SOLUTION
Remote monitoring with cellular telemetry
In 2016, Thurston County committed to establishing a county-wide network of sensors to improve real-time data collection and reduce the staff time required for fieldwork. Instead of driving to remote areas to check for potential hazards like new beaver-dam construction, county staff can monitor water levels daily or even hourly to identify when human intervention is required.
Data from five sites is currently updated hourly, with ten more sites expected to go live by June of 2019. (If you’re curious, you can check the public dashboard here: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/sw/Pages/monitoring-dashboard.aspx). This data stream lets the county observe water levels and weather data without leaving the office, and interconnect with other jurisdictions for flood prediction.

Thurston County groundwater, stream & rainfall dashboard
For every resident of Thurston County, this means faster, more immediate feedback on water conditions and more efficient county services. For those living near lakes or in flood-prone areas, the benefits are even greater.