NEWBURG, Md. – Members of the Charles County Board of County Commissioners and the Charles County Resilience Authority joined officials from the University of Maryland, The City of Annapolis, and Anne Arundel County to celebrate the launch of the Maryland HydroNet.
The Maryland HydroNet, a project of the University of Maryland’s Climate Resilience Network, currently consists of six sensors: four in Downtown Annapolis in Anne Arundel County and two in Charles County at the Nanjemoy Environmental Education Center and Southern Park in Newburg. Installation of the initial set of sensors occurred between April and May of this year, and more sites are planned across the state.
“The University of Maryland’s Climate Resilience Network and our partnership in this Network is rooted in recognizing that no one should be left behind,” stated Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq., in his official remarks. “This is one of many reasons our local government is actively working with the University of Maryland and others to establish a network of sea-level monitoring sensors around the state.”
The Maryland HydroNet consists of sensors created by Hohonu, a public-private company that started at the University of Hawai’i. These sensors measure water levels by the second and provide readings and trends in water levels over periods ranging from one day to three months. Data from the sensors can be viewed online at no cost. Click here to view the latest readings from Charles County.
“We’re really trying to increase identification throughout the region to give you live data where you need it most,” said Brian Glazer, CEO of Hohonu.
Installing the sensors could help local leaders better predict when, where, and how much flooding could occur in each area to combat the effects of climate change.
“We are trying to do something about it by coming together as a team,” said Darryll J. Pines, University of Maryland President. “When all of these groups work together: Academia, non-profits, and government, we can make sure that folks in Annapolis and everywhere are able to lead stable and productive lives of dignity with pride and hope for the future.”
Commissioner Vice President Ralph E. Patterson II and Jennifer Ellin, Acting Deputy Administrator and a member of the Resilience Authority of Charles County’s Board of Directors, also represented Charles County at the event. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley also participated and shared remarks on the significance of this partnership.
To view all photos from the event, click here.
