Sensors Group
Rhode Island, Delaware and Vermont researchers are placing sensor equipment in streams to provide a comprehensive regional picture of how climate variations may play a role in water quality and quantity. With three states of varying local climates, precipitation, and population density collecting data, the information compiled will present a unique and valuable perspective.
The sensors measure such parameters as water depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen and organic matter, nutrients, and cloudiness. They record the information every 15 minutes and transmit the data via cellular network with almost instantaneous Internet accessibility.
In addition, automatic water sampling equipment at each site is triggered to collect water samples every 30 minutes throughout the course of a storm or during some other period of interest thereby allowing the analysis of additional contaminants.