Cost-Effective Sensors Developed to Monitor Water Levels of Rivers

Researchers developed a new sensor that could help monitor rivers' water levels with cost-effective equipment.

Monitoring water levels in rivers has been important for many communities, especially those living in flood-prone areas. The flood warning system has been vital during storms, typhoons, hurricanes, or natural disasters.

The instantaneous communication of water level equipment in many rivers will help prepare communities and alert them for potential evacuations. The immediate response from the equipment and local officials' announcements has been vital.

However, maintaining a water level detection system alerting for flood warnings could be expensive for developing countries or an insufficient investment budget.

New sensor monitoring water levels in rivers

In a new report, the University of Bonn's researchers developed a low-cost and effective water level monitoring in rivels that could help provide flood warning systems.

The report emphasized that the equipment antenna could be attached to buildings, trees, bridges or any structure near the river. The low-cost power of the device could have sufficient capacity to monitor the water levels and transmit the data to recipients.

The study was published in Water Resources Research Journal and can be read on the Phys.org website.

The study explained that there are other methods of monitoring water levels in rivers, from sticks to radars. Researchers added that the water level measuring device could be damaged, affecting the remote monitoring. The damage could also be costly.

Low-powered and low-cost

Furthermore, the study added that the device is equipped with a low-cost GNSS antenna and receiver.

According to Dr. Makan Karegar, the researcher explained that the water measuring device could monitor the river level activity or within 1.5 centimeters (on average). The device is most useful for flooding warning systems for communities. Dr. Karegar is also from the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation at the University of Bonn.

The study also said that the process of the device could only be used for rivers at least 40 meters in width. In addition, the report added that the device consumes low power and could be powered by solar cells.

Unlike other devices, the researcher said that the sensor could survive extreme flooding, which is low-cost than other expensive devices.

On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Kristine Larson added that the device's software is open source. The report said that all information about the study was on the internet. Amazingly, anyone planning could use free. Dr. Larson is also from the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation.

According to Dr. Larson, anyone using the device could check the water activity in rivers using their mobile phones or network. The remote monitoring transmits data about the water level activity in the river.

Water monitoring devices are important during extreme flooding events or natural disasters. It helps provide accurate and instantaneous data to recipients about community water levels.

The affordability and yet effective water monitoring systems could help communities prepare ahead for flooding and announcement for immediate evacuations.

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