StreamWatch

Overview

The Town of Wake Forest is utilizing a new tool to help monitor water conditions and improve flood response. 

In November 2026, crews from Green Stream Technologies, a Town partner, mounted three StreamWatch gauges at roadway crossings along Smith Creek. 

The solar-powered gauges use sensors that bounce signals off the water surface to measure the stream's water elevation. The water surface elevation readings update every 15 minutes on a local dashboard. 

Dashboard

FIMAN

The readings also feed into NC Emergency Management’s Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN). FIMAN provides real-time stream, rainfall, and weather data from more than 700 gauges across North Carolina. 

Residents can sign up on the local dashboard and FIMAN to receive alerts when water levels are rising.

Using Stream Gauge Readings

Wake Forest officials use the stream gauge readings in real time to identify potentially hazardous locations, such as flooded greenways and low-lying roads, and assess infrastructure stress. This information will be useful for first responders during emergencies, and Public Works officials will be alerted when flooded areas may need maintenance. 

The water elevation data will also be stored long term to support community planning and floodplain management. After larger floods, the data can be used for post-event analysis, disaster declarations, reporting, and insurance claims.

Future Plans 

Wake Forest officials plan to grow StreamWatch from three gauges to a Town-wide network, which aligns with several goals in the Town’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, including Sustaining Excellent Town Services, Investing in Transportation and Infrastructure, and Advancing Community and Economic Prosperity.