Proper Placement of a Rain Gauge

In order to have an accurate measure of precipitation, it's important to place the rain gauge in an open area. Placing it close to buildings, trees, and shrubs can make the rain gauge show an inaccurate amount of rainfall.

Produced by the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education at Kansas State University. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.kansasgreenyards.org

Transcript:
Proper Placement of a Rain Gauge

An important tool for every homeowner’s yard is a rain gauge. It’s needed to use the water efficiently. There are many types of rain gauges that are available to purchase. You can purchase small rain gauges like this one to large ones that have a large opening at the top. It doesn’t matter what type of rain gauge you use – as long as you use it!

It can be mounted on a fence, or placed in your yard, but the most important thing that you’ll want to remember is to not place it next to a building, trees, or shrubs. This can affect how much rainfall is in your rain gauge. Improper placement of your rain gauge can affect how much precipitation is falling into it.

The wind can also affect it if you place it close to a house or building. This can change the amount of precipitation that goes into the rain gauge. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the rain gauge is placed in an open area so that it can show an accurate measure of the precipitation.

This feature story prepared with Elly Sneath, Kansas State University Research and Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, Meade County. For more information, visit your local county extension office or visit our website at KansasGreenYards.org.