The primary responsibilities of the Data & Atmospheric Resources Division are to furnish the necessary technology infrastructure and conduct data collection activities essential to support scientific and regulatory functions. Additionally, it supports routine office and back-office automation functions that the agency relies on to fulfill its stated mission. Finally, the division is charged with regulation of weather modification activities in the State to ensure environmental and public safety and support of cloud seeding technology research and development.
PRESENS (Pushing REmote SENSors) delivers real-time environmental data from sensors located in remote locations to publicly accessible databases at the Department of Water Resources (DWR). PRESENS was designed, tested, and installed by DWR’s data and technology professionals, hydrologists, and technicians with the intent of expanding data collection capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional means. Data collected by PRESENS units can include water levels, precipitation, barometric pressure, air temperature, soil moisture, soil conductivity, and soil temperature.
The primary functions related to atmospheric resources are to:
- Carry out administrative procedures required for the licensing of weather modification contractors and the permitting of cloud seeding operations and research activities;
- Develop and maintain a system for the collection of data and records of all operational weather modification activities;
- Conduct research into atmospheric precipitation processes to assess and improve the effectiveness of cloud seeding technology;
- Promulgate rules and regulations governing cloud seeding activities to ensure environmental and public safety;
- Monitor and evaluate cloud seeding activities and report back to sponsoring entities;
- Monitor, collect, and disseminate accurate precipitation and climate data; and
- Educate and provide information regarding the atmosphere and atmospheric processes.
