A total precipitation gauge (10) incorporates a float gauge (16) extending downward to a liquid level (18) in a precipitation storage container. The float gauge (16) is formed with an elongate stillwell (20) extending into the liquid level (18), a float element (22) suspended in the stillwell (20) for rising and falling motion within the stillwell in response to the liquid level, and an elongate code bearing surface (24) coupled to the float (22). A code sensor (34) senses motion of the code bearing surface (34) for generating electrical signals (35) corresponding to motion of the float element and liquid level. The code bearing surface is a flexible coded strip (24) secured at one end to the float element (22) and at the other end to a spring loaded reel (25). The spring force of the spring loaded reel (25) is less than the weight of the float element (22) and ballast (26). The code sensor (34) is an optical interruption sensor with first and second optical sensors (a1,a2) coupled in a quadrature relationship with respect to the coded strip (24) to determine direction of motion of the coded strip (24). The total precipitation gauge may be constructed in the configuration of a removable and replaceable cover (12) for fitting over a precipitation storage container (14). The cover (12) includes a collector passageway (15) for proportionately restricting precipitation passing into the precipitation storage container (14).