WOW, what is this contraption?
Well, its a river flow monitor that measures water levels and flows at this point in the Delitite River, it is just one of many on the rivers around the state.
The data that is read from the instruments here is uploaded automatically to the DELWP Water Measurement Information System (WMIS) and is available for all to see and use. Typically, local water treatment plants use this data so as to determine when water can be taken from rivers for town water supplies and also when it is safe to discharge treated water back into the river systems. There are also recreational uses for this data, for instance, kayaking clubs watch river flows to determine then it is safe and adventurous to go kayaking.
One of the key uses for this data is water catchment management as the authorities try to manage reservoir levels to provide both water for irrigation and flood mitigation for land owners along the states rivers.
This image shows details about this site.
A typical data view below shows a trend of rainfall, river level and flow over the last 7 days.
You can monitor this location yourself by following this link.
You can explore and find rivers close to your own favorite locations on the DELWP WMIS web site. Hint, look to the "Rivers and Streams" on the left hand directory box and expand "Surface Water Sites".
You can find out much more at the Victorian Waterwatch web site.