a terminal , for use with a phreatic surface measurer having a tape measure with at least one sensor at one end of the tape measure , includes a flexible protection element that substantially surrounds the tape measure , and a coupler between the flexible protection element and the sensor , where the flexible protection element protects the tape measure along a part of its length without substantially impeding its flexibility . optionally , two elements can be used and connected to each other by a connector . also optionally , a breakaway feature can allow the replacement of terminals or portions thereof .