What is one of the methods used to measure water levels?

One of the methods used to measure water levels is the hydrostatic gauge. This method operates on the principle of hydrostatic pressure which relates the pressure at a specific depth within a fluid to the height of that fluid. Essentially, a hydrostatic gauge measures the pressure exerted by the water column above it, which is directly proportional to the water level. Thus, it provides an accurate indication of water elevation based on the pressure it senses.

Wetted tape is inappropriate for measuring static water levels consistently, as it is generally used for measuring flow or other dimensions. A water barometer, while useful for atmospheric pressure measurement, does not provide direct measurements of water level. Flow meters specifically measure the rate of flow through a system rather than static water levels, which makes them unsuitable for this purpose.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the hydrostatic gauge is the correct method for measuring water levels.