DIY Water Level

This spring I took the Permaculture Design Course offered by Rob and Michelle Avis at Verge Permaculture.
After the very first day I knew I had really found my tribe. The course is excellent and the people I am taking it with are even better. All of them are really smart, motivated, enthusiastic, positive, and especially generous with their time, knowledge, and energy (go to a permablitz and you'll see what I mean).  From the first day the ideas and knowledge bases have been swapped out and everything is open source.  Inspiring.

One of the things that I especially enjoy is the aspect of 'creative resourcefulness' that is emphasized in the course. I needed a water level for my own Permaculture garden design and wanted to try to make one for less loot.
So, with that in mind and in the spirit of sharing, I have come up with a simple, inexpensive water level that can be put together and used in about 10 minutes. The whole deal cost less than $20.

Here's what you'll need:

1.- A 10 litre Aqua Pak Jug $10 (CDN Tire)













2.- 1 Dripmaster 3/8" (interior diameter)  threaded elbow nipple $1. (Home Depot)






3.- 20' of 3/8" vinyl tube See pic above $7 (Home Depot)
4.- A long stick (I used a 4ft 1/2" dowel) See pic above

5.- 2 Pan ties








6.- Masking Tape - In the above pic I have many different contour levels marked off with tape on the stick. I was using a drop of 1 inch.
There's no reason why you wouldn't just use one piece and keep moving it.









What you need to do:


1.- Remove the spigot that came with the Aqua Pak. 
I kept mine in case I find I need a water jug more than a water level.
I also like that it can have more than one use.

2.- Replace the spigot with the threaded elbow. The threads match but I had to trim a little of the excess white plastic to get the elbow threaded. You may not have to.














3.- Insert the vinyl tube into the nipple. It will pressure fit inside the nipple and will not require any sealant (eg silicone).



4.- Attach the vinyl tube to the stick with the pan ties. One at the top and the other a couple feet from the bottom.
5.- Fill up the jug, tip it over and place it on a stand of your preference (like in the top pic) and you're ready to go.
6.- I use masking tape to mark my set point but you can also use a marker or attach a yardstick to your stick and use the numbers instead to note your levels.

I was also able to pick up bundles of 10 flags at Home Depot for $4.  I needed about 10 bundles.

And that's it.
It worked great and no leaks.

Cheers