Senix Sensors Provide Iowa Flood Warnings

Data collected from the sensors are automatically sent to the Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS), where the real time monitoring information is integrated into an advanced hydrological model. System data and river stage hydrographs are shared with the public and emergency management officials.

Thanks to ToughSonic sensors, Iowa residents and state agencies can now get the reliable, real-time, and accessible information they need to manage flooding in their locales. Click here to see how the system works.

Ultrasonic Sensors Chosen for Ruggedness and Reliability

The IFC needed a reliable and cost-effective way to get accurate, real-time stream-level readings. Daniel Ceynar, Project Engineer, decided to try Senix ultrasonic sensors because they had been used for years for water level measurement in the hydrology research labs at IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering at The University of Iowa, a long-time world leader in hydrological research.

Senix ultrasonic sensors were selected because they are designed to easily integrate with other equipment. In this case, a sensor was needed to seamlessly connect with the system’s cellular modems, solar panels, on-board clock, and other equipment.

ToughSonic sensors also were also chosen for their ruggedness, programmability, and Senix's reputation for excellent engineering support.

“The Senix sensors and technical team have been pivotal to the success of this project,” Ceynar said.

Streams & Sensors Go Hand in Hand

Additionally, the IFC and Senix worked closely to design a special threaded collar for the ToughSonic 50 so it could be mounted to the IFC stream gauge enclosure using the same threading as the ToughSonic 30. That ToughSonic 50 rear mount model—pictured here—has since become a standard product for Senix.

The sensors are programmed for a measurement interval of between five minutes and an hour, using a boxcar average of a preset number of individual measurements. The system "sleeps" until it’s commanded to wake up to take measurement data and send it to the IFIS. Sensor data is provided using RS-485 serial data communications.

Senix sensors are potted in water tight stainless steel housings and operate in 0-100% humidity over a temperature range of -40° to +70°C. After assembly in the IFC lab, each stream gauge is submerged for three days to verify that it is water tight. This testing has proven useful. In the field, numerous sensors have been submerged by flash flooding; once flood waters subsided, the sensors resumed sending accurate stream level data without requiring repairs.

“Once installed, the Senix and IFC stream gauges are practically 100% maintenance free,” Ceynar said. “Most stream gauge sites have not been re-visited since they were installed several years ago.”

Real-Time Water Levels Facilitate Disaster Management

The Senix ToughSonic sensors have provided the IFC and the people of Iowa with critically important data for forecasting floods and managing the situation after flooding has begun.

“The system—stream gauges and other Hydromet data—is routed through the IFIS, where it is regularly used by all levels of government, law enforcement and the general public,” Ceynar said. “We’ve had first-hand experience working with our local emergency management coordinator during floods in 2013 and 2014, where we participated in the daily briefings using IFIS.”

The stream gauges identify where the crest of the flood is located and track the crest as it approaches sensitive roads, bridges and towns. Before the system was in place, it was common for emergency personnel to be dispatched to assess the flooding in threatened locations. But with the stream gauges collecting the data in real time, emergency responders can focus on helping people instead of tracking flood waters.

Check out this video of a stream stage sensor in action:

Iowa Flood Center as a Model For the World

Ceynar and his colleagues have been contacted by officials from other states—and from countries as far away as Australia—inquiring about the IFIS. The stream gauges are also being evaluated by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“The IFC is the only flood center in the United States, and IFIS is the only system of its kind that we are aware of,” Ceynar said. “We will continue our efforts to create a National Flood Center.”

Senix is proud to work with innovative research and educational institutions like the University of Iowa, both in the lab and in the field.

See how Senix sensors are also being utilized for tsunami warning systems.

For more information on how Senix can help with your application, contact us at info@senix.com or click here.