ASTM D5413-93(2002)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Water Levels in Open-Water Bodies
Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Water Levels in Open-Water Bodies
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover equipment and procedures used in obtaining water levels of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs or other water bodies. Three types of equipment are available as follows:Test Method A—Nonrecording water-level measurement devices Test Method B—Recording water-level measurement devices Test Method C—Remote-interrogation water-level measurement devices
1.2 The procedures detailed in these test methods are widely used by those responsible for investigations of streams, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries, for example, the U.S. Agricultural Research Service, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The referenced ISO standard also furnishes useful information.
1.3 It is the responsibility of the user of these test methods to determine the acceptability of a specific device or procedure to meet operational requirements. Compatibility between sensors, recorders, retrieval equipment, and operational systems is necessary, and data requirements and environmental operating conditions must be considered in equipment selection.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation:D5413–93(Reapproved2002)
Standard Test Methods for
Measurement of Water Levels in Open-Water Bodies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5413; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
Applicable Methods of Committee D19 on Water
1.1 These test methods cover equipment and procedures
D 5242 Test Method for Open Channel Flow Measurement
used in obtaining water levels of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs or
of Water with Thin-Plate Weirs
other water bodies. Three types of equipment are available as
2.2 ISO Standard:
follows:
ISO 4373 Measurement of Liquid Flow in Open
Test MethodA—Nonrecording water-level measurement devices
Channels—Water Level Measuring Devices
Test Method B—Recording water-level measurement devices
Test Method C—Remote-interrogation water-level measurement devices
3. Terminology
1.2 Theproceduresdetailedinthesetestmethodsarewidely
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
used by those responsible for investigations of streams, lakes,
method, refer to Terminology D 1129.
reservoirs, and estuaries, for example, the U.S. Agricultural
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Research Service, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the
3.2.1 elevation—the vertical distance from a datum to a
U.S. Geological Survey. The referenced ISO standard also
point.
furnishes useful information.
3.2.2 datum—a level plane that represents a zero or some
1.3 It is the responsibility of the user of these test methods
defined elevation.
to determine the acceptability of a specific device or procedure
3.2.3 gage—a generic term that includes water level mea-
to meet operational requirements. Compatibility between sen-
suring devices.
sors, recorders, retrieval equipment, and operational systems is
3.2.4 gage datum—a datum whose surface is at the zero
necessary, and data requirements and environmental operating
elevationofallthegagesatagagingstation;thisdatumisoften
conditions must be considered in equipment selection.
at a known elevation referenced to National Geodetic Vertical
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Datum of 1929 (NGVD).
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
3.2.5 gage height—the height of a water surface above an
information only.
established or arbitrary datum at a particular gaging station;
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
also termed stage.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.6 gaging station—a particular site on a stream, canal,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
lake, or reservoir where systematic observations of hydrologic
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
data are obtained.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.7 National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD)
2. Referenced Documents —prior to 1973 known as mean sea level datum; a spheroidal
datum in the conterminous United States and Canada that
2.1 ASTM Standards:
approximates mean sea level but does not necessarily agree
D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water
with sea level at a specific location.
D 1941 Test Method for Open Channel Flow Measurement
of Water with the Parshall Flume
4. Significance and Use
4.1 These test methods are used to determine the gage
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on height or elevation of a river or other body of water above a
Water and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.07 on Sediments,
given datum.
Geomorphology, and Open-Channel Flow.
Current edition approved May 15, 1993. Published November 1993.
Buchanan, T. J., and Somers, W. P., “Stage Measurement at Gaging Stations,”
Techniques of Water Resources Investigations, Book 3, ChapterA-7, U.S. Geologi-
cal Survey, 1968. Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. Floor, New York, NY, 10036.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959, United States.
D5413–93 (2002)
4.2 Water level data can serve as an easily recorded param-
eter, and through use of a stage-discharge relation provide an
indirect value of stream discharge, often at a gaging station.
4.3 These test methods can be used in conjunction with
other determinations of biological, physical, or chemical prop-
erties of waters.
TEST METHOD A—NONRECORDING WATER-
LEVEL MEASUREMENT DEVICES
5. Summary of Test Method
5.1 This test method is usually applicable to conditions
where continuous records of water level or discharge are not
required. However, in some situations, daily or twice daily
observations from a nonrecording water-level device can
provide a satisfactory record of daily water levels or discharge.
Water levels obtained by the nonrecording devices described in
this test method can be used to calibrate recording water-level
devices described in Test Methods B and C.
5.2 Devices included in this test method are of two general
types: those that are read directly, such as a staff gage; and
those that are read by measurement to the water surface from
a fixed point, such as wire-weight, float-tape, electric-tape,
point and hook gages.
5.2.1 Staff, wire-weight, and chain gages are commonly
used as both outside auxiliary and reference gages. Vertical-
and inclined-staff, float-tape, electric-tape, hook and point
gages are commonly used as inside auxiliary and reference
gages.
FIG. 1 Staff Gages
5.3 Documentation of observations must be manually re-
corded.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Staff Gages:
6.1.1 Vertical Staff Gages—Staff gages are usually gradu-
ated porcelain-enameled plates attached to wooden piers or
pilings, bridge piers, or other hydraulic structures. They may
also be installed on the inside of gaging station stilling wells as
insidereferencegages.Theyarepreciselygraduated,usuallyto
0.02 ft or 2 mm, although other markings may be used for
specific applications (see Fig. 1).
6.1.2 Inclined Staff Gages—Inclined staff gages usually
consist of markings on heavy timbers, steel beams, or occa-
sionally concrete beams built partially embedded into the
natural streambed slope. Since they are essentially flush with
the adjoining streambed, floating debris and ice are less likely
FIG. 2 Type A Wire-Weight Gage
to cause damage than for a vertical staff gage. Individual
graduation and marking of the installed gages by engineering
levels are required due to the variability of bank slope. equipped with a pawl and ratchet for holding the weight at any
6.2 Wire-Weight Gage—An instrument that is mounted on a desired elevation. A horizontally mounted check bar is
bridge or other structure above a water body. Water levels are mountedattheloweredgeoftheinstrument.Differentiallevels
obtained by direct measurement of the distances between the are run to the check bar. When the weight is lowered to touch
device and the water surface.Awire-weight gage consists of a the check bar, readings of the counter are compared to its
drum wound with a single layer of cable, a bronze weight known elevation as a calibration procedure. The gage is set so
attached to the end of the cable, a graduated disk, a counter, that when the bottom of the weight is at the water surface, the
and a check bar, all contained within a protective housing (see gage height is indicated by the combined readings of the
Fig. 2). The disk is graduated and is permanently connected to counter and the graduated disk.
the counter and the shaft of the drum.The cable is guided to its 6.3 Needle Gages—Frequently referred to as point or hook
position on the drum by a threading sheave. The reel is gages. A needle gage consists of a vertically-mounted pointed
D5413–93 (2002)
metallic, small-diameter rod, which can be lowered until an
exact contact is made with the water surface. A vernier or
graduated scale is read to indicate a gage height.Aneedle-type
gageoffershighmeasurementaccuracy,butrequiressomeskill
and good visibility (light conditions) in lowering and raising
the device to a position where the point just pierces the water
surface. These gages are most commonly used in applications
where the water surface is calm.
6.3.1 Point Gage—A form of needle gage where the tip or
point approaches the water surface from above.
6.3.2 Hook Gage—Aformofneedlegagemadeintheshape
of a hook, where the tip or point approaches the water surface
from below (see Fig. 3). The hook gage is easier to use in a
stilling well application. As the point contacts the water
surface, overhead light will reflect from a dimple on the water
surface.
6.4 Float-Tape Gage—Consists of a float attached to a
stainless steel graduated tape that passes over a suitable pulley
with a counterweight to maintain tension. A pointer or other
index is frequently fabricated as an integral part of the pulley
assembly (see Fig. 4). Float-tape gages frequently are com-
bined with water-level recorders in a manner whereby the
pulley is the stage drive wheel for the recorder.
6.5 Electric-Tape Gage—Consists of a graduated steel tape
and weight attached to a combined tape reel, voltmeter, datum
index and electrical circuit, powered by a 4 ⁄2 to 6 volt battery
FIG. 4 Float-Type Gage
(see Fig. 5). The gage frame is mounted on a shelf or bracket
over the water surface, usually in a stilling well. The weight is
FIG. 5 Electric-Type Gage
FIG. 3 Hook Gage lowered until the weight touches the water surface closing the
D5413–93 (2002)
electrical circuit that is indicated by the voltmeter. The gage 9.2 Devices,genericallyreferredtoaswater-levelrecorders,
height is read on the tape at the index. or recorders, included in this test method must be capable of
6.6 A reference point is frequently selected on a stable
recording stage and the time and date at which the stage
memberofabridge,stillingwell,orotherstructurefromwhich
occurred.
distance vertical measurements to the water surface are made
9.3 Recorders may sense water level by direct mechanical
by steel tape and weight. The reference point is a clearly
connection, usually by float-counterweight and tape or cable,
defined location, frequently a file mark or paint mark to ensure
by gas purge manometer systems (bubble gages), or by
that all readings are from the same location.
electronic water level sensors (pressure transducer or acoustic
devices).
7. Calibration
9.4 Recorders may retain data in graphical, analog, digital,
7.1 Establish a datum. The datum may be a recognized
or other format.
datum such as National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
9.5 Recorders are available that can remain unattended for
(NGVD), a datum referenced to a recognized datum such as
periods from one week to longer than six months.
580.00 ft NGVD 1929, a local datum, or an arbitrary datum.A
datum is usually selected that will give readings of small
10. Apparatus
positive numbers.
7.2 Establish at least three reference marks (RMs). Refer-
10.1 Types of Sensing Systems:
ence marks must be located on independent permanent struc-
10.1.1 Direct Reading Systems:
tures that have a good probability of surviving a major flood or
10.1.1.1 Crest Stage Gage—A crest stage gage is a simple
other event that may destroy the gage. Reference marks should
sensing-recording device that is installed near a water body to
be close enough to the water-level measuring device that the
recordthehighestwaterlevelthatoccursbetweenvisitsoffield
leveling circuit not require more than two or three instrument
personnel. A wooden rod is encased in a steel or plastic pipe
setups to complete elevation verification. If the NGVD datum
with holes for water to enter and rise to the outside water level.
is used, determine the elevation of the reference marks by
Arecoverablehigh-watermarkisleftonthedevicebyparticles
differential leveling from the nearest NGVD benchmark.
of ground cork that float to the highest water level (Fig. 6).
7.3 Set the gages to correct datum by differential leveling
fromthereferencemarks.Uselevelingproceduresdescribedin
10.1.1.2 Tape Gage Maximum-Minimum Indicators—These
a surveying text or “Levels at Streamflow Gaging Stations.”
indicators include magnetic or mechanical accessories that
7.4 Run levels to gages from RMs annually for the first 3 to
record maximum or minimum travel of float-drive tape gages
5 years, then if stability is evident, a level frequency of 3 to 5
or recorder-drive tapes.
years is acceptable. Rerun levels at any time that a gage has
10.1.2 Mechanical Sensing Systems:
been disturbed or has unresolved gage reading inconsistencies.
10.1.2.1 Float Tape—Consists of a float that floats on the
Run levels to all RMs, reference points, index points, and to
watersurface,usuallyinastillingwell,andasteeltapeorcable
each staff gage, and to the water surface. Read the water
which passes over a recorder drive pulley. A weight on the
surface at each gage at the time levels are run. Document
opposite end of the tape maintains tension in the tape or cable.
differences found and changes made in a permanent record.
The rise and fall of the water surface is thus directly transmit-
8. Procedure ted to the recorder.
10.1.2.2 Shaft Encoders—These devices consist of a float-
8.1 Read direct reading gages by observing the water
tape driven shaft and pulley assembly that converts the angular
surface on the gage scale. Manually record this value on an
shaftpositiontoanelectronicsignalcompatiblewithelectronic
appropriate form.
8.2 Gages that require measurement from a fixed point to recorders. Analog output potentiometers and several digital
the water surface must follow procedures provided by manu- format output encoding systems are available.
facturers of the specific instrument.
10.1.3 Gas-Purge System—This system is commonly
8.3 Make a visual inspection of gages at each reading to
known as a bubble gage.Agas, usually nitrogen, is fed from a
detect apparent damage, which could affect accuracy.
supply tank and pressure regulator through a tube and bubbled
freely into the water body through an orifice at a fixed location
TEST METHOD B—RECORDING WATER-LEVEL
onornearthebottomofthewaterbody.Thegaspressureinthe
MEASUREMENT DEVICES
tube is equal to the piezometric head on the bubble orifice
corresponding to the water level over the orifice. Several
9. Summary of Test Method
methods of sensing this line p
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