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10 Water Monitoring Challenges (And How to Tackle Them!)

Let’s face it, water monitoring isn’t always a walk in the park. You’re dealing with unpredictable conditions, finicky instruments, and the occasional rogue water sample that just won’t behave. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Here are 10 of the biggest challenges in environmental water monitoring, along with some practical (and TPS-approved) solutions to keep your testing on track.

28 March 2025 | AUTHOR: Natasha Goodwin | 10 Water Monitoring Challenges And How to Tackle Them

1. Instrument Reliability & Calibration Issues

Water quality instruments can be high-maintenance.
They need regular calibration, they drift over time, and some require multiple calibration solutions. hardly ideal when you’re out in the field.

The Solution: Go for gear with automatic temperature compensation and easy single-point calibration.
TPS meters, like the The Ranger series, featuring pH, DO, EC, and ORP probes, make calibration a breeze and keep your readings rock solid for longer.

2. Harsh Field Conditions & Equipment Durability

Water testing rarely happens in comfy, air-conditioned labs.
Extreme temperatures, humidity, mud, and the odd accidental drop on the ground can spell disaster for delicate instruments.

The Solution: You need a tough meter that won’t crack under pressure (or impact).
The Ranger meter is waterproof, dustproof, and built to handle whatever nature throws at it.

3. Difficult Sample Collection & Contamination Risks

Fast-flowing rivers, deep wells, or contaminated sites make sampling a challenge.
And if you’re not careful, cross-contamination can skew your data.

The Solution: Long-cable probes, flow-through cells, and anti-fouling coatings on sensors keep your readings clean and accurate.
TPS portable probes are designed to work with multiple sampling techniques, so you get reliable results every time.

4. Battery Life & Power Supply Issues

Nothing kills a productive day in the field like a dead battery.
Some meters have non-replaceable or proprietary batteries that leave you stranded when they run out.

The Solution: Go for a device with long battery life and fast-charge capabilities.
TPS meters, such as The Ranger, feature a strong battery life and easy charging options to keep you running all day.

5. Data Logging & Reporting Challenges

Manually recording readings is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Some devices don’t have seamless data transfer options (e.g., Bluetooth or USB export), requiring extra steps for analysis.

The Solution: Meters with built-in data logging, USB/Bluetooth transfer, and seamless software integration are the way to go.
Instruments with one-click data logging, make data collection and reporting a breeze.

6. Interference & Inconsistent Readings

Metal ions, temperature swings, and electrical noise can mess with your readings.
DO sensors also need altitude and salinity adjustments, adding to the hassle.

The Solution: Choose sensors with high-quality reference electrodes to ensure stable, interference-free results.

7. Limited Access to Remote or Hazardous Locations

Some testing sites aren’t exactly easy to get to - think mine tailings, wastewater treatment plants, or deep wells.
Lugging a variety of heavy equipment around is the last thing you want to do.

The Solution: Lightweight, portable meters like the TPS Ranger cut down on the bulk, and are small enough to fit in a bucket
for transport around the site.

8. High Cost of Equipment & Maintenance

Premium-quality meters don’t come cheap, and ongoing maintenance can add up quickly.
Frequent sensor replacements only make things worse.

The Solution: Invest in rugged meters with long-lasting, replaceable parts to keep costs down.
TPS designs its instruments with repairability and longevity in mind.
Our replaceable electrodes and long-life sensors save you money in the long run.

9. Lack of Training & User-Friendly Interfaces

Some meters feel like they require an engineering degree just to turn on.
Confusing menus, convoluted apps, and tricky calibration procedures can lead to mistakes, especially for new users.

The Solution: Look for intuitive, user-friendly meters that make life easy.
TPS meters feature simple navigation systems, clear displays, and on-screen prompts to guide users through every step.

10. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Burden

Strict environmental regulations mean your data needs to be spot-on, well-documented, and formatted correctly or risk compliance headaches.

The Solution: Meters with easy data capture, high accuracy levels, and easy data export functions make logging a breeze.

Water monitoring comes with its fair share of challenges, but the right tools can make all the difference. TPS offers a range of rugged, accurate, and user-friendly water quality meters to help you tackle any challenge with confidence.