Hydrologic Monitoring System – Silver Lake Wetland

Project Overview

To aid in the understanding and preservation of the wetlands at Silver Lake an automated hydrologic monitoring system was installed.

The Silver Lake Wetlands are unique and complex. An ancient glacial kettle lake surrounded by hills of gravel soil deposits has existed since shortly after the Wisconsinan Glacier retreated some 15,000 years ago.

One of Ohio’s best examples of a freshwater fen is located on the northwestern side of the lake. In spite of drainage attempts over the last century, the lake and fen maintain their integrity.

System Description

At various locations throughout the wetlands, NexSens radio telemetry, YSI 600 LS water level multi-parameter sondes with temperature, conductivity, and water level sensors, and RM Young tipping bucket rain gauges were installed.

From each location, data is collected and transmitted via a license free, spread spectrum radio to a nearby farm, where a NexSens radio/modem is connected to a telephone line. On a periodic schedule, a computer calls to the remote project site, collects the data, and posts it to a WQData.com datacenter.

Researchers at Miami County Parks, University of Dayton, Wright State University, and Ohio EPA all have access to this hydrologic data via the Internet, aiding in the research, understanding, and preservation of the wetlands.