History of Ott

Founded in 1873 by Albert Ott in Kempten, Germany, Ott has been a pioneer in hydrology and environmental monitoring for more than 150 years. Beginning with mechanical water level recorders and current meters, the company helped shape modern water measurement through continuous innovation in hydrological instrumentation, precipitation measurement, dataloggers, and telemetry systems.

Over the years, Ott expanded its expertise through the integration of leading environmental monitoring brands, including Hydrolab, ADCON Telemetry, Lufft, and Kipp & Zonen, creating one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios for water, weather, and environmental monitoring.

In 2026, OTT HydroMet evolved into two focused operating companies: Ott, dedicated to Hydro Analytics, and Kipp & Zonen, focused on Weather Analytics. This change was designed to provide greater clarity and specialized expertise for customers while preserving the heritage and strengths of both businesses.

Today, Ott works alongside In-Situ as a unified water analytics offering, combining trusted instrumentation, intelligent data solutions, and decades of expertise in water quantity, water quality, and water processing applications. Together, they help customers transform water data into actionable insights that support sustainable resource management and resilient communities worldwide.

Sensor Selection Guide Surface Water - Technical Note