A method of measuring a characteristic of a fluid inside a fluid distribution system includes receiving a fluid inside a channel of a vein of a stem of a hydrant; recording data corresponding to the characteristic of the fluid with a sensing device, the sensing device including: a housing; a vein in sealing contact with the housing, the vein defining a channel extending from a lower end of the vein to an upper end of the vein; a sensor facing the channel and in sealing contact with the vein; at least one battery in electrical communication with the sensor and positioned within the housing; and an antenna in electrical communication with the sensor; and transmitting the data to the antenna.