IoT - Based Smart Water Quality Monitoring System
Pari Gawli Ankur Rohilla Berlin M A
School of Computer Science and School of Computer Science and School of Computer Science and
Engineering Engineering Engineering
Vellore institute of technology Vellore institute of technology Vellore institute of technology
Vellore, INDIA Vellore, INDIA Vellore, INDIA
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] n
Abstract - The proposed system resolves to improve water security, especially in rural and marginalized communities where traditional
methods pose manual constraints, while intelligently balancing corpus, modularity, and ease of use. It is based on an Internet of Things
system that incorporates cloud services with ESP32 microcontrollers, which gather data from water sensors through wireless connections,
process it, and make the information publicly available on a web dashboard. The system is programmed to prompt users and associated
authorities in real-time on WhatsApp, with GPS location attached, whenever any monitored parameter goes beyond established safety limits.
1 Introduction
Agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability are all significantly impacted by water quality. However,
traditional laboratory-based testing techniques are frequently costly, time-consuming, and inappropriate for isolated or
developing areas. Intelligent, real-time water quality monitoring systems are desperately needed, especially in nations like
India, where urbanisation, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharge are the main causes of rising water pollution.
New opportunities for ongoing water quality evaluation have been made possible by the confluence of cloud
computing, edge analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) [1]–[4]. These technologies enable low-cost, scalable systems
that use sensor modules attached to microcontrollers like the ESP32 to monitor important parameters like temperature,
turbidity, and pH in real time. While alerts—enhanced with GPS coordinates—may be automatically sent to users and
authorities via
platforms like WhatsApp [6], data can be wirelessly transferred to platforms like ThingSpeak for visualisation and storage
[5].
A move towards more secure, sustainable, and predictive water management systems is suggested by recent
publications [9]–[13], which emphasise innovations like blockchain for data integrity, LoRa for low-power long-range
transmission, and AI for contamination prediction. In addition, hybrid frameworks that combine mobile dashboards with
edge computing are being investigated to enhance response times and decision-making [12], [16].
This study introduces an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart water quality monitoring system that, in addition to
gathering and analysing data in real time, sends out GPS-tagged WhatsApp warnings when thresholds are crossed. Future
extensions for predictive analysis, integration with machine learning or fuzzy logic [11], [14], and cloud-edge hybrid
solutions are made possible by the modular architecture. It provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and
adaptable way to guarantee water safety in residential, commercial, and rural environments.
2 Related Work
By integrating IoT technology, water quality monitoring has advanced significantly, addressing most of the shortcomings of
conventional water testing techniques. A thorough analysis of the literature revealed that IoT-based systems are
revolutionising the field of water quality assessment by guaranteeing real-time monitoring and pointing out areas that still
require the development of predictive analytics.
In order to overcome the drawbacks of manual and conventional lab-based methods, research into IoT-based water quality
monitoring has exploded in recent years. Numerous studies show how successful real-time sensing, alerting, and data
processing are in a variety of applications, from industrial discharge monitoring to rural water safety.
Early models that used inexpensive sensors and ESP modules to track temperature, pH, and turbidity were put out by
Sharma et al. [2] and Patel and Shah [3]. The groundwork for scalable and reasonably priced IoT water monitoring was
established by these systems. ThingSpeak was used by Mule and Babar [4] to illustrate cloud-based monitoring, and Arduino
community activities [8] presented practical solutions with simple alerting capabilities.
Rao and Kulkarni [12] suggested edge-cloud hybrid systems for quicker reaction, whereas Dhanvijay and Patil [10]
stressed real-time data collecting for remote situations. By combining WhatsApp notifications with GPS-tagged messages
for location-aware intervention, Singh and Rajan [16] went one step further. The possibility of blockchain in protecting
sensor data—a crucial issue for long- term deployments—was covered by Hossain and Rahman [15].
Beyond threshold-based alerts, Jha and Yadav [11] and Mahmoud et al. [13] improved prediction capabilities by
integrating machine learning and edge AI. These technologies are able to anticipate breaches before they happen and identify
patterns in pollution trends. Fuzzy logic and LoRa integration were emphasised by Zhang et al. [9] and Kumar and Tiwari
[14] as methods for context- aware, energy-efficient monitoring.
Notwithstanding these developments, problems still exist, including dependency on a single alarm mechanism, lack of
modular expandability, and poor forecast accuracy in challenging circumstances. By integrating real-time monitoring, cloud-
based visualisation, modular sensor design, and GPS- based WhatsApp notifications, the system suggested in this article fills
these gaps. It lays the groundwork for upcoming improvements like AI-driven contamination classification, SMS/email
notifications, and predictive machine learning.
3 Proposed System
Water pollution is a major concern for environmental preservation and public health. Manual sampling is often used in
traditional water quality monitoring methods, which is time-consuming and prone to human error. The goal of the IoT-Based
Smart Water Quality Monitoring and Alert System is to offer a more effective and precise way to monitor water quality
parameters in real time. This system uses cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and automatic
notifications to keep an eye on critical water parameters like temperature, turbidity, and pH. It is used in agriculture, water
supplies, and the environment.
3.1 System Components
Three main parts make up the suggested smart water quality monitoring system: Water Quality Monitoring Module: Using
cutting-edge sensors, this module continuously checks water quality factors like temperature, turbidity, and pH. In order to
identify areas of contamination, the GPS location module tracks the monitoring system's geographic location. The alarm and
response system automatically notifies users or authorities when the water quality falls below preset thresholds.
3.2 System Approach
In order to provide real-time monitoring and warning for improved water safety control, the smart monitoring system makes
use of Internet of Things technologies. Its key characteristics are:
Multi-Sensor Integration: To provide a comprehensive picture of water quality, there are temperature, turbidity, and pH
sensors.
Cloud-Based Monitoring: Using web-based dashboards and mobile applications, users can view historical plots and real-
time values after the sensor data is sent to ThingSpeak. Automated warnings: When the water quality surpasses acceptable
limits, it sends both email and WhatsApp warnings. Geographic Mapping: To pinpoint specific sources and areas of
pollution that need to be treated, GPS coordinates and sensor data are recorded.
Real-Time Data Visualisation: Web and mobile dashboards provide real-time data so that decisions may be made instantly.
Fig. 1. A figure depicting architecture
3.3 Water Quality Monitoring Module
It is in charge of precisely monitoring water quality parameters and issuing warnings in advance of possible contamination.
Function Overview. Advanced Sensors: Measures the important water quality parameters using temperature sensors
(DS18B20 or LM35), turbidity sensors (SEN0189), and pH sensors (Gravity Analogue pH Sensor v2).
Real-Time Data Processing: The ESP32 microcontroller provides precise and prompt outputs by processing sensor data in
real-time.
Threshold-Based Alerts: When values drop below one of the pre-established safe thresholds, the system notifies the user.
Data Logging: All sensor data is recorded in ThingSpeak for future analysis of trends, water quality, and system
performance. Key Features:
Multi-Platform Alerts: Send out real-time notifications via email, WhatsApp, and smartphone apps.
Cloud storage and analytics include system diagnostic analysis, data logging for later review, and maintenance.
User-friendly Interface: Offers dashboarding on the web and mobile devices for remote control and real-time monitoring.
Fig. 2. A figure depicting the workflow and architecture of the system
3.4 GPS Location Module
This module enables the system to track each monitoring station's exact location, making it easier to identify the real
contamination locations.
Functional Description. GPS Module (NEO-6M): The water quality monitoring station's geographical location is
continuously tracked
Location Logging: allows users to monitor water quality at various sites by sending sensor and GPS data to the cloud and
storing it there.
Geographical Mapping: To find possible contamination sites, GPS coordinates can be plotted on dashboard maps.
Major Features:
Real-Time Location Monitoring: Monitors GPS coordinates along with water quality data for proper monitoring.
Location-Based Alerts: provides GPS locations and warnings, enabling officials to react to pollution issues right away.
Fig. 3. A figure modelling the static structure of the system
3.5 Alert and Response System
It guarantees that, in the event that the quality of the water deteriorates, appropriate action is performed promptly.
Major Functionalities. Threshold Alerts: Notifies users when temperature, turbidity, or pH levels exceed predetermined
thresholds.
Automated Notifications: Notifies consumers and authorities via mobile apps, email, and WhatsApp so they can take prompt
action.
Cloud Integration: Data is automatically sent to ThingSpeak via the system, enabling remote monitoring and immediate
access to data.
Fig. 4. figure illustrating the flow of data within the system
3.6 Real-Time Monitoring & Cloud Integration
One of the key components of this system is cloud-based infrastructure, which allows for intelligent data processing and
constant online operations.
Cloud-Based Features. Continuous Data Logging: allows users to access historical data for reporting and analysis by
storing sensor data in the cloud.
Real-Time Monitoring: Dashboards on the web and mobile devices provide users with access to real-time water quality data.
.
Automated Reports & alerts: It provides insightful information about trends in water quality by sending out periodic reports
and real-time notifications.
Predictive analytics: Using previous data, machine learning may be used in future research to forecast possible
contamination incidents.
4 Experimental Results And Discussion
The system is managed by the ESP8266, which also collects data from water quality sensors and sends out notifications when
certain metrics surpass preset limits.
Fig. 5. Bread board image
Water pollution is detected by the temperature, turbidity, and pH sensors, and real-time data visualisation is offered via the
ThingSpeak platform. When contamination levels surpass acceptable limits, the system further sends location-based
WhatsApp notifications.
Fig. 6. Turbidity graph on thingspeak showing real time values
Fig. 7. Temperature graph on thingspeak showing real time values
The ESP8266 is used by the Internet of Things-based Smart Water Quality Monitoring System to track water characteristics
such as temperature, turbidity, and pH. When dangerous contamination levels are found, notifications are sent via WhatsApp
messaging and the ThingSpeak platform. To ensure water safety, users can track data in real-time, receive notifications, and
remotely monitor the system.
.
Fig. 8. pH graph on thingspeak showing real time values
When contamination levels rise above acceptable bounds, the IoT-based Smart Water Quality Monitoring System instantly
sends a WhatsApp message to the user's smartphone. Even when consumers are not physically present at the location, these
alerts allow them to respond right away.
Fig. 9. Water quality monitoring system showing real time values
Fig. 9. Water quality index graph with real time values and date and time
For environmental safety, the system displays sensor data while monitoring temperature, turbidity, and pH levels. With
controls for turning the system on and off, the app displays real-time data on water quality.
Table 1. WhatsApp Alert System and Action
Parameter Threshold Level System Response WhatsApp Alert Content
pH <6.5 or >8.5 Trigger WhatsApp alert Acidic/Alkaline, GPS Location, Timestamp
Turbidity >5 NTU Trigger WhatsApp alert Turbid Water, GPS Location, Timestamp
Temperature <0°C or >35°C Trigger WhatsApp alert Extreme Temp, GPS Location, Timestamp
This table highlights the WhatsApp alert system's functionality, which sends real-time alerts when water quality parameters
exceed safe levels, accompanied by GPS location and timestamp for precise reporting.
Table 2. System Responses to Threshold Breaches
pH Level Turbidity Level Temperature Notification SMS Alert
Level
Safe Safe Safe No Alert No
Acidic/Alkaline Safe Safe Low Alert No
Safe Turbid Safe Moderate Alert No
Safe Safe Extreme Temp High Alert Yes
Acidic/Alkaline Turbid Extreme Temp Critical Alert Yes
This table combines the system's responses to breaches in pH, turbidity, and temperature thresholds. When multiple thresholds
are breached simultaneously, a combined SMS alert is sent with critical information about the water contamination and safety
measures.
Fig. 10. Real time alert message on whatsapp
Table 3. Water Quality Parameter Thresholds
Parameter Safe Contamination System Action Alert Content
Range Threshold
pH 6.5 – <6.5 or >8.5 Trigger WhatsApp Acidic/Alkaline, GPS Location, Timestamp
8.5 alert
Turbidity 0 – 5 >5 NTU Trigger WhatsApp Turbid Water, GPS Location, Timestamp
NTU alert
Temperature 0°C – <0°C or >35°C Trigger WhatsApp Extreme Temp, GPS Location, Timestamp
35°C alert
This table defines the contamination thresholds for water quality parameters. If any parameter falls outside the safe range, the
system triggers a WhatsApp alert with the type of contamination, location, and timestamp
5 Conclusion
This project effectively illustrates how to use inexpensive hardware and cloud platforms to create an Internet of Things-
enabled smart water quality monitoring system that provides real-time monitoring and immediate alarms. An ESP8266
microcontroller is integrated with a pH, turbidity, and temperature sensor to continuously collect water quality data, which
is then uploaded to ThingSpeak for real-time analysis. The device's real-time WhatsApp-based alert system, which notifies
the owner and relevant authorities anytime any parameter surpasses its safety limit, is one of its most noteworthy features.
The contextually appropriate alert mechanism is improved by GPS-based location monitoring, making it easier to identify
the point source of contamination and take prompt action. This system offers a proactive, scalable, and remotely accessible
solution for managing water quality, in contrast to traditional methods that are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and
reactive in nature. It is appropriate for home, agricultural, industrial, and community water systems because it eliminates the
need for manual data gathering, provides real-time feedback, and improves responsiveness to contamination issues. All
things considered, the project is successful in achieving its objectives of real-time monitoring, effective alerting, and user-
friendly data visualisation. It is also affordable and simple to execute, making it a useful model for next water safety
projects
6 References
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