Water Cooler Talk: Barksdale Puts the Sensor into Smarter Water Systems

For more than 75 years, Barksdale has been a trusted provider of industrial control and monitoring solutions. Known for engineering excellence and product reliability, Barksdale supports a wide range of industries—including water and wastewater management—where precision, durability, and system integrity are essential. 

In the wastewater sector, where treatment processes are complex and infrastructure are aging, dependable instrumentation is critical. Barksdale’s pressure, level, temperature and flow control technologies are designed to meet the specific challenges of wastewater systems, helping utilities operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably. 

Instrumentation Built for the Water Industry 

Wastewater treatment involves multiple stages—from collection and primary treatment to biological processing and final discharge. Each stage requires accurate monitoring of key variables like pressure, level, flow, and temperature. Barksdale’s product portfolio is engineered to support these needs with robust, field-proven solutions. 

Submersible Level Sensors 

Barksdale’s submersible level transmitters are ideal for continuous level measurement in lift stations, tanks, and open channels. These sensors are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including high humidity, corrosive media, and debris-laden environments. 

Key features include: 

  • Field-replaceable sensor design for simplified maintenance, reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership. 
  • Measuring ranges from 2 to 1,150 feet of water column (ft wc), suitable for applications such as lift stations and clarifier tanks or deep wells and reservoirs. 
  • Optional flush sensor with protective cage, ideal for applications with solids or sludge. 

These sensors are commonly deployed in equalization basins, sludge holding tanks, and pump stations, where accurate level data is essential for pump control and overflow prevention. 

LevelSite® Magnetic Level Indicators 

For applications requiring visual level indication, Barksdale’s LevelSite® magnetic level indicators offer a reliable and easy-to-read solution. These indicators are especially useful in chemical dosing tanks and clarifiers, where operators benefit from a clear, real-time view of fluid levels. 

Highlights include: 

  • Measuring ranges up to 19.7 feet (6 meters), with optional extensions up to 65 feet (19.8 meters). 
  • 316Ti stainless steel bypass chamber and titanium float options for corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. 
  • Highly visible red/white indicator flags for easy level confirmation from a distance. 

LevelSite® indicators are often used alongside electronic sensors to provide redundancy and visual verification in critical applications.  Switches and transmitter options can be added to the indicators for those customers looking to automate their control systems. 

Electronic Pressure Switches 

Pressure control is vital in many wastewater processes, from aeration systems to chemical dosing and membrane filtration. Barksdale’s electronic pressure switches combine three functions—switchgauge, and transmitter—into one compact, programmable device. 

Key capabilities: 

  • Gauge and absolute pressure range from 3 to 9,000 PSI (0.2 to 620 bar), monitoring system pressures to maintain operational efficiency. 
  • Differential pressure ranges from 5 to 500 PSI, ideal for monitoring filters, pump performance and hydrostatic pressure level measurement. 
  • IO-Link connectivity, enabling integration with modern control systems and remote diagnostics. 

These switches help operators maintain optimal process conditions, prevent equipment damage, and reduce energy consumption through precise control. 

Electronic Temperature Switches 

Temperature monitoring is essential in processes like sludge digestion, thermal disinfection, and equipment protection. Barksdale’s electronic temperature switches offer: 

  • 3-in-1 functionality: switch, indicator, and transmitter. 
  • Measuring ranges from -22°F to 284°F (-30°C to 140°C). 
  • Field programmability via tactile keys, allowing quick adjustments without external tools. 
  • IO-Link support for smart integration and data access. 

These switches are used in heat exchangers, chemical tanks, and other systems where temperature stability is critical to process efficiency and safety. 

Custom Solutions for Unique Challenges 

Every wastewater facility has its own set of challenges—whether it’s retrofitting legacy infrastructure, meeting new regulatory requirements, or operating in space-constrained environments. Barksdale offers customizable instrumentation to meet these needs. 

Options include: 

  • Custom electrical connections and cable lengths. 
  • Mounting configurations for any orientation. 
  • Specialized wetted materials for compatibility with aggressive media. 
  • Factory-set switch points for plug-and-play installation. 
  • Custom protocols and outputs for seamless integration with SCADA and PLC systems. 

This flexibility allows engineers and operators to specify exactly what they need, reducing installation time and ensuring long-term reliability. 

Supporting Sustainability and Resilience 

As the water industry faces increasing pressure to conserve resources, reduce emissions, and improve resilience, instrumentation plays a key role. Barksdale’s technologies support these goals by enabling: 

  • Efficient pump control, reducing energy use and wear. 
  • Accurate level and pressure monitoring, preventing overflows and equipment failures. 
  • Predictive maintenance, using smart diagnostics to identify issues before they escalate. 
  • Data-driven decision-making, through integration with digital control systems. 

By helping utilities optimize operations and extend the life of their infrastructure, Barksdale contributes to more sustainable and resilient water systems. 

A Trusted Partner in Water Management 

Barksdale’s long-standing reputation is built on quality, innovation, and customer support. With decades of experience in fluid control and a deep understanding of the Water industry, Barksdale is more than a product supplier—it’s a partner in performance.

We hold key certifications including cULus, CSA, ATEX, and IECEx. With field programmability, IO-Link, HART, and Modbus RTU connectivity, plus customizable configurations, Barksdale ensures accurate monitoring—helping utilities protect resources and optimize performance. 

Whether you’re designing a new treatment facility, upgrading existing systems, or troubleshooting a persistent issue, Barksdale offers the expertise and solutions to help you succeed. 

To learn more about Barksdale’s wastewater instrumentation or request a quote, visit https://www.barksdale.com/water-management