Solinst 101 Water Level Meters
Accurate Water Level Data
Reliable Instruments that Last
Water Level Meter
Model 101
For measuring the depth to water in wells, boreholes, standpipes, and tanks, Model 101 Water Level Meters are the industry standard for portable hand-operated meters. They are sturdy, easy to use and read accurately to 1/100 ft or each millimetre.
There are three versions to choose from. The Model 101 P7 Water Level Meter features a pressure-proof probe and laser-marked PVDF tape. The Model 101 P2 Water Level Meter features an easy-to-repair probe and laser-marked polyethylene tape. The 101M Mini Water Level Meter is compact and features narrow, laser-marked polyethylene tape and a P10 (10 mm) weighted probe.
Also available are the less expensive Model 102 Water Level Meter and 102M Mini Water Level Meters (Narrow Cable) for use in small-diameter tubes, and the basic Model 101B Water Level Meter (see Model 102 and 101B Data Sheets). The Model 101D Water Level DrawDown Meter provides both depth to water and drawdown measurements using one probe (See Model 101D Data Sheet).
Water Level Meter Operating Principles
Model 101 Water Level Meters use corrosion-proof stainless steel probes attached to permanently marked flat tape, fitted on a well-balanced reel. They are powered by a standard 9-volt battery.
The probes incorporate an insulating gap between electrodes. When contact is made with water, the circuit is completed, activating a loud buzzer and a light. The water level is then determined by taking a reading directly from the tape at the top of the well casing or borehole.
A sensitivity control allows the buzzer to be turned off while in cascading water, and ensures a clear signal in both high and low conductivity conditions.
Model 101 Water Level Meter Features
Accurate:
- Markings each 1/100 ft or millimetre
- Traceable to national standards
- Sensitivity adjustable to conductivity
- Probes avoid false readings in cascading water
Reliable:
- Permanent laser markings
- Non-stretch PVDF or LDPE tape with stainless steel conductors
Long Life:
- Rugged, corrosion-proof components
- Strong, flexible tapes
- Easy to splice and repair
Flexible:
- PVDF replacement tapes are interchangeable with other meters
Water Level Meter Specifications
P7 Probe
The P7 Probe is submersible the full length of the tape; therefore, you can measure total well depth in ideal conditions. The sensor at the tip of the probe provides consistent measurements with almost zero displacement. The tape seal plug design allows the probe to be quickly and easily replaced, if required.
PVDF Laser Marked Tape
The Model 101 P7 Water Level Meter uses extremely durable PVDF flat tape, traceable to NIST and EU measurement standards. Each tape conductor contains 13 strands of stainless steel and 6 strands of copper-coated steel, making the tape non-stretch and high in tensile strength and electrical efficiency. The tape has a thick dog-bone design that prevents adherence to wet surfaces and allows it to hang straight in application. It is also easy to splice. The 3/8″ (10 mm) tape comes with permanent laser markings every 1/100 ft or each millimetre, in lengths up to 5000 ft (1500 m).
1 – Zero Measurement Point for P7 Probe
Size: 5/8″ dia., 5.38″ long (16 mm x 137 mm)
Weight: ~4.5 ounces (128 g)
Laser Marked PVDF Flat Tape for 101 P7 Water Level Meters
LM2: Feet and tenths: with markings every 1/100 ft
LM3: Metres and centimetres: with markings every mm
Model 101 Water Level Meter Reels
| 1 Mini Reel | 2 Small Reel | 3 Medium Reel | 4 Large Reel | 5 X-Large Reel |
Length Options
Solinst Model 101 P7 and P2, and 101M Water Level Meters are available on reels as shown, in the following standard lengths:
- Mini Reel
- 65 ft | 20 m
- Small Reel
- 100 ft | 30 m
- 200 ft | 60 m
- 300 ft | 100 m
- Medium Reel
- 500 ft | 150 m
- 750 ft | 250 m
- 1000 ft | 300 m
- Large Reel
- 1250 ft | 400 m
- X-Large Reel
- 1650 ft | 500 m
- 2000 ft | 600 m
Water Level Meter Reels
With a stand-alone design, convenient carrying handle, and sturdy probe holder, the standard reels are ergonomically designed for ease of use. They are robust and smooth running. The battery is housed in a convenient drawer in the front of the reel, allowing quick replacement. The reels are equipped with an on/off sensitivity switch, light, buzzer, battery test button, brake and a tape guide stored on the frame.
The mini reel is sturdy, yet very compact and easy to carry. It also has an on/off sensitivity switch, light, buzzer, and battery test button.
101 P2 Water Level Meter
Polyethylene Tape
The Model 101 P2 Water Level Meter uses high-quality polyethylene tape that reels smoothly, remains flexible and hangs straight in the well. Laser markings each millimetre or 1/100 ft allow accurate readings. The 3/8″ (10 mm) wide tapes come in standard lengths up to 1000 ft (300 m).
Each tape conductor contains 13 strands of stainless steel and 6 strands of copper-coated steel that resist corrosion, provide strength and are non-stretch. They make the tape very easy to repair and splice. The dog-bone design reduces adherence to wet surfaces.
LM6 Feet and tenths: with markings every 1/100 ft
LM7 Metres and centimetres: with markings every mm
1 – Zero Measurement Point for 101 P2 Water Level Meter Probe
LM6 Feet and tenths: with markings every 1/100 ft
LM7 Metres and centimetres: with markings every mm
101M Mini Water Level Meter
The laser-marked, narrow polyethylene flat tape is mounted on a convenient small reel that is lightweight and fits easily into a mini carrying case or backpack. The 1/5″ (5 mm) wide tape is accurately marked each millimetre or every 1/100 ft. The 101M Mini Water Level Meter is available in 20 m and 65 ft lengths.
NM2 Feet and tenths: with markings every 1/100 ft
NM3 Metres and centimetres: with markings every mm
1 – Zero Measurement Point for 101M Mini Water Level Meter P10 Probe
P10 Probe: 10 mm dia. x 70 mm long (3/8″ x 2.75″) stainless steel with 10 stainless steel weights, weighing 174 g (6.14 oz). The flexible weight assembly allows easy well access and keeps the tape hanging straight in monitoring wells.
Other Options
Carrying Cases: Mini, small and medium padded nylon carrying cases are available as an optional extra. Their design has a convenient shoulder strap, zippered front pocket, zippered top, and a grommet in the base to prevent moisture build-up.
Power Reels: Power reels can be very useful to allow faster or less strenuous operation of longer lengths of tape. They are available as 12V or 110V.
Replacement Parts: Replacement probes, tapes and other spare parts are available.
Power Reel
Tape Guide/Datum
A tape guide is provided with each Meter. It protects the tape from damage on rough edges of well casing and ensures easy, consistent measurements, regardless of who takes the readings. It can also provide support on the casing for small reels.
Power Winder and Lateral Winder
The Solinst Model 101 Power Winder allows ease of use when deploying longer lengths of tape. It is lightweight and easy to attach to the frame of small, medium and large Model 101 Water Level Meter reels (see Model 101 Power Winder Data Sheet). A standard drill provides power to the Power Winder, which turns the rollers that are in contact with the reel. The drill is used at various speeds, in forward and reverse, to turn the reel and unwind and rewind the tape.
Combine with a Solinst Model 101 Lateral Winder and wind your tape evenly back onto the reel every time (see Model 101 Lateral Winder Data Sheet).
Related Products
101 Power Winder
The 101 Power Winder provides both convenience and ease of use for all Solinst reel-mounted devices. It is lightweight and easy to attach to small, medium or large size Solinst reels, and is simple to adjust to fit other reels in the market. Effortlessly wind longer tape lengths.
(Image shows 101 Power Winder Installed on Solinst Model 101D Water Level DrawDown Meter)
Bladder Pumps with Easy to Replace Bladder Cartridges
Solinst Bladder Pumps now feature Santoprene® bladder cartridges that are quick and easy to replace in the field – no tools required. PVC Bladder Pumps are low cost and excellent for metals sampling and in harsh, corrosive environments.
Related Blog Posts
The Importance of Measuring Water Level Drawdown
How Using a Levelogger and 101D Water Level DrawDown Meter Together Provides Essential Data.
What is Drawdown? Drawdown is a change in groundwater level due to an applied stress, caused by events such as: Pumping from a well Pumping from a neighbouring well Intensive water taking from local area Seasonal declines as recharge rates lower....




