Technical note: A Water Analysis Trailer for Environmental Research (WATER)

Abstract. In complex hydrological systems, flow path dynamics, water storage and mixing, and biogeochemical processing vary in space and may change rapidly during events. Understanding source areas, connectivity and short-term dynamics in stream water quality therefore requires high-temporal-frequency, multi-source observations both within and across catchments. Revolutions in field-deployable analysers and sensors, together with advancement in automation techniques, now make such observations feasible via true “labs-in-the-field”. This paper details the technical realisation and proof-of-concept for the Water Analysis Trailer for Environmental Research (WATER). The WATER is a mobile, trailer-based platform for environmental sensing and automated, high-temporal-frequency sampling and analysis of water from multiple (currently up to 11) sources. It is currently equipped to measure stable water isotopes, nitrate, electrical conductivity, pH and temperature, though its modular design supports the integration of additional measurement devices in the future. A field test in the 1.03 km² Schwingbach Environmental Observatory, Germany, demonstrated the ability of the WATER to successfully and autonomously collect and analyse samples from six water sources (2 × stream water, 3 × groundwater, 1 × precipitation) over a period of six months, with collected data offering potential for new understanding of catchment functioning. Insights were also gained into the practical considerations necessary when deploying the WATER for an extended period of time, such as ensuring an adequate self-sufficient power supply and scheduling routine maintenance visits. Simulation of the reduced sampling frequency that would result from extending the WATER to sample at its full capacity of 11 sources also indicated that, over multi-month periods, key distributional characteristics of the collected data would likely be maintained. Overall,  the WATER provides a mobile and scalable solution for high-temporal-frequency, multi-source hydrological and hydrochemical monitoring that can be (re-)deployed in different locations or targeted to specific events.