Vegetation on low elevation barrier islands has limited sources of fresh water. Depth to water table, soil water storage, and groundwater salinity represent critical variables to individual plant performance and to plant community development. The pattern of plant distribution can be explained partly by elevation and its relation to sources of fresh water. In order for vegetation patterns and ecosystem processes to be compared among transects on Hog Island, information is needed on elevation and water table fluctuations. The goal is to monitor water table fluctuations and to establish elevations along Transect 1 with a common reference.