IoT Based Water Quality Monitoring System

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Water quality monitoring is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our
water resources. As industrialization and urbanization accelerate globally, the impact on
water bodies necessitates robust monitoring systems to safeguard public health and
ecosystems alike. These systems provide crucial data on parameters such as temperature,
electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids.

Traditional methods of water quality monitoring often involve periodic sampling and
laboratory analysis, which can be time-consuming and limited in spatial coverage. In
contrast, modern water quality monitoring systems, leveraging advanced technologies
such as Internet of Things (IoT), offer real-time data collection and analysis capabilities.

An IoT-based water quality monitoring system integrates sensor technologies with data
communication networks, enabling continuous and remote monitoring of water
parameters. This approach not only enhances the frequency and accuracy of data
collection but also facilitates early detection of contamination events and supports timely
decision-making in water resource management.

These systems offer several advantages over traditional monitoring methods, including
enhanced accuracy, timely detection of contaminants, and cost-effectiveness in
operations. By leveraging IoT, data on crucial parameters such as pH levels, dissolved
oxygen, turbidity, and pollutants can be gathered autonomously and transmitted to
centralized databases or cloud platforms for further analysis. This real-time data
accessibility enables stakeholders—from environmental agencies to water treatment
facilities and researchers—to make informed decisions promptly, thereby mitigating
potential risks to public health and the environment.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY

1.Smith, J. et al. (2021). Advances in Water Quality Monitoring Systems

•Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

• Published Year: 2021
• Page Number: 109354
• Summary: Smith et al. discuss recent advancements in water quality monitoring
systems. The paper highlights the integration of advanced sensor technologies,
data analytics, and real-time monitoring capabilities. The study emphasizes the
importance of accurate and timely data collection for environmental management
and regulatory compliance. It also explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
and machine learning (ML) in predicting water quality trends.

2. Brown, L. et al. (2020). Real-time Water Quality Monitoring Using IoT

• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Published Year: 2020
• Page Number: 1532
• Summary: Brown et al. examine the application of Internet of Things (IoT)
technologies in real-time water quality monitoring. The paper presents a
comprehensive overview of IoT-based systems that enable continuous and remote
monitoring of water parameters such as pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. The
study underscores the benefits of IoT in improving the efficiency and accuracy of
water quality assessment and highlights several case studies demonstrating
successful implementations.
3. Williams, K. et al. (2019). Challenges in Sensor-Based Water Quality Monitoring
• Journal: Sensors
• Published Year: 2019
• Page Number: 657

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• Summary: Williams et al. address the various challenges associated with sensor-
based water quality monitoring. These challenges include sensor calibration,
maintenance, data accuracy, and the impact of environmental factors on sensor
performance. The paper provides insights into potential solutions, such as the
development of robust and resilient sensor technologies and advanced calibration
techniques, to overcome these challenges.

4. Johnson, P. et al. (2022). Integration of Cloud Computing and IoT for Water
Quality Monitoring
• Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
• Published Year: 2022
• Page Number: 255
• Summary: Johnson et al. explore the integration of cloud computing with IoT for
enhancing water quality monitoring systems. The study discusses how cloud-
based platforms can store, process, and analyze large volumes of data collected
from IoT sensors. The paper highlights the advantages of cloud computing,
including scalability, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to perform complex data
analyses and generate real-time alerts.

5. Martinez, S. et al. (2021). Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring: A Case

Study

• Journal: Water Research

• Published Year: 2021
• Page Number: 117054
• Summary: Martinez et al. present a case study on community-based water quality
monitoring. The study illustrates how local communities can be empowered to
monitor and manage their water resources using affordable and user-friendly
monitoring tools. The paper discusses the benefits of community involvement in
water quality monitoring, such as increased awareness, local capacity building,
and improved water management practices.

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6. Patel, A. & Kaur, A. (2020). Smart Water Quality Monitoring System using IoT

• Journal: International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology

• Published Year: 2020
• Page Number: 112-116
• Summary: Patel and Kaur propose a smart water quality monitoring system
utilizing IoT technologies. The system is designed to continuously monitor
various water quality parameters and transmit data to a central server for analysis.
The paper outlines the architecture of the system, including the types of sensors
used, data transmission methods, and data processing techniques. The authors
highlight the system's ability to provide real-time data and alerts, facilitating
timely interventions.

7. Bhat, I. & Malik, A. (2019). Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Systems: A

Review

• Journal: Water
• Published Year: 2019
• Page Number: 1189
• Summary: Bhat and Malik provide a comprehensive review of real-time water
quality monitoring systems. The review covers various technologies and
methodologies used in these systems, including IoT, wireless sensor networks
(WSNs), and remote sensing. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations
of each technology and presents future research directions to enhance the
effectiveness and reliability of real-time monitoring systems.

8. World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Guidelines for Drinking-water

Quality

• Published Year: 2017

• Page Number: Retrieved from WHO Website
• Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for
drinking-water quality. These guidelines establish the standards for safe drinking
water and outline the acceptable levels of various contaminants. The document

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serves as a reference for water quality monitoring systems to ensure compliance

with health and safety standards.

9. Kumar, P. & Singh, R. (2018). IoT-Based Water Quality Monitoring System

• Journal: Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research

• Published Year: 2018
• Page Number: 58-64
• Summary: Kumar and Singh present an IoT-based water quality monitoring
system designed to continuously monitor and report water quality parameters. The
system employs various sensors to measure parameters such as pH, temperature,
and turbidity. The paper discusses the system's architecture, data transmission
methods, and the potential applications of IoT in water quality management.

10. Zhang, Y. & Wang, C. (2021). Application of IoT in Water Quality Monitoring

• Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

• Published Year: 2021
• Page Number: 111452
• Summary: Zhang and Wang explore the application of IoT technologies in water
quality monitoring. The paper discusses the implementation of IoT-based systems
for real-time monitoring and data collection. The study highlights the benefits of
IoT in improving data accuracy, reducing monitoring costs, and enabling
proactive water management. It also presents case studies demonstrating
successful IoT applications in various water quality monitoring scenarios.

Conclusion

Our smart water quality monitoring system demonstrates the effective use of TDS and
temperature sensors, ESP32 Node MCU, OLED display, and a 4.7k resistor for real-time
monitoring. By comparing our system with referenced studies, we highlight its strengths
in terms of real-time data collection, IoT integration, and community-based monitoring
potential. Future enhancements could involve cloud integration, advanced sensors, and
machine learning algorithms to further improve the system's capabilities and reliability.

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CHAPTER 3

OBJECTIVES

• Real Time Monitoring: Provide continuous, real-time monitoring of water

quality parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and
contaminants.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and store large volumes of data for
analysis to identify trends, detect anomalies, and make informed decisions.
• Remote Accessibility: Enable remote access to water quality data through
internet-connected devices, allowing users to monitor conditions from anywhere.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduce the costs associated with manual sampling and
testing by automating the monitoring process.
• Public Health Safety: Ensure the safety of drinking water and recreational water
bodies, thereby protecting public health.
• Resource Management: Aid in the sustainable management of water resources
by providing data that can inform conservation strategies.
• Public Health Protection: Ensures safe drinking water by detecting contaminants
early and preventing waterborne diseases.
• Community Awareness: Increases public awareness and involvement in water
conservation efforts through accessible data.
• Economic Benefits: Reduces costs associated with water treatment and health
care by maintaining high water quality standards.
• Environmental Protection: Help in the early detection of pollutants and
contaminants, thereby aiding in the protection of ecosystems and human health.
• Integration with Other Systems: Facilitate integration with other IoT systems
and platforms for comprehensive environmental monitoring.

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CHAPTER 4

PROPOSED MODEL

4.1 Block Diagram

Temperature
Laptop
Sensor

OLED
TDS Sensor ESP-32 Node MCU

Water Sample

Fig 4.1 Block Diagram

The block diagram shown in Figure 4.1 offers a glimpse into a water quality monitoring
system. It depicts sensors for temperature and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – a measure
of impurities – feeding data to an Arduino board. This tiny computer processes the sensor
readings and displays them on a convenient OLED screen. But that's not all! The Arduino
can also transmit this data to a laptop, allowing for further analysis, data storage, and
potential alerts if readings fall outside healthy ranges.

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4.2 Methodology

STEP DESCRIPTION
1.Sensor Selection Choosing appropriate sensors for measuring specific water quality
parameters (e.g., pH, turbidity, DO, conductivity).
2. Site Assessment Evaluating the monitoring location to determine environmental
conditions and specific monitoring needs.
3. System Design Designing the monitoring system architecture, including sensor
placement, data acquisition, and communication methods.
4. Installation Installing sensors and equipment at selected sites, ensuring proper
calibration and functionality.
5. Data Collection Gathering data continuously or at specified intervals using sensors
connected to data loggers or IoT devices.
6.Data Transmitting collected data to a central database or cloud platform
Transmission using wired or wireless communication protocols (e.g., GSM, Wi-
Fi, LoRa).
7.Data Processing Analyzing and processing data using software tools, including
filtering, normalization, and statistical analysis.
8. Visualization Presenting data through dashboards, graphs, or reports to facilitate
interpretation and decision-making.
Tabel 4.2: Methodology

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4.3 Components

4.3.1 ESP32 Node MCU:

Fig 4.3.1 ESP32 Node MCU

The ESP32 NodeMCU shown in Figure 4.3.1 is a versatile and cost-effective

development board designed for IoT applications, featuring a dual-core ESP32
microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This makes it ideal for
projects such as water quality monitoring, where it can connect various sensors like pH
and turbidity to collect and transmit data wirelessly. The board offers multiple GPIO pins,
supports analog input for reading sensor data, and is compatible with popular
programming environments like the Arduino IDE and MicroPython. Its affordability and
strong community support provide extensive libraries and resources, making the ESP32
NodeMCU a popular choice for a wide range of IoT applications, including home
automation and environmental monitoring.

4.3.2 Analog TDS water conductivity sensor:

Fig 4.3.2 Analog TDS Water Conductivity Sensor

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An analog TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) water conductivity sensor shown in Figure 4.3.2
measures the conductivity of water to indicate the concentration of dissolved solids. It
consists of two conductive electrodes submerged in the water, which create a conductive
path when voltage is applied, generating a current between the electrodes. The
conductivity is directly related to the number of ions present in the water; higher ion
concentrations result in increased conductivity. The sensor measures this current and
converts the conductivity value into TDS using a conversion factor, typically around 0.5
to 0.7, providing a reading in parts per million (PPM). The output is an analog voltage
corresponding to the TDS level, which can be read by a microcontroller, such as an
ESP32, for further processing and monitoring. This mechanism allows for real-time water
quality monitoring, making it essential for applications like drinking water safety and
aquaculture.

4.3.3 OLED Display:

Fig 4.3.3 OLED Display

A 1.3-inch OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display shown in Figure 4.2.3 is a
compact screen known for its vibrant colors, deep contrast, and wide viewing angles. This
small display typically features a resolution of 128x128 or 128x64 pixels, making it
suitable for various applications like wearable devices, portable electronics, and IoT
projects. The self-illuminating nature of OLED technology allows for thinner designs and
improved energy efficiency compared to traditional LCDs. Additionally, the display
offers fast response times and low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-
powered devices. Its small size and excellent visual quality make the 1.3-inch OLED
display a popular choice for prototyping and development in embedded systems.

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4.3.4 DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Thermometer sensor:

Fig 4.3.4 DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Thermometer sensor

The DS18B20 shown in Figure 4.3.4 is a waterproof digital thermometer sensor designed
for accurate temperature measurement, ranging from -55°C to +125°C with an accuracy
of ±0.5°C. Utilizing the 1-Wire communication protocol, it allows multiple sensors to
connect to a single data line, simplifying wiring. The sensor's temperature-sensitive
element converts temperature changes into a digital signal, making it easy to interface
with microcontrollers like Arduino or ESP32. Its waterproof design enables versatile
applications in environments such as aquariums, food processing, and outdoor
monitoring, providing reliable temperature readings for various projects.

4.3.5 RESISTOR 4.7K

Fig 4.3.5 Resistor 4.7K

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In a water quality monitoring system, a 4.7k resistor shown in Figure 4.3.5 is typically
used to ensure stable signal levels and protect sensitive components. It can act as a pull-
up or pull-down resistor to stabilize sensor outputs, ensuring accurate readings. It might
also be part of a voltage divider to scale sensor signals to levels suitable for
microcontroller inputs. Additionally, it can limit current to protect sensors or LEDs, and
filter noise in conjunction with capacitors to maintain signal integrity, thus ensuring
reliable and accurate water quality measurements.

4.3.6 JUMPER WIRES

Fig 4.3.6 JUMPER WIRES

Jumper wires shown in Figure 4.3.6 are crucial in a water quality monitoring system for
connecting various components such as sensors, microcontrollers, and power supplies.
They enable seamless signal transmission from water quality sensors like TDS, pH, and
turbidity sensors to the ESP32 NodeMCU, facilitating data collection and processing.
These wires also distribute power from the power supply to all components, ensuring
proper operation. During prototyping, jumper wires allow for quick and flexible
connections on a breadboard, making it easy to test and adjust the circuit configuration
without soldering. Different types of jumper wires, including male-to-male, male-to-
female, and female-to-female, are used to connect pins and headers appropriately. Their
flexibility, convenience, and reusability make jumper wires indispensable for building
and testing the water quality monitoring system.

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4.4 Connection of Components

Fig 4.4 Connection Diagram

The above Figure 4.4 shows the connection of model. Connect the TDS & Temperature
Sensor VCC & GND Pin to ESP32 3.3V & GND Pin respectively. Connect the output
analog pin of the TDS Sensor to ESP32 A0 Pin, which is the GPIO36 Pin. Similarly,
connect the output of DS18B20 to ESP32 IO14 Pin. A 4.7K pull of resistor is necessary
and requires a connection between the DS18B20 output pin & 3.3V VCC as a parasitic
power.

4.5 Working
A water quality monitoring system operates by integrating various components to provide
real-time assessments of water quality. It begins with the deployment of multiple sensors,
including turbidity and TDS sensors, which continuously measure specific parameters of
the water. The data collected by these sensors is transmitted to a microcontroller or data
logger that manages and processes the incoming information. This processed data is then
sent to a cloud server or local database via communication modules like Wi-Fi, GSM, or
LoRa, allowing for remote access and secure storage. Once the data reaches the server, it
undergoes thorough analysis to identify trends, detect anomalies, and ensure compliance

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with water quality standards. The processed information is presented through user-
friendly dashboards, enabling users to interpret the data effortlessly and receive alerts for
any parameters that exceed predefined thresholds. Ultimately, users—such as researchers,
environmental agencies, and water quality managers—can access real-time data through
web or mobile applications, facilitating continuous monitoring, proactive decision-
making, and effective management of water quality for critical applications like
environmental monitoring, aquaculture, and drinking water safety.

Overall, the IoT-based drinking water quality monitoring system enhances water safety
by providing continuous oversight, real-time data analysis, and prompt notifications,
ensuring that any water quality issues are swiftly identified and addressed to maintain
safe drinking water standards.

Fig 4.5 Working Model

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CHAPTER 5

RESULTS

Fig 5.1 Filtered Water Fig 5.2 Tap Water

Fig 5.3 Salt Water

For thorough evaluation of our IoT-based water quality monitoring system, we will
analyse samples from tap water, filtered water, and salt water, measuring parameters such
as temperature, Total Dissolved Solids, and Electrical Conductivity to verify system
precision and effectiveness. The output is monitored on serial window & OLED Display.
The output of filtered water is shown in Figure 5.1, output of tap water is shown in Figure
5.2 and output of salt water is shown in Figure 5.3.

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Results of different water samples tested:

Place EC Value TDS Value Temperature

Mudhol 6.03 3014 25.25 °C
Mahalingpur 10.94 5472 25.12 °C
Yadwad 8.8537 4396 25.37 °C
Amalzari 7.5244 3754 25.12 °C
Banahatti 10.7683 5378 25.06 °C

Tabel 5.1: Results of different water samples tested

The data from the Table 5.1 provides electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids
(TDS), and temperature measurements for water samples from five locations. At Mudhol,
Mahalingpur, Yadwad, Amalzari and Banahatti. Finally, Banahatti reports the highest EC
value of 10.77 µS/cm and a TDS of 5378 mg/L, with a temperature of 25.06 °C. All
samples are close in temperature, but the EC and TDS values vary significantly,
indicating differences in water quality and mineral content across these locations.

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CHAPTER 6

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

6.1ADVANTAGES

• Real-time Monitoring: IoT sensors continuously monitor water quality

parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels, etc., providing real-
time data updates.
• Remote Access: Data from IoT sensors can be accessed remotely via mobile apps
or web portals, allowing stakeholders to monitor water quality from anywhere.
• Early Detection of Contamination: IoT systems can detect changes in water
quality parameters promptly, enabling early detection of contamination or
anomalies.
• Cost-effective: Automated IoT systems reduce the need for manual sampling and
laboratory testing, thereby lowering operational costs in the long run.
• Improved Accuracy: IoT sensors provide high-precision measurements
compared to periodic manual sampling, reducing errors and enhancing data
accuracy.
• Data Analytics: IoT platforms can analyze historical data trends, predict future
water quality changes, and provide insights for better decision-making.
• Environmental Impact: By providing timely alerts on water quality issues, IoT
systems help in mitigating environmental impacts and protecting aquatic
ecosystems.
• Integration with Other Systems: IoT platforms can integrate with other smart
city infrastructures or environmental monitoring systems for comprehensive data
analysis and management.
• Scalability: IoT-based monitoring systems are scalable, allowing expansion to
monitor larger water bodies or networks without significant infrastructure
changes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Continuous monitoring and data logging facilitate
compliance with water quality regulations and standards more effectively than
periodic sampling.

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6.2DISADVANTAGES

• Initial Cost: The setup costs for deploying IoT sensors and infrastructure can be
relatively high, including the cost of sensors, communication modules, and data
management systems.
• Complexity: Implementing and maintaining IoT systems requires expertise in
sensor deployment, data integration, network management, and cybersecurity,
which can be complex and require specialized skills.
• Power Requirements: IoT sensors require power to operate continuously.
Ensuring reliable power sources or using energy-efficient sensors can be
challenging, especially in remote or off-grid locations.
• Data Security Risks: IoT systems are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats such as
hacking or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Robust security measures are
essential to protect data integrity and privacy.

6.3 APPLICATIONS

• Drinking Water Monitoring: Ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in
urban and rural areas by continuously monitoring parameters like pH, turbidity,
chlorine levels, and contaminants.
• Wastewater Treatment Plants: Monitor effluent quality in wastewater treatment
plants to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and optimize treatment
processes for efficiency.
• Industrial Process Water: Monitor water quality in industrial facilities to
prevent contamination, optimize processes, and ensure compliance with
environmental regulations.
• Agriculture and Irrigation: Monitor water quality in agricultural settings to
ensure optimal conditions for crops, detect contamination from fertilizers or
pesticides, and manage irrigation efficiently.
• Aquaculture: Monitor water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen,
temperature, and pH in aquaculture farms to ensure optimal conditions for fish
and aquatic organisms.

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• Environmental Monitoring: Monitor natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers,

and oceans to assess environmental health, detect pollution events, and protect
aquatic ecosystems.
• Smart Cities: Integrate water quality monitoring into smart city infrastructure to
enhance public health, ensure clean water supply, and respond quickly to water
quality incidents.
• Recreational Water Bodies: Monitor water quality in recreational areas such as
beaches, swimming pools, and water parks to ensure safety for swimmers and
visitors.
• Research and Education: Use IoT sensors for research purposes to study water
quality trends, understand environmental impacts, and educate communities about
water conservation and pollution prevention.

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CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION

The water quality monitoring system provides a comprehensive and effective approach to
assessing and managing water quality in real time. By integrating various sensors and
utilizing advanced communication technologies, the system ensures continuous
monitoring of critical parameters such as turbidity, temperature, and electrical
conductivity. The capability to process and analyze data in the cloud allows for timely
identification of trends and anomalies, enabling proactive decision-making. User-friendly
dashboards facilitate easy access to data for researchers, environmental agencies, and
water quality managers, enhancing transparency and accountability. Overall, this model
not only supports compliance with health and environmental standards but also promotes
sustainable practices in water resource management, making it essential for applications
in environmental monitoring, aquaculture, and drinking water safety.

7.1 FUTURE SCOPE

• Integration of Advanced Sensors: Incorporating sensors for heavy metals,

pathogens, and other contaminants for more comprehensive monitoring.
• Adoption of Machine Learning: Utilizing machine learning algorithms for
predictive analytics, enhancing data interpretation and anomaly detection.
• Enhanced IoT Connectivity: Expanding the use of IoT technologies for real-time
data collection and improved system responsiveness.
• Wider Sensor Networks: Developing extensive sensor networks to cover larger
geographical areas and improve data accuracy.
• User-Friendly Mobile Applications: Creating intuitive mobile apps for users to
access real-time data and alerts easily.
• Community Engagement: Promoting citizen science initiatives to involve local
communities in monitoring efforts and data collection.

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