Stream Gauge

Stream Gauge is a decorative and informational building that provides detailed measurements of nearby water. Its interface displays the current water depth at the gauge's location in meters, the greatest depth recorded by that gauge, the water current (flow rate) in m3/s, and the percentage of badwater contamination. The Stream Gauge was originally introduced as Depth Marker during Early Access and later renamed; it also received audio updates and was moved from the Water tool group to the Decoration tool group in a later update. Update 5 added the contamination readout.

The Stream Gauge is primarily used as a monitoring and planning tool rather than a functional water-control device. Players use it to check reservoir levels, track maximum flood heights for designing levees and dams, and measure current to estimate available power for water wheels. Although a water wheel cannot occupy the exact same tile as a Stream Gauge, placing a gauge nearby gives precise current numbers that help calculate how much horsepower can be extracted at specific points along a river. The building’s infobox and readouts are visible in promotional media and trailers, and screenshots often show gauges placed in front of large water wheels or at reservoir faces.

• Depth shows the instantaneous water depth at the gauge’s tile in meters.
• Greatest depth records the maximum water level observed by that gauge.
• Current reports flow rate in m3/s, useful for estimating waterwheel output.
• Contamination shows the percentage of badwater at the gauge location; this readout was added in Update 5.

Practical placement tips: position Stream Gauges at representative tiles where you need measurements — at the front of reservoirs to monitor storage and peak flood levels, and beside potential waterwheel placements to obtain accurate current readings for power calculations. Use multiple gauges to compare flow and depth across a stretch of river or around a dam; screenshots and examples often show two gauges positioned at a reservoir front to track water behavior from different spots. The Stream Gauge’s clear numerical readouts make it more precise than eyeballing current or depth when planning hydraulic infrastructure.