this unique set of features, WQData LIVE provides everything needed
communications. to effectively manage an environmental monitoring application.

14 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 15

 PURCHASE ABOUT
OR RENT? FONDRIEST
When managing a large or long-term river or stream Company
monitoring project, purchasing several monitor-
Located in the Lower Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley region, Fondriest
ing systems is often the most economical option.
Environmental is a leading distributor and integrator of equipment for
However, for short-term monitoring projects on a
natural resource professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Our team of spe-
tight budget, it may not be practical to purchase
cialists can help customers understand the products they are buying and
the necessary monitoring equipment. In these situ-
make the correct decisions out in the field. We seek to understand project
ations, it is much more prudent to rent real-time
needs, devise a comprehensive solution, provide the equipment and know-
monitoring systems. With several lease duration and
how to implement it and then offer long-term project support for whatever
extension options available, the flexibility of renting
needs arise.
monitoring systems may still be cost-effective for
the larger countermeasure applications as well.
Capabilities
River and stream monitoring equipment can be We work closely with NexSens Technology, a company that specializes in the
rented instrument by instrument, or as an entire design and manufacture of real-time environmental measurement systems.
system, calibrated and ready to deploy on arrival. A variety of sensor, platform and telemetry options are available to fit the
Rental equipment can include multi-parameter unique needs of each project. We can provide complete integrated solutions
sondes, integrated data logging systems, and web- and support projects from conception to completion. An extensive fleet of
based datacenter access. Real-time telemetry via rental equipment is also available for short-term project needs.
radio-to-shore, cellular, and satellite can also be
incorporated. A large rental pool also means that Certifications
most monitoring equipment can be shipped same- Fondriest Environmental is a Certified Repair Center for YSI, NexSens & Fish-
day for quick deployment and emergency situa- Sens, offering quick turnaround, affordable labor rates and personalized
tions. service. Our knowledgeable technicians are available for phone, email and
onsite support when the need arises.
Just as with Fondriest purchases, rental projects
have access to a knowledgeable support staff who Publications
will provide personalized service before, during and
after the project. We cover many customer projects in our Environmental Monitor magazine,
which is updated daily online and printed quarterly. We also produce Lake
Scientist, an interactive online resource providing research articles and
news on lake ecology. Informational pages on environmental parameters
and applications are available in the Measurement Sciences section of our
website. And FishSens Magazine, available online, provides anglers, boaters
and fisheries professionals with the latest fish science news.

Commitment
A commitment to integrity and longstanding customer relations are the
standard, rather than the exception, at Fondriest Environmental. We support
professionals, educators and researchers who continuously work to monitor
and protect our global resources by providing them with the products and
services needed to face today’s environmental challenges. Our team of solu-
Fondriest Environmental, Inc. tion-driven experts has years of field experience and a keen eye for finding
2091 Exchange Court the best equipment for each application.
Fairborn, OH 45324
Contact Information
tel: 888.426.2151
To reach an application specialist, please call (888) 426.2151 or email
fax: 937.426.1125
[email protected]
[email protected]

16 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 17

 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION TOOL Site Location
Fondriest application specialists will assist with tailoring system configuration and equip- The location of a monitoring system can affect what equipment platform best suits the conditions. Please select in what type of water body the system
ment choices on a site-by-site basis to ensure reliability and proper data management. The will reside.
questionnaire below can help you get started. Once completed, this form can be faxed to
(937) 426.1125 or, if completed digitally, emailed to [email protected]. Stream River Other Please Specify

Contact Information
Name:

Organization:

Telephone: Cable Length

With stream or river systems, the cable lengths used for a deployment depends on the distance from the monitoring instrument(s) to the shore-
Email: mounted data logger.

Between 5 and 25 ft. Between 25 and 50 ft. Between 50 and 100 ft. > 100 ft. Please Specify

Site Conditions
Describe the site conditions in a paragraph or two. Please include details regarding levels of wind, waves and boat traffic experienced in the area.

Telemetry
License-free spread-spectrum radio telemetry allows communication with a shore-side NexSens radio base station as far as five miles line-of-sight from
the monitoring site. Cellular telemetry allows greater geographic flexibility and is able to transmit from almost anywhere in the U.S., but it includes
the cost of a cellular data plan. Satellite telemetry can be used nearly anywhere in the world, but it tends to have the highest data cost compared with
cellular telemetry.

Cellular Radio Satellite None

Project Length (Rental vs. Purchase)

Although it often makes sense to purchase systems outright, many short-term projects make it cost-prohibitive. Fondriest Environmental offers real-time
monitoring systems with weekly and monthly rental rates to accommodate these operations. An application specialist can make recommendations
on what choice is most cost-effective.

1-3 Months 3-6 Months 6-12 Months >1 Year Please Specify

18 FLOOD WARNIN G SYSTE M F ON DR IE ST.COM 19

 when your PRSRT STD
research US POSTAGE
demands PAID
quality data DAYTON, OH
PERMIT# 860
Fondriest Environmental, Inc.
2091 Exchange Court
Fairborn, OH 45324

P 888.426.2151

F 937.426.1125

E [email protected]

TAKE YOUR PROJECT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

CONTACT A FONDRIEST APPLICATION SPECIALIST
888.426.2151