Rickly USGS Top Setting Wading Rods
Features
- Available in English & metric units
- Handle is constructed of anodized aluminum
- Works with many popular flow meters
Image | Part# | Product Description | Price | Stock | Order | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 105-001 | Top setting wading rod with imperial increments, 4 ft. | $516.00 | In Stock | ||
![]() | 105-002 | Top setting wading rod with imperial increments, 6 ft. | $565.00 | In Stock | ||
![]() | 105-008 | Top setting wading rod with metric increments, 1.2m | $543.00 | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 105-009 | Top setting wading rod with metric increments, 1.5m | $600.00 | In Stock |




Image | Part# | Product Description | Price | Stock | Order | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1040500195-S | MF pro flow meter (cable/sensor sold separately) | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-0N | MF pro velocity sensor, 6.5 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-1N | MF pro velocity sensor, 20 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-2N | MF pro velocity sensor, 40 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-3N | MF pro velocity sensor, 100 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-0D | MF pro velocity & depth sensor, 6.5 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-1D | MF pro velocity & depth sensor, 20 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-2D | MF pro velocity & depth sensor, 40 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks | ||
![]() | 1040500595-3D | MF pro velocity & depth sensor, 100 ft. cable | Check Price | Usually ships in 1-2 weeks |






Wading rods are used with instruments that measure water flow rates and discharge in shallow rivers and streams. In fact, many popular flow meters require a wading rod to operate properly. Some of these include the SonTek FlowTracker, Marsh McBirney Flo-Mate, OTT MF pro, Type AA, and pygmy current meters.
Two versions of the wading rod are available - one with English units for measuring depth and another with metric units. The English rod is marked in feet and tenths of feet. It may be ordered in 4' or 6' long models. The metric rod is marked in centimeters and has a length of 1.2m or 1.5m.
Water depth can be determined simply by looking at the graduated markings on the wading rod. The anodized aluminum handle incorporates a scale to indicate the correct position of the flow meter at the 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8 depth settings. By simply pressing a button, you can properly position your flow probe to raise or lower it to the correct depth. There is no need to remove the flow meter from the water to set it to the correct setting.
- (1) Top setting wading rod
- (1) Threaded base plate with lock washer
We do offer replacement base plates for top setting wading rods. Here is a link to the part: http://www.fondriest.com/rickly-r0625020.htm
Yes, the USGS top-setting wading rods are compatible with the Marsh McBirney Flo-Mate Portable Flow Meter.
Yes, the USGS top-setting wading rods are compatible with the Hach FH950 Portable Flow Meter.
In The News
Measuring Rising Floodwaters with the USGS
All year long the US Geological Survey (USGS) in North Dakota and South Dakota monitors water levels, but during times of flooding, all eyes are on the team. EM spoke to USGS data chief Chris Laveau about the monitoring efforts. 
 
 “The US Geological Survey in North Dakota and South Dakota is one entity, so we monitor the flooding in both states,” explains Mr. Laveau. “The role is to provide continuous information on water level, we call that gauge height or stage, and we also provide continuous information at a lot of locations on stream flow, typically called discharge. We do that year round but, obviously, during a flood event it garners more attention.
Read MoreCitizen Scientists Tracking Intermittent Rivers
Most of the time when we think of monitoring streams and rivers, we think of water, and for a good reason. However, in some parts of the country, many rivers are intermittent—dry at some point in space or time—and therefore have not had equal amounts of attention from ecologists and hydrologists. 
 
 A project led by a University of Oklahoma (OU) team is working to change that with the help of citizen scientists. OU assistant professor of biology Daniel Allen spoke to EM about the project and why it's so important to track intermittent rivers. 
 
 “ The Nature Conservancy (TNC) started the Citizen Science program in Arizona's San Pedro River and the nearby Cienega Creek in, I think, 2001,” details Dr. Allen.
Read MoreCharles River Algal Blooms Stop Swimming and Launch a Floating Wetland
The Charles River used to be a swimming hotspot for Cambridge and Boston residents. 
 
 Decades of industrial pollution and nutrient runoff have degraded water quality and eliminated public swimming in the Lower Charles, but a movement is afoot to get Boston and Cambridge back in the water. One step toward the goal of a safely swimmable river—without the need to obtain a permit, as is now necessary—is detecting and managing the harmful algal blooms that appear on the river. 
 
 An experimental floating wetland and new research and analysis of water quality data that shows a possible effective detection system for algal blooms on the Charles River are two new steps toward the goal of safe, accessible swimming.
Read More