Waterra WS-2 Water Level Meters & Indicators

A water level meter is a portable instrument used to measure depth to groundwater in a monitoring well, piezometer or borehole. Most electric water level meters use a graduated tape with a conductivity probe that activates a light, buzzer or both when the probe contacts water.

The depth-to-water measurement is read directly from the graduated tape at a consistent reference point, usually the top of the well casing.

A water level meter detects when its probe contacts water and lets the operator read the depth directly from a graduated tape. When the probe reaches groundwater, the electrical circuit is completed and the meter activates an audible and visual signal.

With the Waterra WS-2, the operator lowers the probe until the buzzer sounds and indicator light comes on, then reads the tape at the well reference point.

To measure groundwater level, lower the water level meter probe into the well until the light and buzzer activate, then read the graduated tape at the top-of-casing reference point.

For consistent measurements:

1. Use the same reference point every time.
2. Lower the probe slowly.
3. Stop when the water signal activates.
4. Read and record the tape measurement.
5. Retrieve and clean or decontaminate the probe and tape before the next well.

In groundwater work these terms are used interchangeably for the same instrument: a graduated tape on a reel with a conductivity probe on the end and a light and buzzer at the top. You’ll also hear “dipmeter,” “water level gauge” and “depth-to-water meter.” The WS-2 is all of these. Note that outside groundwater monitoring, “water level sensor” often refers to something quite different – a float switch or pressure transducer for tanks and sumps – so specify “for monitoring wells” when you’re searching.

The right water level meter depends on well depth, required measurement units, field conditions, contamination concerns and your monitoring program.

Look for a meter with clear graduations, reliable audible and visual detection, suitable tape length, a durable probe and components that can be cleaned and serviced.

Order for the deepest well in your network, plus a margin. Open reel gives you 30 m, 50 m or 100 m – or 100 ft or 250 ft. Closed reel is 30 m or 100 ft. If your network spans a wide depth range, perhaps a 100 m open reel, but keep in mind this is heavier than a shorter length unit.

Yes. The Waterra WS-2 uses PFAS-free polyethylene-coated tape with no PTFE, Teflon or fluoropolymer tape coating in the water-contact path.

The WS-2 probe is manufactured from 316 stainless steel.

Closed reel if packed size is your constraint and your wells are within 30 m / 100 ft. Open reel for anything deeper, for mixed-depth networks, or if you prefer easy access to the tape between wells. Full comparison above.

Almost always cascading water or bridging across the probe. Adjust the sensitivity knob to the left until the false signal clears – see Adjusting Conductivity Sensitivity above. If the meter won’t detect water at all, the likely cause is the opposite problem: low-salinity water. Rotate right.

To set the WS-2 sensitivity, immerse the probe in the groundwater, adjust the control until the signal stops, then slowly adjust it back until the audible and visual signal begins again.

This provides a practical sensitivity setting for the water conditions being measured. Reduce sensitivity if you are experiencing false signals from bridging or cascading water. Increase sensitivity when working with low-conductivity groundwater.

Metric tapes are graduated to the nearest millimetre. Imperial tapes are graduated to the nearest 1/100 of a foot.

The Waterra WS-2 uses four standard AA batteries.

The meter also has an automatic shut-off feature that powers the unit down after approximately three minutes to help preserve battery life.

Yes, and quickly. Water level meters take a beating in the field – that’s expected. See Rentals & Repairs.

The probe and tape should be cleaned or decontaminated between monitoring wells according to the requirements of your groundwater monitoring or sampling program.

Cleaning between wells helps reduce the potential for carrying material from one monitoring location to another.

For detailed procedures, see Waterra’s WS-2 maintenance and decontamination guidance.

No. A portable water level meter provides a manual depth-to-water measurement, while a pressure transducer is typically installed in a well to record water-level changes electronically over time.

A water level meter is commonly used for direct field measurements and reference measurements, while automated monitoring programs may use dedicated logging equipment.

Yes. See our worldwide distributor network.