The WS 131 features a simple design consisting of a PVC housing and an electronic sensor module that easily attache to the housing using a hand tightened ring nut. Once the sensor is installed, it transmits electrical pulses that are generated as water moves past the paddle wheel. The amount of water volume that passes through the pipe can be interpreted by an Eno Scientific water level meter like the Well Sounder 2010 Pro. During inactivity, the sensor can be removed and replaced with an inexpensive plug with the same kind of hand tightened ring nut concept.

Flow meter housings are available in various sizes. The 1", 1.5" and 2" housings are in-line tees made with Type 1 PVC with sockets for schedule 40 PVC pipes, and compatible with common PVC piping and adhesives. The 3" and 4" housings are saddle tees made of Type 1 PVC which clamps onto schedule 40 PCV pipes.

The paddle wheel is made of a tough polyethylene material and is the only object subject to wear in the entire system. In case of highly abrasive water flow, the paddle wheel may experience wear with time but is easily replaced without tools.

The electronic flow sensor operates off a 5-24 VDC power supply and provides an output voltage on the signal line which switches between Vin and ground as the paddle wheel turns. Data collection is configurable by either plugging a ready-to-plug cable into the Well Sounder 2010 Pro, or with three-wire leads for connection to other data logging devices. An accessory splitter is necessary for the Well Sounder to monitor and log data from both the flow meter and the probe.