Project Overview

The Water Wastage Alarm System is designed to prevent water overflow in overhead tanks, a common issue in Indian households. It uses ultrasonic technology to monitor the water level, providing real-time data on the tank’s status. When the water level reaches the full mark, the system triggers an alarm (buzzer), displays the warning on an OLED screen, and optionally sends an SMS alert to the user. The system is not only affordable and easy to install but also plays a significant role in promoting water conservation and reducing electricity wastage.

Problem It Solves

In many Indian homes, overhead tanks overflow frequently due to the manual nature of monitoring water levels. People often forget to turn off the water pump, leading to significant water wastage and increased electricity bills. The Water Wastage Alarm System automates this process, preventing overflows, saving water, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Key Features

1. Real-Time Water Level Monitoring:

   • The system uses an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04 or JSN-SR04T) to continuously monitor the water level in the tank.

   • The sensor measures the distance from the top of the tank to the water surface, converting this measurement into a percentage of the total tank capacity.

2. Overflow Detection:

   • When the water level reaches 95% or higher, the system triggers a buzzer alarm to alert users of the overflow danger.

   • Visual Indicators: LED indicators are used to show the current status of the tank—Safe (Low), Caution (Mid), and Full (Overflow).

3. OLED Display for Status Update:

   • A 128x64 OLED display is used to show the real-time water level percentage.

   • The display provides a clear message when the tank is full, e.g., "Water Level: 98% Status: FULL ????".

4. SMS Alerts (Optional):

   • Using a SIM800L module, the system can send SMS notifications to the user's phone when the tank is full, giving them the option to remotely check and address the overflow.

5. Low Power Consumption:

   • Designed for energy efficiency, the system is powered by a 5V regulator and can be run on minimal electricity.

6. Affordable & Compact Design:

   • The system is cost-effective and compact, making it suitable for households of all sizes.

   • Easy to install and set up without the need for specialized expertise.

Working Principle

1. Ultrasonic Measurement:

   • The ultrasonic sensor continuously measures the distance between the sensor and the water surface.

   • The sensor sends sound waves, and the time it takes for the waves to return is used to calculate the distance.

2. Water Level Calculation:

   • The distance measurement is converted into a percentage (e.g., 100% means the tank is full, 0% means the tank is empty).

3. Threshold Detection:

   • The system checks if the water level exceeds the threshold (e.g., 95%).

   • If the water level is above the threshold, the buzzer is activated, and the system alerts the user.

4. Display and Alert:

   • The water level and status are displayed on the OLED screen.

   • If integrated with the SIM800L module, an SMS alert is sent to the user's phone when the tank is full.

Optional Add-ons

1. Auto Motor Cutoff:

   • Using a relay, the system can automatically turn off the water pump once the tank reaches its full capacity, preventing overflow without user intervention.

2. Rainwater Tank Integration:

   • The system can be adapted to monitor rainwater tanks, ensuring both water conservation and management in a more sustainable way.

3. IoT Data Logging:

   • By adding an ESP8266 module, the system can log data to the cloud, allowing users to track their water usage over time and optimize their consumption.

Components Used