New Technology For Flood/Drought Alerts

OTT HydroMet has launched a new self-contained Flood Monitoring System that offers accuracy and reliability, with installation and operation simplicity.

“In its recent ‘State of the UK Climate’ report, the UK Met Office warned: temperature and rainfall extremes are becoming the norm; as result, there is a growing demand for early warning systems, and the OTT FMS Flood Monitoring System has been designed to meet that need,” explains OTT’s Dr Liam Goodes.

The new OTT FMS includes an advanced radar level sensor, a datalogger, a modem and a compact solar/battery power supply. The system is compact, easy to install and can be operational within minutes of installation; monitoring water levels and providing timely warnings via cellular and internet communications. The system is ideal for both freshwater and saltwater environments.

The accuracy and reliability of the OTT FMS are underpinned by two extra anti-tamper internal sensors within the radar. A relative humidity sensor and an inclinometer continuously check that the radar sensor is operating correctly, and in its installed position – delivering meta data to confirm that water level measurements are correct.

With Bluetooth connectivity, the OTT FMS can be configured safely from a smartphone or laptop. Remote connectivity means that water managers can view data without having to make site visits, which saves costs and improves sustainability.

“This instrument is a water manager’s dream,” Liam explains. “It’s quick and easy to install, it operates reliably and remotely with negligible maintenance, but sends immediate, advanced warnings of potentially dangerous situations, whilst delivering a long-term dataset to monitor trends. System metadata is a game-changer for hydrologists and network managers needing to diagnose site issues from their desks - particularly in very remote or vandalism-prone areas. We foresee a strong demand for these systems as the UK flips between flood and drought.”

• OTT HydroMet manufactures products that enable water professionals to monitor the planet's most precious resource. Through the delivery of accurate reliable data, OTT HydroMet's instruments and services provide essential tools to help protect the environment.
• From precipitation through surface and ground water to marine monitoring applications, OTT's measurement and communication technologies provide a complete picture of the water cycle. OTT and Hydrolab have been longstanding members of OTT HydroMet. Adcon Telemetry was acquired in 2011; Sutron and Lufft joined the group in 2015; Kipp & Zonen joined in 2017, and Aquatic Informatics joined the now Veralto Water Quality platform in 2020, which means that the company is able to offer the best sensors and data handling technology and software for every application.
• Completely focused on hydro-meteorology and water quality, OTT HydroMet’s product brand OTT has been market leaders for over 150 years and coupled with modern communications technology provide remote access to continuous monitoring data. For more information, visit https://www.otthydromet.com/en/.