WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program
Project Name or Title:	Water Level Data Logger
Submitted by (your name):	Bob Kenworthy
Unit name and address:	R-4, BPR, Instream Flow Group, 161 E. Mallard, St 110, Boise, ID 83706
Telephone:	208.342.9049
IBM or Internet Address:	rkenworthy@fs.fed.us
Date:	2/4/008
OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)
In Idaho and other states, the Forest Service is engaged in Endangered Species Act consultations with NOAA and the FWS regarding the authorization of diversions on USFS lands. In Idaho, many of these diversions (upwards of 100 or more) will be required to have some sort of water level recording device to document that agreed upon flow levels are maintained throughout the period of use. In addition, the recently completed Federal Reserved Rights Settlement for Wild and Scenic Rivers in Idaho requires a water level measuring data logger for all new non de minimis water rights. To date, an inexpensive device that can be easily installed and maintained by a water user has not been found. The STREAM TEAM, at least 10 years ago, funded development of the AquaRod, a moderately inexpensive water level recording instrument that is used by the Forest Service and others and currently marketed by Advanced Measurements and Control, Inc. (800.897.6266). The AquaRod does not meet current needs for monitoring of diversions associated with ongoing ESA consultations. New instrumentation needs to be developed or the AquaRod needs to be updated to current technology standards. The current AquaRod design does not have a removable card that can be exchanged by a hydrographer or water user (to be mailed into a regulatory agency). It has to be downloaded to a laptop computer or to an old style PDA (Handspring Visor), increasing the cost for additional equipment and requiring computer technical skills over that needed to simply exchange a data card. Data transfer speeds from the AquaRod are slower than current computer technology (serial port connection) and this can create data corruption and transfer problems. The batteries typically can only be depended on to last for one month and the batteries are not a type commonly available. Instrument settings (time, date, sample interval) are not retained when the battery is changed, requiring a hydrographer or water user to have a PDA or computer to reset the instrument. A one-meter AquaRod costs about $1000.00.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)
The end product would be a water level recording device that costs in the range of $500.00, measures within .01 feet (USGS standards), can be installed in PVC pipe, galvanized pipe, flume stilling well, or other small structure. The device will typically be installed in association with a measuring device such as a flume or weir or will be used in open channels for stream flow monitoring. This device needs to have a removable and exchangeable data card so that data can be easily acquired and periodically mailed to regulatory agencies by water users. It is preferred that the data card be removable without removing the instrument (to make sure the instrument is not tampered with). Ideally, the battery will last for the duration of the water use period, typically 180 days. The device will need to retain the instrument ID at all times and the date, time, and sample interval if the battery is changed by the water user (small backup watch type battery?). The device needs to be water tight and able to withstand outside temperatures. The removable data card will have a USB connection for download back in the office directly into a computer (separate download device not necessary).
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.) Authorization of diversions on USFS lands that are affecting ESA listed and other aquatic species is a major political issue because of the potential for land use authorizations to reduce flows available for irrigation and other uses. In order to receive an authorization, many diversions will need to be monitored to ensure that agreed upon diversion quantities are maintained. The installation and maintenance of an inexpensive, reliable, and easy to use measuring device will not be seen as a burden to and by water users. In addition, the regulatory agencies will have greater confidence in the ability of the USFS to enforce permit requirements. With the availability of an inexpensive and easy to use device, more instrumentation is likely be installed to monitor stream flows in the vicinity of diversions, allowing a greater ability to implement adaptive management. Implementation of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Settlement is monitored by outside entities. At this time, the terms of the settlement have not been met because a suitable measuring device has not been found for new non de minimis water uses. The Forest Service is at risk of outside entities seeking legal action to require the USFS to enforce the agreement. Development of a suitable water level recorder will eliminate this issue. Authorization of diversions is an issue involving all of the western states and Regions. There are hundred of pending ditch bill easements and many diversions that will need special use permit renewals. Many of these will need some sort of water level monitoring device to ensure compliance with the easement or permit. Finally, the USFS will be able to do better job managing aquatic resources on all National forest System Lands. Development of this technology will have application to stream flow monitoring in all Regions, both in association with water use developments and for stream flow monitoring in general.