Drought has 
not only swept across the western coast but also has impacted the northeast of the United States. Rivers have shriveled to streams, wells have dried, and farmers face millions of dollars in lost crops. As the drought continues, though, it’s important to monitor water levels—which is where level sensors and other monitoring devices come in.
Monitoring Wells and Groundwater
Monitoring groundwater is important when it comes to droughts. This is especially true in areas that rely on wells in order to survive. With the recent drought in the northeast, more and more people are finding themselves without the ability to have clean water due to the fact that they largely rely on groundwater.
Deep wells, in particular, require special level sensors since more typical sensors don’t necessarily work. These sensors measure the pressure of the water above them so as to calculate how much water happens to be in a deep well.
In addition, monitoring regular wells used in residential areas is important not only for knowing how much water levels have dropped but also for managing water supplies. In times of drought, this is crucial for those that rely on well water for their main water supplies.
State of the Drought
Drought conditions continue to grip over 37 percent of the northeast, and nearly 40 million people are currently in th
e overall drought area. In addition, parts of New England, western New York and northern Pennsylvania are also in severe to extreme drought.
Fortunately, though, relief is in sight. The rain has begun to fall in some areas, which means that the drought may soon be relieved by the autumn rainfall. However, monitoring water levels is still important as the drought gives way.
Custom Designs for Monitoring Water Levels
When it comes to monitoring water levels, customization is key depending on the situation. SMD Fluid Controls, as an example, works with a customer’s engineering needs to design liquid level sensors with unique requirements. This can help better monitor environmental areas, and can also create more-accurate data for future endeavors.