Technical Note: Inexpensive rain gauges constructed from recyclable 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles

Abstract

A large number of inexpensive rain gauges were required for a study currently being conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota. A gauge utilizing discarded 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles was designed and constructed at very low cost. Assembly took less than 5 minutes per gauge and required minimal equipment. The gauges have been in use for 1 growing season and have provided accurate, reliable data.