Keeping OC Safe: ALERT System

When it comes to keeping Orange County’s residents and businesses safe, real-time hydrologic and meteorologic data is critical. To provide this essential information, the County of Orange implements the Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time (ALERT) System. This system delivers real-time rainfall data as well as water level data in flood control channels, enabling County staff to make informed decisions regarding resource management and public safety. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how the ALERT System works and how the public can access this valuable data.

What is the ALERT System?

The ALERT System is a sophisticated network that collects and transmits real-time data on weather conditions, rainfall, and water levels in flood control channels

Comprising over 85 monitoring sites equipped with 160 field sensors, the ALERT System continuously sends data to three base stations. These components work together to deliver crucial data to Orange County employees and the public through dedicated online portals.

This real-time data plays a vital role in emergency preparedness, water management, and environmental conservation efforts, helping authorities respond effectively to changing weather conditions.

Key Functions of the ALERT System

Public health and safety, water data collection, and water quality monitoring are all critical aspects of the ALERT System. Here are some of its key benefits:

Public Health and Safety: Provides real-time data for the issuing of flood and debris flow warnings to protect OC communities.

The Orange County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and OC Public Works Department Operations Center (DOC) are activated in the event of a severe storm forecast, or for other reasons requiring broad resource coordination. The EOC can be used to disseminate information to and from local, state or federal agencies, schools, volunteer organizations, businesses, and residents. It can also operate virtually so that stakeholders don’t have to be physically together to collaborate to protect OC. EOC staff uses the ALERT real time data on rainfall and water levels to make informed decisions to protect lives and property. DOC staff uses, amongst other sources of information, the ALERT rainfall and water level data to keep communities across Orange County safe. For example, they could set up barriers against debris flow such as K-rails or provide information regarding road closures and potential flooding.

To report problems with a County road or flood control channel during an active event, please call: 714-955-0333.

Water Data Collection: Tracks rainfall amounts and water levels in flood control channels.

Flood control channels are large and empty structures which are where floodwaters are diverted to. This helps reduce flooding in our communities as the rainwater is able to more safely safely drain through the storm drain system. 

Real time data on rainfall amounts and intensity can help lower risk from flooding and debris flows. Having data on water levels in real time can detect potential risk of imminent flooding, and help residents get to safety. Both rainfall and water level historical data can be used together to help plan future development in the flood plain, including managing urban runoff amounts from the land surface and planning of future flood control channel improvements.  

Water Quality Monitoring: The ALERT System helps to keep track of pollutant levels in flood control channels, .

During rain events, pollutants originating from outside our homes and businesses can come into contact with rainwater on its way into the storm drain system. The real-time water level data provided by the ALERT System is used to calculate pollutant levels. This helps County staff take action to keep our creeks, rivers, and ocean healthy. 

Components of the ALERT System

Now that we know the benefits of the ALERT System, let’s take a closer look at its components. Each ALERT station is comprised of a transmitter as well as specific sensors for each station such as rain gauge, water level gauge, and weather sensors. Here’s what each component does:

Weather Sensors

The weather sensors track atmospheric conditions including temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and wind. . 

Rain Gauge (Tipping Bucket)

The rain gauge measures rainfall by counting how often a small bucket of known volume tips over when filled with water. Each tip generates a signal which is then registered by the transmitter.  This data is used to track storm events, help assess flood risks, potential debris flows and to inform the planning of future infrastructure projects.

Water Level Gauge (Bubbler System)

The water level gauge uses sensors that rely on pressurized air to measure water levels in flood control channels. The water level is calculated through the backpressure towards the sensor that is created by the water column.  Water level data helps assess pollutant levels, evaluate flood risks and enable staff to take necessary measures.

Transmitter

The transmitter is the central unit of an ALERT monitoring station. It detects signals from sensors, collects and stores data, and transmits this information to a base station/receiver.  This data from the base stations is then accessible through online portals within the County as well as through a public facing portal.

Accessing the ALERT System’s Data

The County of Orange provides public access to ALERT System data through the Hydrology Data Portal.

The Hydrology Data Portal:

• Provides access to both current and historical rainfall and stream gauge data.
• Allows users to select specific monitoring stations to view real-time data.
• Offers downloadable reports and dynamic charts to analyze environmental trends.

Stay Informed

The ALERT System is a vital tool for Orange County, providing real-time data for public safety, water management, and environmental protection. The system enables County staff to provide information about potential flooding, track weather changes, and monitor water quality, ultimately safeguarding both residents and natural resources.

We encourage all residents to explore the Hydrology Data Portal to stay informed about local weather and water conditions. Also, the ALERT System is not to be confused with the AlertOC mass notification system. All residents should sign up for AlertOC too which you can do here.Whether you’re a researcher, emergency planner, or simply a concerned citizen, the ALERT System is an invaluable resource for staying ahead of changing environmental conditions.