Taking a look at the headlines, it’s hard to ignore the looming threat that rising sea levels pose to coastal communities around the globe.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global sea levels are rising at an accelerating rate, and are expected to cause increases in destructive storm surges and nuisance flooding.
For example, a recently published study found that by as early as 2030, New York City could face devastating 8-foot floods as frequently as every 5 years.
As cities struggle to adapt to this new reality, environmental monitoring, groundwater measurement, and flash flood detection will become more crucial than ever. It is toward those ends that float switches and liquid level sensors will become vital tools for the protection of life and property.
The Importance of Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring and ground surface water measurement allow for scientists and governments to predict the risk of flooding, ensure the safety and reliability of municipal drinking water supplies, provide adequate water from agriculture and irrigation, and much more.
Over time, as sea levels rise and weather patterns change, even inland areas may find drastic changes in their water levels. This means that previously common wisdom about what to expect in regards to groundwater levels and rainfall may not be relevant in years to come. An accurate measurement will be crucial.
Float switches and other liquid level sensors can be invaluable to groundwater measurement and other environmental monitoring processes.
Float Switches for Flash Flood Detection
A more acute problem is that of flash floods caused by storm surges and rising sea levels, as evidenced by the previously mentioned study on New York’s fate.
Flood detectors work in a variety of ways, but in general, they are placed in high-risk areas like levies, dams, dikes, embankments, sewer systems, and more. Level sensors like float switches, hydrostatic pressure sensors, and others can be used to alert authorities when water levels rise to dangerous levels, thus providing adequate notice to begin evacuations or other emergency protocols.
Float Switches and Liquid Level Sensors from SMD Fluid Controls
If you’re in the business of environmental monitoring, water level detection, or flood response, and you’re interested in learning more about liquid level sensors and how they can help respond to the challenges posed by rising sea levels.