Open Channel Ultrasonic Meter Non Contact Radar Level Sensor

Agricultural Pond and Irrigation Reservoir Automated Level Control

Farmers and ranchers rely on on farm ponds and irrigation reservoirs to store water from rainfall, snowmelt, or pumped groundwater for later use during dry periods. Maintaining the correct water level is essential: too low and the irrigation pump can lose prime or damage crops; too high (overtopping the dam) can cause erosion, dam failure, and downstream flooding. Traditional level management requires daily manual visits to the reservoir to check the level and manually open or close valves. The FarmPond Level Controller provides automated, solar powered level control using a float switch or ultrasonic sensor connected to a motorized valve or pump controller. The system can also send text alerts when level falls below a threshold or when a leak is detected, and it logs water usage for irrigation planning and sustainability reporting.

On Farm Water Storage Technology for Drought Resilience:

• Solar Powered Remote Level Monitoring and Control: The controller includes a solar panel and battery pack capable of operating for days without sun. It uses an ultrasonic or submersible pressure sensor to measure pond level continuously. The system transmits data to a cloud platform via cellular or satellite telemetry (for remote fields). Operators can view level from their smartphone and remotely open or close a motorized gate valve to release water to irrigation ditches.

• Automated Fill and No Fill Setpoints: The farmer defines upper and lower level setpoints (e.g., fill when level drops to 2 meters below spillway, stop filling when level reaches 0.5 meters below spillway). The system automatically controls the inlet valve from a supply canal or well pump to maintain level within this band, preventing both empty reservoir and overtopping without human intervention.

• Leak and Seepage Detection from Nighttime Level Trends: The system records level at regular intervals (e.g., 15 minutes). By analyzing the rate of level decline during periods when no water is being used (typically overnight), it can detect excessive seepage through the dam or bottom and alert the farmer. A water loss rate above a configurable threshold triggers an alarm for inspection.

• Irrigation Water Use Tracking and Sustainability Reporting: The system logs total water released (calculated from valve open time and estimated flow rate, or from an optional flow meter). At the end of the growing season, it generates a water usage report that can be submitted for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs or state water rights reporting. This documentation helps farmers demonstrate efficient water use and qualify for cost share programs.

Farm Reservoir Operation Workflow for Water Security:

1. Sensor Installation and Connectivity Setup: The farmer or technician mounts the ultrasonic sensor above the water (or places a pressure sensor at the bottom), installs the solar panel and controller, and configures cellular connectivity. The system is calibrated to the pond's depth volume curve.

2. Setpoint Configuration and Automated Mode: The farmer enters the desired high and low level setpoints via a mobile app. The system begins automatic control: when level falls to low setpoint, it opens the inlet valve; when level reaches high setpoint, it closes the valve.

3. Remote Monitoring and Alert Management: The farmer receives a daily summary of pond level and water usage. If level falls below a critical threshold (e.g., pump suction lost), the system sends an immediate text alert. The farmer can also manually override the valve from anywhere.