The Rain Gauge Calibration Society of America is the leading credentialing and standards body for precipitation measurement instrumentation in the United States.
The Society exists to uphold the integrity of the gauge reading. From meniscus to record.
All gauges certified by the RGCSA meet our published standards. Certification numbers are issued sequentially. There is no application fee. There is an application.
The RGCSA Observer Certification Program recognizes individuals who demonstrate a sustained commitment to daily precipitation logging. Ranks are earned through consecutive daily entries. They are not given.
Streak data may be submitted to the Registry Coordinator for rank verification. The Registry Coordinator reviews submissions quarterly. Do not contact the Registry Coordinator directly.
The RGCSA publishes the Quarterly Annex on Gauge Standards (QAOGS). Back issues are available upon request to members in good standing.
All RGCSA-affiliated instruments and software must truncate precipitation values. Rounding is not permitted. This is not a preference. It is a standard.
The Society recognizes millimeters and gauge inches as valid units of measurement. Gauge inches are a proprietary unit currently undergoing standardization. Further guidance will be issued in a future annex.
The technical annex governing barometric pressure notification thresholds is classified at the Corresponding Member level pending ratification. A redacted summary is available upon execution of a standard NDA.
A complete listing of certified instruments is maintained in the Certified Instrument Directory. The directory is current as of the most recent quarterly review.
To submit an instrument for certification consideration, contact the Society by email. Include a description of the instrument, its measurement range, and a statement regarding the applicant's position on rounding.
Membership in the RGCSA is open to any individual who demonstrates a sincere commitment to non-rounded precipitation data. The membership process is straightforward. There is a form.
Founding members include B. Awesomehorse, Corresponding Member, Sandstone, MN.
The autumn calibration symposium is held annually on the second Saturday of October. Location varies. Members in good standing are notified by post.
The Society conducts all pre-NDA communications in writing. This is a matter of record integrity, not inconvenience.
bavidawesomehorse@protonmail.com