Water tank monitoring and pump dry-run protection
The system measures the tank's water level live, runs the pump automatically and protects it from running dry, and shows the number of days left instead of the level in centimeters.
The problem
Homes in Jordan rely on a tank filled once a week or less, and running out is usually only discovered while using water. A pump running on an empty tank burns out, and nobody climbs to the roof daily to check the tank. The problem is that the only information available is the water running out itself — two steps too late.
How it works
- MeasurementA distance sensor mounted at the top of the tank measures the distance to the water surface.
- ConversionThe system converts the distance into a fill percentage and an amount in liters.
- FillingWhen the level drops below the set limit, the filling pump starts automatically.
- ProtectionA full tank stops the pump, and an empty one prevents it from starting at all.
- Consumption calculationThe system calculates how fast the level drops and estimates the days remaining.
- AlertsAn alert is sent to the phone when the level is low or a leak is suspected.
Project features
- It prevents the pump from burning out — a failure that costs more than the whole project.
- An estimate of days remaining is more useful than a bare percentage.
- Leak detection from an abnormal drop in level at night — a smart feature.
- It tackles a daily problem in every Jordanian home and is easy to explain to the committee.
- A simple demo model with a bucket of water and a sensor mounted above it.
Preparing the interactive model…
Part models from the libraries KiCad andEspressif (CC-BY-SA 4.0), lighting from Poly Haven. Click any part's name to zoom in on it.
Parts
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Expected challenges
These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.
- The sensor sits above moving water, so ripples cause fluctuating readings.
- Moisture and condensation inside the tank damage the sensor over time.
- Any part that touches drinking water must be food-safe.
- Wi-Fi coverage on the roof is weak in many homes.
- The tank's shape changes the conversion formula from distance to liters.
The consultation gives you a solution for each one.
Expected committee questions
Prepare your answers in advance: these questions come up often in defenses of similar projects.
- How is the water level converted into the number of days remaining?
- How is the pump protected from running without water?
- Why was this sensor chosen to measure the level, and how does moisture affect it?
- How is a leak in the tank detected?
Students' experiences
Add a comment on the idea: +2 points. Or share your experience with photos of your build: +10 points. Every 50 points become a JD 5 discount voucher on parts orders.
Need solutions to the challenges and a complete technical path?
In the consultation we give you a solution for each challenge above, plus a practical build plan from the first step to the last: technologies, libraries, wiring diagram, timeline, and tips for the defense.
- Consultation session
- PDF with solutions and a plan
- 20 د.أ فقط