21 November 2024

What is a water tank level indicator and how does a water level sensor work?

Water tanks are a common feature of properties throughout New Zealand. From residential to commercial to lifestyle properties – it is a very common sight to see huge water tanks outside of properties throughout the country.

Historically, water tanks were used because there was no mains water supply to a certain area. The only way to supply fresh running water to a property like this would be to install a water tank that harvests the rain, filters it, and then is plumbed into the property. There are still parts of New Zealand that are not very accessible for mains water supply and these properties still rely on water tanks.

Today, we still see water tanks installed in houses even where mains water supply is available because people have simply got used to it or they don’t want to install main water due to cost or potential disruption around a property.

There is also a strong movement towards the installation of more water tanks throughout New Zealand as a way of harvesting rainfall, helping to reduce the strain on the mains water supply as well as helping to reduce water bills.

Why do people use water tanks?

Water tanks are a great way of collecting rainwater and whilst historically, they have been used more out of necessity, they are becoming more popular with people who are looking to live more sustainability and consider the environment.

Water tanks have traditionally been large, cylindrical units that not only take up a lot of space around a property but also didn’t look that great aesthetically. Today, however, water tanks are being designed in such ways that they can blend in with a property, or a fence line and they come in slimline shapes that are not only practical, but they also help to harvest valuable water resources.

Another reason why more people are turning to water tanks is the unpredictable weather we are seeing in New Zealand. In recent years, cities like Auckland have experienced drought conditions that have led to water restrictions being imposed, limiting the use of water in homes, gardens and for cleaning vehicles.

Whilst it is still important to conserve water during these periods, having access to your own water supply means that you can continue to water your garden and wash your car, even when water restrictions are in place on the mains water supply.

Rainwater collected in tanks is often used both inside and outside the house. Depending on the tank size, people will often hook the tank up to the main water supply inside the house, for flushing the toilet and washing clothes. Tank water can also be potable (safe for drinking, cooking etc.), as long as it is filtered correctly. You will need to get a plumber to hook this up to the main water supply to ensure no backwash into the system, but if you have a large tank, you can really reduce your water bills by using more of the water that you collect naturally.

How do you measure the amount of water in your tank?

Water tanks are a great source of naturally harvested water and whether your water tank is above or below ground, it’s good to know how much water you have in your tank at any given time. That’s where water tank indicators are changing the game.

Water tank indicators, like the Smart Water System, not only tell you how much water is in your tank, but also monitor your water usage, and provide you with accurate forecasts about the amount of water left in your tank and how many days you can expect that to last base don current consumption levels and allow you to see all of this data from a mobile app or LED display.

Our system is fully wireless and consists of a tank sender that transmits water level data from additional tanks to your Smart Level WiFi LCD Keypad or WiFi Gateway, quickly and easily. It simplifies and brings precision to extensive and complex water management systems, giving you the ability to monitor, analyse and utilise your water resources proactively and efficiently.

The tank sender works in conjunction with our water tank sensors that are precisely engineered to operate at the core of your tank water management system. Accurate monitoring of your water tank levels is essential to ensuring your water resources are managed appropriately and effectively throughout the year. Our water tank level sensors are designed with this in mind offering reliable performance, continuous use, and longevity in a wide range of diverse environments.

How does a water level sensor work?

At Smart Water, our range of water tank level sensors are highly engineered, precision instruments and form the core sensing element of the system. The engineering investment made in this part of the system offers our customers the reward of second to none accuracy and reliability. The research and development team at Smart Water have spent years perfecting this sensor and can now offer the market the ultimate solution for water tank monitoring.

The water level sensor is attached to the tank sender and dropped to the bottom of your tank. As the water level rises or drops, the sensor is able to send highly accurate data back to the tank sender which is then relayed to your mobile app or LCD display. With all of this technology combined we achieve an accuracy of +/-0.1% on an ongoing and reliable basis.

Currently, there are four different water tank level sensors to choose from at lengths of 4M and 10M. There are options for both standard pressure (0.5bar/50kPa) and high-pressure (1.0bar/100kPa) models. This gives the flexibility of measuring deeper tanks or even different types of fluids with different specific gravities (SG). 

Summary

Water tank indicators are a great way to monitor not only the levels of water in your water tanks but also to get accurate information about your average consumption and forecast how long your water supply should last given your consumption.

Whether your tank is installed at a domestic or commercial property, this data is extremely valuable when it comes to forecasting water use and spending.

Related posts

·         Is it worth getting a water tank?

·         What size water tank do I need?

·         Should New Zealand be more proactive in collecting rainwater?