Smart solutions for water quality & flow

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Field-proven techniques for hydrologic monitoring and discharge measurement

Hosted by Xylem in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources.

When rivers rise, and conditions become challenging, collecting reliable discharge data becomes even more critical—and often more difficult.

Join us on Thursday, November 5th, 2026, for this one-day, application-focused event exploring hydrologic monitoring and discharge measurement during high-flow and extreme-event conditions.

This event is intended primarily for hydrologists, hydrographers, water resource professionals, and others with existing experience in collecting streamflow or ADCP measurements who want to expand their knowledge of measurement techniques in challenging, high-flow environments. Some prior familiarity with ADCP discharge measurement is recommended.

SonTek and YSI technology experts will share practical considerations, techniques, and lessons learned for working in demanding field conditions, including high flows associated with major storm events.

Why attend?

Throughout the day, you’ll:

  • Explore strategies for high-flow and large-river discharge measurements
  • Discuss ADCP data collection challenges that become increasingly important during extreme conditions
  • Examine techniques for improving measurement quality, efficiency and confidence in the field
  • Review considerations for ADCP configuration, deployment and data quality assessment
  • See practical approaches for collecting discharge and bathymetric data using the SonTek-M9, SonTek-RS5 and Surfbee autonomous surface vehicle
  • Exchange ideas and field with fellow California water monitoring professionals

Register Early — Attendance Is Limited

Registration is complimentary, but attendance will be capped at approximately 50 participants to maintain an interactive learning environment and meaningful access to the field demonstrations. Advance registration is required.

When: Thursday, November 5th, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Morning Location: California Department of Water Resources
3500 Industrial Blvd., SPC 131
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Afternoon Field Demonstration:18989 Old River Rd
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Agenda at a glance

Morning | Technical Presentations & Discussion

8:30–9:00 AM | Registration & Refreshments

9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
California Department of Water Resources + SonTek/Xylem

  • Understanding Discharge Measurement During High-Flow Events
    How changing velocity, depth, turbulence, debris and rapidly evolving river conditions affect measurement strategy and field decisions.
  • ADCP Measurement Fundamentals — Beyond the Basics
    A practical look at configuration, transect planning, measurement quality and the variables that become especially important when conditions are less than ideal.
  • Collecting Defensible Data on Large Rivers
    Best practices for evaluating measurement quality, identifying potential sources of uncertainty and determining when the data support a reliable final discharge result.
  • Preparing for Extreme Events
    Equipment, deployment and measurement considerations for capturing valuable data when field opportunities may be limited and conditions can change quickly.
  • From Field Measurement to Final Q
    Reviewing ADCP data, recognizing potential problems and understanding how field technique and post-processing decisions influence the final discharge measurement.

12:00 PM | Lunch

Afternoon | Field Demonstrations

Note: Final topics and timing may adjust slightly based on field and weather conditions.

  • Discharge Measurement in Practice
    Compare practical approaches to moving-boat ADCP measurements using the SonTek-M9 and SonTek-RS5, including measurement setup, transect technique and real-time quality assessment.
  • Autonomous Data Collection
    Explore using the Surfbee autonomous surface vehicle as an alternative deployment platform for ADCP measurements where distance, access, velocity or personnel safety may complicate conventional boat operations.
  • Bathymetric Data Collection
    See how ADCP technology can extend beyond discharge measurement to collect depth and bathymetric information and support a more complete understanding of river conditions.
  • Additional Monitoring Technologies
    SonTek and YSI experts will also have the FlowTracker2 and YSI EXO multiparameter sonde available for attendees interested in discussing complementary flow and water-quality monitoring applications.

4:00 PM | Event Concludes

Special Thanks to Our Host

We are pleased to present this event with the generous support of the California Department of Water Resources.

DWR's hydrologic monitoring expertise and real-world experience managing California's complex water resources provide an exceptional setting for an advanced discussion of discharge measurement and field data collection.

We appreciate DWR opening its facilities and helping create an opportunity for California's water monitoring community to learn, exchange ideas and build stronger field measurement practices.