The Colorado satellite-linked water resources monitoring system: 25 years later
Date
2010
Authors
Ley, Thomas W., author
DeArcos, Phil L., author
Stroud, Russell V., author
Hutchens, David G., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The Colorado Satellite-Linked Water Resources Monitoring System was initiated as a two-year pilot demonstration project in the early 1980's in Colorado's Arkansas River and Rio Grande River Basins. The system was formally established with funding from the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority in 1985. By the end of 1985, an effective monitoring network of 150 stations had been established. The Satellite Monitoring System (or SMS, as it is now called) was turned over to the State Engineer's Office (aka the Colorado Division of Water Resources, CO DWR) to operate and maintain in October 1985. Today CO DWR operates and maintains over 500 satellite telemetry gage stations on rivers, streams, ditches and reservoirs around the State. In combination with satellite telemetry gaging stations operated by the USGS, and gage data from other State and local agencies in Colorado, water resources data from over 900 sites are available in near real time from the Colorado Surface Water Conditions web site (www.dwr.state.co.us). This paper will chronicle the continuing development of this important water resources management tool in Colorado, including changes in technology, information management and delivery, system expansion, coordination with other agencies, and the ever-increasing ways in which the data are used. Although not a SCADA system, many gages on the network provide dual benefit for collection of data for the SMS as well as for direct feed to SCADA systems operated by gage cooperators.
Description
Presented at Meeting irrigation demands in a water-challenged environment: SCADA and technology: tools to improve production: a USCID water management conference held on September 28 - October 1, 2010 in Fort Collins, Colorado.