How do I interpret the data from my cistern liquid level monitoring system?

How do I interpret the data from my cistern liquid level monitoring system?

Interpreting data from a cistern liquid level monitoring system involves understanding the readings provided by the system and making informed decisions based on those readings. We've created a guide to take you step-by-step through understanding the data your water level monitor provides.

  1. Understanding the Sensor Readings: First, familiarize yourself with the units of measurement used by your monitoring system. Typically, liquid level sensors measure in units like inches, centimeters, or percentage of tank capacity. Make sure you know what each unit represents in terms of the actual liquid level in the cistern. As a default the PTLevel provides measurements in percentages; however, you can upgrade to the Premium Account and access additional data that can be exported in litres/gallons.

    interpreting liquid level monitor data

  2. Baseline and Normal Operating Range: Establish a baseline for normal operation. This involves monitoring the liquid level over time to identify typical fluctuations and patterns. Knowing the typical range of liquid levels during normal operation will help you identify any deviations that may indicate a problem.

  3. Detecting Anomalies: Look for sudden or unexpected changes in the liquid level readings (high or low). Anomalies could indicate leaks, overflows, pump failures, or other issues that require attention. Compare the current readings to historical data to determine if the change is significant. Notice in the water level monitor below the anomaly on 02-24 around 19:00 hours; in this case the anomaly was due to a pump failure.

detecting anomalies in water level monitors
4. Alarm Thresholds: Set alarm thresholds based on your understanding of the system and its operating conditions. When the liquid level exceeds or falls below or goes above these thresholds, it triggers a notification, alerting you to a potential problem. These alerts can be set for SMS or Email. Ensure that the alert thresholds are set at appropriate levels to minimize false alarms while still providing timely warnings of actual issues. The sample below is a sump pump that has a high alert at 105% and a low alert at 20%. 

Setting up notifications





5. Correlating with Other Factors: Consider other factors that may affect liquid levels, such as weather conditions, usage patterns, or maintenance activities. For example, heavy rainfall may cause the liquid level to rise, while increased usage may cause it to fall. Understanding these factors will help you interpret the data more accurately.

6. Maintenance and Calibration: We recommend seasonal maintenance on the air pocket of the pressure chamber to ensure accurate readings (simply resetting the air pocket is all that is needed).

7. Actionable Insights: Once you've interpreted the data and identified any issues or anomalies, you can take action! This may involve investigating further to determine the cause of the problem, scheduling repairs or maintenance, adjusting operations to prevent future issues, or implementing contingency plans to mitigate risks.

By following these steps, you can effectively interpret the data from your cistern liquid level monitoring system and use it to make informed decisions about the operation and maintenance of your PTLevel water system.


water level monitor outdoor installation

    • Related Articles

    • High Water Alarm for Sump Pump

      High Water Alarm for Sump Pump: How the PTLevel Can Help When it comes to protecting your basement or crawl space from water damage, a sump pump is the first line of defense. Adding a high-water alarm and a monitoring device like the PTLevel can ...

    • Water Monitoring in New York: Agriculture, Residential, and Tides

      Water Monitoring in New York: Challenges and Solutions with PTLevel New York is a state of incredible diversity when it comes to water resources. From the iconic reservoirs supplying New York City to private wells in rural upstate areas, the need for ...

    • Cold Canadian Winters

      The Challenges of Monitoring Wells and Cisterns in Cold Canadian Climates Canada’s harsh winters pose unique challenges for those relying on wells and cisterns for their water supply. Subzero temperatures, ice, and snow can interfere with water ...

    • Monitoring Temperature and Depth in Stormwater Systems

      The PTLevel and Stormwater Management The PTLevel Wired WiFi can now measure depth and temperature, often required in Stormwater Retention and Detention Ponds! The Long Range Wireless version is coming soon. What is a Stormwater Management System? A ...

    • PTLevel Cistern Setup

      In this article, we will go over how to setup a Long Range Wireless PTLevel used to monitor water in a common cistern for household water use. The Long Range Wireless PTLevel can achieve up to 1km of range, comes with 13' of tubing, and the ...