Characterization is essential when creating a management plan for a wetland. One of the unique characteristics of a wetland is the hydro period, which depends on the balance between inputs (precipitation, inflow and surface runoff) and system outputs (evapotranspiration and outlet flow), as well as fluctuations in the groundwater. The main objective of this study was to establish a methodology for measurement of surface runoff that contributes to the water balance of the natural wetland La Reserva located on the campus of EARTH University. Surface runoff was measured in watershed area that corresponds to the wetland (9.14 ha). Three, 4 m² plots were established in the field and the runoff generated by rainfall in these plots was collected in a 200 L container. The changes in water level were measured every five minutes using an automatic stage recorder. Additionally, a rain gauge was installed at the site to record rainfall, and a soil moisture sensor was located in one of the sample plots. The data were stored in a data collector and offloaded every two weeks. The method used to measure the runoff into the wetland reserve has several advantages such as easy data collection and processing, as well as low construction costs as compared to other automated methods. However, improvements such as frequent equipment calibration, and the use of a smaller runoff collection container for recording slight changes in the water level variation, are still required.