growerdick:
Further searching turned up the device best suited for my need, MPXV5100GP for measuring water level. It runs on 5v, has integrated amplification and puts out .2 to 4.7, and Digikey has them for $11.81 q1MPXV5100GP NXP USA Inc. | Sensors, Transducers | DigiKey
Here is data sheet: http://www.freescale.com/files/sensors/doc/data_sheet/MPX5100.pdf
Thanks everyone for responses.
Better but the datasheet still carries the advice:
The MPX5100 series pressure sensor operating
characteristics, and internal reliability and qualification tests
are based on use of dry air as the pressure media. Media,
other than dry air, may have adverse effects on sensor
performance and long-term reliability.
It's better in that they attempt to protect the sensing element with a silicon gel, but note that the metal diaphragm above the gel has a perforated sensing hole that allows the measured media to come in direct contact with the silicon gel. On industrial quality liquid service pressure sensors the metal barrier completely isolates the measured media from the sensor/gel filled measurement chamber, so not my first choice. But hey it may work for you, but keep in mind that water, even potable, is a pretty aggressive material and could very well raise problems with the silicon and sensor element over time. This would not fly in professional industrial applications where long term reliability and accuracy is worth the cost of proper chemical isolation from the measured media.
Good luck with your project;
Lefty