Water Level

Image Credit: NOAA Tides and Currents

Real-time water level sensors measure the height of the water and send that data back to shore to help communities with decisions related to flooding and tidal changes. There are multiple types of sensors that are used to measure water level. Some sensors sit in the water and can record the height of the water level, salinity, pressure, and temperature. Ultrasonic sensors sit above the water level, so they can be easily attached to a dock piling or similar above water structure. These sensors send an ultrasonic pulse to the surface of the water, which is used to measure the height of the water level. Some water level sensors are paired with weather stations, and collect local weather information near the sensor.

The Southeast Water Level Network

With coastal communities facing the compound threat of storm surge, extreme rainfall, and rising sea level – SECOORA is supporting the installation and long-term operation of ~200 new water level stations in the Southeast. The Southeast Water Level Network will enable localized flooding alerts, improve community resilience, and monitor flooding hazards.

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Water Level Research and News

Hyper-local tidal sensors now in use along South Carolina coast

A story on Live 5 News WCSC in South Carolina highlights the water level monitoring stations in South Carolina that keep an eye on the tide.

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Workshop: Water Levels in the Southeast

Over 60 representatives from eleven federal and state agencies, four private companies, and nine academic institutions met in Jacksonville, FL to talk water levels in the Southeast on June 15-17, 2023.

A new network of water level sensors to be deployed in the Southeast

A news story on the Southeast Regional Water Level Network that will provide real-time high-resolution and high-frequency flood data on the projected increase in flooding.

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