Xylem Buoys

Cutting-Edge sensors bring real-time water quality data to the Potomac and Shendandoah

Our enthusiastic adoption of the latest technology demonstrates how our Riverkeepers use every tool available to protect and defend our right to clean water. Thanks to the generosity of Xylem Analytics, a global company focused on solving the world’s most challenging and fundamental water issues, PRKN has received a fleet of floating and anchored sensor buoys (“sondes”). The buoys have sensors to reach satellite telemetry and provide access to the data through “Hydrosphere”, Xylem’s database accessible to PRKN and ultimately to experts, students, and the public.

Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has led the way in these efforts by installing two state-of-the-art floating sensors in the Shenandoah to assess a wide array of metrics about river health. These Shenandoah sondes have been strategically deployed at boat ramps for ease of access and visibility, and Mark will be able to use them to gather important data from the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah.

Our partnership with Xylem continues to expand as we deploy additional buoys at National Harbor in the central Potomac, and in the Upper Potomac near Williamsport, Maryland.