Telemetry Research Unit
Telemetered water monitoring produces real-time data for timely, targeted management actions:
- Water conditions are automatically measured at the site
- Measurements are automatically transmitted to a data system
- Data are in a standard format to enhance usability
California's Water Resilience Portfolio (2020) and Water Supply Strategy (2022) affirmed telemetry is a crucial tool to generate timely, accurate water resource data. In 2022, the California State Water Resources Control Board received funding to create a modern geospatial data system capable of receiving water telemetry data (UPWARD Project). The Telemetry Research Unit (TRU) was also created to build institutional knowledge of best practices, costs, and equipment for telemetered water monitoring and to make recommendations about monitoring and reporting processes.
Outreach and Engagement
February 2025 Public Meeting
State Water Board staff from the Telemetry Research Unit held a meeting Feb 12, 2025 on the upcoming Telemetry Study in the Russian River watershed.
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 goal of the project is to reduce the burden on water reporters and improve the usability and availability of water data. Staff and contractors plan to install telemetered water monitoring equipment at about 100 volunteer sites, assess the cost and effectiveness of the monitoring, and evaluate data accuracy. Learn more about the project by visiting waterboards.ca.gov/telemetry/pilot-project.html or emailing telemetry@waterboards.ca.gov with questions or comments.
Stay informed
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Contact Us
If you have any questions or wish to learn more about volunteering for the Pilot Project, please email telemetry@waterboards.ca.gov
