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Council approves virtual precipitation-monitoring service to improve stormwater data
Summary
The council approved a contract to obtain virtual precipitation monitoring at up to 15 city locations to give more location-specific rainfall estimates than existing five physical gauges; staff said the service will help prioritize drainage projects and evaluate Noah's Ark drainage work.
The Tuscaloosa City Public Projects committee approved a contract to add virtual precipitation monitoring at 15 city locations to supplement the five physical rain gauges the city currently uses.
Staff explained the proposed service uses Doppler radar and proprietary models to estimate rainfall at targeted locations. As presented, the system will "deliver accurate real time rainfall data" and allow staff to compare rainfall intensity with system performance to identify where drainage improvements are most needed. Staff said exact monitor locations will be selected after contract award based on documented drainage issues.
Council members asked whether a map of the 15 sites exists; staff said locations have been prioritized but not fully pinpointed and that the work will focus on known trouble spots. A motion to approve the contract passed by voice vote.
Staff said the data will also support assessments of upcoming Noah's Ark drainage projects and help verify their effectiveness over time; no contract amount or vendor name was provided in the recorded discussion.
