Water Level Measuring Station

a facility for the systematic measurement of the water levels of rivers, seas, lakes, and canals. It consists of a device for reading the water level and of bench marks, which are geodetic structures that fix the position of a point whose height has been determined. Staff gauges are equipped with a calibrated wooden or metal staff, which is vertically attached to a structure (a bridge, dam, and so forth), and pile gauges are equipped with piles that have been driven perpendicularly into the shore or bank. If access to the staff is difficult (for example, because of a steep bank), then transmitting water level measuring stations are set up, which allow readings to be obtained at a distance. Automatic recording devices—water stage recorders—are used to obtain continuous records of the fluctuations of water levels. Long distance water level measuring stations are equipped with mechanical, electronic, radio, or other systems that transmit data on the water levels to the place where they are read. Readings at water level measuring stations are taken daily at specific, strictly established times.