Local authorities often need to monitor surface water/surface flows, which are captured and used to supplement irrigation water for a region. Surface water monitoring systems provide local authorities with valuable information to help achieve water self-sufficiency. This should lead to better-designed storm water irrigation schemes to alleviate water loss, salinity, and flooding problems. The information would also assist local authorities and communities in minimising the use of scheme water to irrigate sporting facilities and other local parks and gardens.
Many areas suffer shortages of irrigation quality water because traditional surface water catchments are no longer reliable or groundwater sources have become saline.
Local authorities are increasingly turning to schemes which collect storm water from streets, roofs and hardstand areas. Water from these ready-made high yielding catchment areas can be harvested, stored and recycled for watering ovals or sports grounds.
Surface water monitoring systems provide a more accurate picture of yields and water qualities, and assist local authorities in planning for water shortfalls and future irrigation needs. Such systems would include a measure of water depth, flow velocity, temperature, pH and electrical conductivity. When runoff events occur, these measurement systems can assess how much water flows along drains which collect water from streets, roofs and other hard surfaces found within towns.
The low salinity, low sediment runoff collected would be ‘fit for purpose’ water, meaning it was suitable to use, for example, as an irrigation supply. However, the water would not be fit for human consumption. Even if used only for watering the town sports grounds, parks and gardens, this would be of enormous benefit, as in many shires these areas generate the greatest demand for town water.
Surface water monitoring equipment measures surface water quality and quantity and transmits the information via cell phone or satellite to a central Neon Server where it can be analysed to make meaningful water management decisions. Such systems may include instruments to measure water flow, water depth, water quality for example electroconductivity and pH in small open channels and storm water drains and channels. Surface water movement may also be monitored into and out of small dams and ponds in agricultural areas.
For large pipes and small open channels, an ultrasonic velocity and depth meter can be used to measure occasional flows (during rain periods for example) and also test the water quality of such occasional flows.
