New Sensor System Installed; Heavy Rain Expected

The city's new sensor system is about to get its first test. 

While the National Weather Service has called a flood watch for the area and is predicting heavy rainfall and wind after midnight on Friday morning, the city recently had a new system of EmNet sensors installed, which is supposed to monitor water levels in town.

The sensors, Mayor Dawn Zimmer said in a press release on Thursday afternoon, are supposed to "collect the data we need to understand how we can completely and cost-effectively solve our flooding problem for the long term."

A pump is currently being built on Observer Highway that is supposed to relieve the city of some of its flooding problem, but one pump is not enough to keep the entire town dry during heavy rain.

Some council members have criticized the decision to install the sensors, calling it too expensive and unnecessary. The City Council approved the installation of the sensors in June, 2010. According to the city's press release, the installation was completed on March 3.

The release also explained how the sensors will work: "The EmNet monitoring technology utilizes a network of embedded sensors, computerized manhole cover telemetry devices, and innovative data analysis tools. This system is entirely battery powered and uses cellular connections to broadcast real time water level data from the sewers to a secure website."