A comparison of water quality sensor deployment designs in wadeable streams

The design of infrastructure used for deploying water quality sensors can potentially impact data quality. Despite this, sensor has not been well discussed in the peer-reviewed literature. Here, we present side-by-side measurements from two contrasting designs; a “monopod” consisting strut driven into streambed and downrigger suspended an “overhead cable.” We collected over approximately 6-month period wadeable stream monitoring sites within National Ecological Observatory Network. In general, observed minimal differences between measurements, suggesting both designs to be viable options perspective under normal operating conditions. However, monopod was more susceptible coming out during low stage burial by sedimentation. While expensive logistically complex install, overhead cable exhibited greater survivability, adjustability, serviceability. discuss additional considerations potential modifications that hope will prove useful other researchers instrumenting their own sites.