Russian River Telemetry Study

Water Board staff are conducting the Russian River Telemetry Study, part of the Telemetry Pilot Project, to research how telemetry can streamline data collection and analysis. The goals of the study are to investigate ways to reduce the burden on water reporters and improve the usability and availability of water data. Staff and contractors plant to install telemetered water monitoring equipment at about 100 volunteers sites in and near the Russian River, assess the cost and effectiveness of the monitoring, and evaluate data accuracy.

Project Goals:

1. Evaluate the cost and effectiveness of monitoring and transmission equipment.
2. Refine the technical tools that the Division of Water Rights uses to assess water diversions and flows.
3. Test logistics of connecting data streams from diverse equipment to a data system.
4. Advise the Water Board on simplifying reporting, supporting monitoring efforts, and potential regulation updates.

The success of the Study depends on participation of members and organizations from the local community. We are looking for volunteers to provide land, equipment, or data access for the Russian River Telemetry Study.

Water right holders may find that volunteering for the Study impacts their ability to comply with current requirements of the Water Board’s Water Measurement and Reporting Regulation. Volunteers who sign an access agreement with the Water Board are eligible to enroll one or more of their volunteer sites in the Russian River Telemetry Study Alternative Compliance Plan (Study ACP). Telemetry Study Volunteers are not automatically enrolled in the Study ACP.

If you are interested in volunteering, fill out the intake form and email it to telemetry@waterboards.ca.gov. Feel free to contact this email for questions and comments.