Chimney Hollow Dam Gets High-Tech Additions

For the builders of Chimney Hollow Reservoir, now is the time to install the important equipment and sensors that will give future managers the tools they need to shepherd precious water resources to the participating communities. 

This spring, crews installed a set of pressure-measurement devices known as piezometers in the dam as it rises from the floor of Chimney Hollow. From the Greek words “piezein” (to squeeze) and “metron” (to measure), a piezometer can detect changes in pressure to inform reservoir managers of water locations and depths. As the operations at Chimney Hollow Reservoir commence, the data from these detectors will help inform managers about the performance of the dam and the availability of the water being held behind it. 

Piezometers were invented in 1822 by Danish scientist Hans Christian Oersted, who also is credited with discoveries related to the magnetic fields created by electric currents. They are now used in dams around the world to measure changes in water levels and water pressure.