E248022 Final
E248022 Final
Abstract
This study focuses on developing and evaluating an Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and
Alarm System using Arduino Uno to bolster flood monitoring and early warning capabilities.
The system integrates water level sensors with Arduino Uno to detect rising water levels and
trigger alarms for timely alerts. By investigating the system's effectiveness across various
parameters like accuracy, effectiveness, maximum distance detection, and water level
measurement, the research aimed to provide insights into its performance and potential impact
on flood resilience efforts. Key components such as ultrasonic, capacitive, and sound sensors
are incorporated into the system to provide real-time data on water levels. The study
underscores the importance of automated flood detection systems in mitigating the
devastating consequences of floods, especially in flood-prone regions. By harnessing Arduino
technology and sensor capabilities, the research seeks to empower communities to respond
promptly and effectively to flood events, safeguarding lives and property. The significant
findings indicate that the system demonstrates high accuracy, effectiveness, reliability, and
responsiveness in detecting floods and monitoring water levels. Integrating the water sensor,
LEDs, and buzzer proved highly effective, and there was no significant difference in
performance compared to existing flood monitoring methods. This contributes to advancing
flood monitoring technology and enhancing disaster preparedness strategies, offering valuable
insights for future research. Future researchers may incorporate technology like apps,
messages, or QR codes that can effectively disseminate critical information to those in
affected areas, helping them stay safe and take necessary precautions.
Keywords: automated flood water level sensor, Arduino Uno, flood monitoring, early warning
system, disaster preparedness
Automated flood water level sensor and alarm system using Arduino Uno
1. Introduction
Floods are the most prevalent natural disasters, and floods' growing frequency and intensity have been
widely recorded over the previous decades. Flood risk reduction is a top issue for many Asian cities, particularly
those in low-elevation coastal locations. According to the World Disasters Report (McClean, 2010), Asia is the
most disaster-prone continent, with many locations particularly vulnerable to the combined impacts of
subsidence and rising sea levels, which have already resulted in severe flooding. Asia continues to be the most
disaster-prone continent, with many locations particularly vulnerable to the combined impacts of subsidence and
increasing sea levels, which have already resulted in severe flooding. A succession of unexpected disasters, such
as the catastrophic floods in the Philippines caused by super typhoon Yolanda, also known as "Haiyan" in the
Philippines, highlighted the significant effect of disasters on people and economic growth (Aitsi-Selmi et al.,
2016). These patterns highlight the importance of community- and government-based catastrophe preparedness
and responses in mitigating disaster-related damages. Decision-makers have acknowledged the region's
vulnerability to seismic shocks. That is why having a device that can measure the water level of a specific
location is essential so that people may be prepared.
Flooding is the most common natural catastrophe that produces widespread destruction, resulting in loss of
life, property damage, and key public health infrastructure (World Health Organization, n.d.). It has a substantial
impact, with around 40% of the road network being waterlogged or inaccessible, and circulation is strongly
impacted by considerable vehicle speed declines, longer travel times, and greater distances driven in and around
the affected area (Diakakis et al., 2020). Heavy rain pours down, streets turn into rivers, and the fear of floods
rising is a common scenario in the Philippines during typhoons and monsoons. During the rainy season, the total
volume has abundant water, which causes river water to overflow and cannot accommodate the excess volume of
water. When a typhoon hits, it brings intense rainfall, leading to overflowing rivers, saturated soil, and landslides
in hilly areas. The consequences are far-reaching and severe, ranging from the loss of lives and displacement of
communities to damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Flooding in the Philippines has become a recurrent
challenge, making it crucial for us to develop innovative solutions like flood water level sensors to reduce the
impact of these calamities and safeguard our people and resources. It is essential to have an efficient flood
response operation system to manage all activities during a flood. It is impossible to exaggerate the significance
of flood water level sensors. They allow for the timely distribution of resources and monitoring of water levels in
urban drainage systems, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and lakes. These sensors also assist communities in preparing
for flood disasters and lessen their effects by helping to create precise flood models and forecasts (Wan Hassan
et al., 2019).
Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of flooding worldwide, making early warning
systems and flood monitoring technologies crucial for disaster preparedness and response. One innovative
approach to addressing this challenge is the integration of flood water level sensors with Arduino
microcontrollers (Wan Hassan et al., 2019). Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, has gained
remarkable popularity among hobbyists, researchers, and engineers due to its versatility, accessibility, and
affordability. When combined with flood water level sensors, Arduino offers a cost-effective and customizable
solution for monitoring water levels in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and urban drainage systems. This integration
empowers individuals and communities to build their flood monitoring systems and opens the door to research,
innovation, and the development of localized flood resilience strategies (Saida et al., 2024). Flood water level
sensors using Arduino present a compelling avenue for investigation due to their potential to democratize flood
monitoring technology. These sensors, typically equipped with ultrasonic, pressure, or capacitive measurement
mechanisms, offer real-time data on water levels, helping predict and respond to flood events efficiently.
In addition, the Arduino Uno is like a small brain that can make things happen. It is a microcontroller board
based on the ATmega328P. It has 14 digital input/output pins (6 can be used as PWM outputs), six analog inputs,
a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. Imagine you
want to know if your street will flood when it rains a lot, and this project will come in handy. The researchers
used an Arduino Uno to create a smart gadget that measured the water level. When the water gets too high, the
light will tell us if it has flooded. This helps us stay safe and prepared during heavy rains and typhoons in the
Philippines. This project is all about keeping our communities safe from flooding disasters. This comprehensive
investigation seeks to elucidate the potential of Arduino-based flood water level sensors as a scalable and
adaptable flood monitoring and management tool. By examining the technical aspects, environmental impact,
and socio-economic implications of such systems, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to
mitigate the devastating effects of floods in the Philippines. Through the fusion of Arduino technology and flood
water level sensors, the researchers endeavor to empower individuals, communities, and organizations to pursue
flood resilience, ultimately saving lives and safeguarding property.
Today, the standard method often alerts the relevant controlled registered individuals, causing saving
citizens to take longer since most of their possessions cannot be stored. Given the situation, it is vital to construct
an accurate, innovative flood monitoring system that uses sensors. Arduino may be implemented as a real-time
monitoring system, increasing system efficiency. The primary goals of this study are to develop a system that
uses both ATmega328P-based technology and sensors, web apps, Arduino, and network components to detect
floods and warn the company and to develop an automated water level sensor and alarm system using Arduino
Uno.
Statement of the Problem - This study aimed to develop an automated flood water level sensor and alarm
system using an Arduino Uno. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions: (1) What is the status of the
Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm system using Arduino Uno in terms of accuracy, effectiveness,
detecting distance, and changes in water level? (2) Is it effective to use the water sensor, LEDs, and buzzer in
developing the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System using Arduino Uno? (3) Is it effective to
use the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System in terms of detecting rising water levels and
alerting people? (4) Is there a significant difference between the existing flood monitoring method and the
Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System using Arduino Uno in terms of detecting the flood?
Significance of the Study - This study addresses the critical need for an affordable and accessible flood
detection system tailored to San Jose Occidental Mindoro, where heavy rains and typhoons often lead to
devastating floods. Utilizing an Arduino Uno, this system aims to provide accurate and timely flood warnings that
are measurable in terms of effectiveness. Achieving this goal is relevant and essential, as it directly impacts the
safety and well-being of communities in flood-prone areas. Furthermore, this study's completion within a defined
time frame ensures that its outcomes can improve disaster response and mitigation efforts, ultimately helping
safeguard lives and property during extreme weather events. The researchers aim to bridge the gap in current flood
monitoring methods, making it achievable to provide timely flood warnings even in remote areas. This solution
addresses the pressing need and aligns to enhance disaster preparedness and safeguard vulnerable communities
during heavy rains and typhoons, ultimately contributing to more effective disaster management in San Jose,
Occidental Mindoro. For the students of DWCSJ, the machine might benefit the students at Divine Word College
of San Jose as a safety device that will alert them of the flood, which can speed up their reaction time and signal
them to prepare for stormy weather. For citizens and consumers, the device can benefit individuals by providing
efficient and timely flood warnings that can enhance their disaster preparedness. For the community, developing
this device could considerably bridge the gap even in remote areas, safeguarding vulnerable communities during
heavy rains and typhoons, especially in flood-prone areas. And finally, for future researchers. The development of
the device and the information acquired in the study can be valuable and utilized as a reference for future research.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study - The general intent of the study is to develop an early flood detector
using Arduino to keep our communities safe from flooding disasters. In the Philippines, a school in the province
of Occidental Mindoro, the Divine Word College of San Jose, will be the focus of this study because it is known
for its- flood-prone area. A road flood is the flood that this device intends to detect. This study uses water level,
flow, and sound sensors to detect floods. They allow for the timely distribution of resources and monitoring of
water levels in urban drainage systems, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and lakes. These sensors also help communities
prepare for flood disasters and lessen their effects by helping to create precise flood models and forecasts. This
study did not cover other aspects regarding the early flood detector, such as public access to warnings because of
data privacy and the conciseness of sound alarms. Scalability is also not covered in this study. Other
enhancements in the device's features might broaden the field being studied. However, in conducting the study,
the level of flood water was detected.
2. Methodology
Research Design - A developmental evaluative research design was used in this study. This study employs an
experimental design with a significant relationship between independent and dependent variables. The influence of
independent variables on dependent variables is often observed and recorded over time to assist researchers in
reaching a plausible conclusion about the link between these two variable types. Various experiments were
performed to determine the efficacy of the flood water level sensor. It aims to know the potential use of water level
sensors in detecting early floods. With the help of the Arduino Uno, it would give power to the automated water
level sensor.
Data Gathering Procedure - The automated flood water level sensor system interfaces an Arduino Uno with
an ultrasonic sensor for precise measurements. The sensor is placed in a flood-prone location to detect the flood's
water level. This study is automated, meaning users don't need to touch or press any buttons on the Automated
Flood Water Sensor to activate it. It benefits all, whether a child, an adult, or even a senior citizen. The device was
finished in 2 weeks. The researchers made sure to gather all the parts they needed before starting. Then, they put
everything together, wrote the code, and ensured it was correctly calibrated. They worked step by step, making
improvements as they went along. This helped them finish quickly and make sure everything worked well. After
the researchers experimented with their work, they presented the evaluation checklist to the 20 volunteer
participants inside the Divine Word College of San Jose campus. They were randomly chosen since the researchers
aimed to determine if the device was working correctly. The evaluation checklist was evaluated using expert
validity.
Research Process: Stage 1 Preparation and Gathering of Materials - The production of the Automatic
Flood Water Level Sensor uses the following materials to work appropriately: Arduino Uno R3, 330 Ohm Resistor,
Water Level Sensor, Battery, Jumper wires, Breadboard, LED Lights, Plastic Casing, Buzzer, Plastic casing, SB
Cable and Power supply. The researchers used familiar materials such as the Arduino Uno R3, the sensors,
batteries, wires, and resistors, as those materials are like the ones used during the 2 Sumo Robot competitions in
which the school had previously participated. The materials mentioned previously were bought online. The casing
was made of plastic and was either 3D printed or purchased at a local hardware store. The researchers’ materials
cost around 500 pesos in all. The researchers used the “starter kit Uno R3 mini, mini-breadboard, LED, jumper
wire, and button for Arduino compatibility at around 390 pesos. In comparison, the plastic casings are 75 pesos,
and the battery costs 64 pesos. The total cost of materials is Php 1,029.00.
Stage 2: Building and Development of the Project - Creating an automated flood water sensor using
Arduino Uno provides a cost-effective and accessible solution for monitoring water levels, enabling timely
Figure 1. Actual Product of Automated flood water level sensor and alarm system using Arduino Uno
Stage 3: Experimental Stage, Observation and Data Recording - The proposed invention was to be tested to
see if it was a more practical and necessary tool for sensing floods. The device was first easily tested in flood-prone
areas until the flood motion sensor picked them up. The accuracy of this product was assessed by the researchers
using a variety of techniques. In 2 weeks, the researchers have already finished their product. The testing took two
days to ensure the system functioned properly and adjust calibration. Alertness from the researchers during testing
was needed for the study. In addition, they document the observations and results from these actual tests. Moreover,
the primary data is gathered before and after the researchers finish the sensor. The researchers documented each
stage of the process, preparing the necessary tools and building the sensor. All of the images and videos captured
throughout the sensor's assembly were done accordingly to demonstrate that the researchers were the ones who
built it. While the sensor was completed, the researchers tested it to see if the final result worked. Additionally,
they documented all of the information and guaranteed the honesty and integrity of the data collected.
Statistical Treatment of the Data - Statistical analysis of an automated water level sensor and alarm using
Arduino Uno involves examining the collected data to draw meaningful insights. Initially, the researchers
calculate descriptive statistics, such as the weighted mean, to determine the level of effectiveness of the device
and the range of values. These metrics provide a quick overview of the data, telling us how the water levels vary
and the typical values. Visualizing the data through graphs or charts helps us see trends or patterns over time or
under different conditions. In addition, the researchers used correlation analysis to determine the effectiveness of
the materials used in developing the device. In contrast, a t-test was used to determine if there is a significant
difference between the existing flood monitoring method and the automated flood water level sensor and alarm
system using Arduino Uno to detect floods.
Table 1
Status of the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm system using Arduino Uno in terms of Accuracy,
Effectiveness, Detecting Distance and Changes in Water
4 3 2 1 Weighted
Indicators Descriptive Indicator
(SA) (A) (DA) (SDA) Mean
The device is accurate in 14 6 0 0 3.70 Strongly Agree
detecting floodwater.
The system is effective in 13 5 2 0 3.55 Strongly Agree
performing its intended
function.
The system can reliably detect 11 7 2 0 3.45 Strongly Agree
the distance of the floodwater.
The system accurately measures 13 6 1 0 3.60 Strongly Agree
and responds to changes in
water level.
Overall Mean 3.57 Strongly Agree
Legend: 3.26 - 4.00 Strongly Agree, 2.51 - 3.25 Agree, 1.76 - 2.50 Disagree, 1.00 - 1.75 Strongly Disagree
Table 1 shows that the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System using Arduino Uno excels
across all evaluated parameters. It accurately detects floods (3.70) and effectively performs its function (3.55).
Additionally, it reliably detects the maximum distance of floodwater (3.45) and accurately measures changes in
water level (3.60). Based on the survey, the 20 participants who tested the device all strongly agreed that the
device is accurate, effective, and can reliably detect the distance of the floodwater. As evidenced by the Flood
Water Level Sensor and Alarm System, the Arduino-based system demonstrates exceptional accuracy and
effectiveness in monitoring flood situations. This aligns with Kondaveeti et al.'s (2021) findings regarding
Arduino's superior performance in sensing applications, underscoring Arduino's proficiency in sensing and
detecting tasks. They also support the notion that Arduino is highly capable of sensing various environmental
factors.
Table 2
Correlation Analysis on the Effectiveness of Using Water Sensor, LEDs, and Buzzer in Developing the Automated
Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System using Arduino Uno
Dependent R^2(Effect
Independent Variable R-value t-value P value Interpretation
Variable Size)
Water Sensor Automated 0.889 0.790 6.134 0.000 Highly Significant
Flood Water
Level Sensor
Green, Yellow, and Automated 0.823 0.677 4.579 0.001 Highly Significant
Red LED Flood Water
Level Sensor
Buzzer Automated 0.889 0.790 6.134 0.000 Highly Significant
Flood Water
Level Sensor
Legend: *Highly Significant at p≤0.01 *Significant at p≤0.05
The researchers conducted ten trials to determine if the device was working. Each trial indicates whether the
Table 3 shows that the correlation analysis on the effectiveness of using a Water Sensor, LEDs, and Buzzer
in developing the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System using Arduino Uno is highly
significant, as indicated by the low p-values of 0.000 for water sensor, 0.001 for LEDs and 0.000 for the buzzer,
means that the null hypothesis is rejected, suggesting a significant relationship between the independent
variables (Water Sensor, LEDs, and Buzzer) and the dependent variable (Automated Flood Water Level Sensor).
This proved that the materials used during the device's construction are effective in developing automated flood
water level sensors and alarm systems using Arduino Uno. This finding aligns with the study by Rachel et al.
(2019), which highlights how Arduino-based systems integrate various components to function together
seamlessly. The Water Sensor, LEDs, and Buzzer work with Arduino, controlling their operations based on
programmed instructions. Therefore, the high significance observed in the correlation analysis underscores the
interconnectedness and effectiveness of these components in the automated flood water level sensor and alarm
system.
Table 3
Correlation Analysis on the Performance Level of Automated Flood Water Level in terms of Detecting Rising
Water Levels and Alerting People
Dependent R^2(Effect
Independent Variable R-value t-value P value Interpretation
Variable Size)
Automated Flood Detecting water 0.673 0.453 2.219 0.051 Significant
Water Level Sensor levels and
Alerting people
Legend: *Highly Significant at p≤0.01 *Significant at p≤0.05
The researchers conducted five trials to determine the device's performance. The experiments consist of 5
rising water levels: 40 cm, 50 cm, and 60 cm. Each trial indicates whether the rising water level was detected or
not and whether the system alert was triggered. The results demonstrate that the system reliably detects rising
water levels and promptly triggers alerts, indicating its capability to address flood-related challenges in affected
areas. This finding aligns with the study conducted by Noar et al. (2019), which revealed that the system
functions effectively when the Arduino Uno accurately senses the sensor data. Both the buzzer and LED
indicators are functioning correctly.
In addition, Table 3 shows the results of the correlation analysis on the performance level of the Automated
Flood Water Level Sensor in terms of detecting rising water levels and alerting people. The study revealed a
significant relationship between the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and its ability to detect water levels
and alert people, with a p-value of 0.051. While this significance is just above the conventional threshold of p ≤
0.05, it still suggests a meaningful relationship. The significant correlation observed in Table 5 underscores the
effectiveness of the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor in detecting rising water levels and issuing timely
alerts to mitigate flood-related risks. This finding echoes the study by Odli et al. (2019), which emphasizes the
importance of issuing alerts based on the increase in water height and setting up warning levels proportional to
the fixed monitoring point.
Table 4
t-Test Results in the Difference between the Existing Flood Monitoring Method and Automated Flood Water Level
Sensor and Alarm System Using Arduino Uno
t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances
Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 1 3.6
Variance 0 0.01125
Observations 5 5
Hypothesized Mean Difference 0
Df 4
t Stat -54.81281278
P(T<=t) one-tail 3.31612E-01
t Critical one-tail 2.131846786
P(T<=t) two-tail 6.63223E-01
t Critical two-tail 2.776445105
Legend: *Highly Significant at p≤0.01 *Significant at p≤0.05
Table 4 presents the results of a t-test to analyze the difference between the existing flood monitoring
method and the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System using Arduino Uno. The t-test was
performed, assuming unequal variances between the two methods. The null hypothesis is accepted with a
t-statistic value of -54.81281278, which is significantly smaller than the t-critical value of 2.776445105.
Therefore, the existing flood monitoring method and the automated flood water level sensor and alarm system
using Arduino Uno are similar. This implies that both methods perform similarly in terms of their effectiveness
in detecting floods; both the existing method and the Arduino-based systems are equally effective in detecting
rising water levels during floods, as evidenced by the consistent detection observed across all trials for both
methods. This finding contradicts the results of the study by Naik and Bhavani (2023), which suggests that the
results of their experiment showed that, when compared to the microcontroller, the Arduino was far more
accurate in its monitoring of the water's quality than the microcontroller was. This was proved by the
microcontroller's results needing to be more precise. This discrepancy may stem from differences in
experimental setups or methodologies between the studies.
4. Conclusions
Based on the summary of findings, the following conclusions concerning the research problems were made:
It demonstrated high accuracy, effectiveness, reliability, and responsiveness in detecting floods and monitoring
water levels, making it a valuable tool for enhancing flood risk management efforts. Integrating the water sensor,
LEDs, and buzzer has proven highly effective in reliably detecting and alerting individuals to flood events. The
Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System detects rising water levels and alerts people, ensuring
timely responses to potential flood events. There is no significant difference between the existing flood
monitoring method and the Automated Flood Water Level Sensor and Alarm System in detecting floods.
Recommendation - The researchers recommend the following: To improve accuracy further, the consumers
or users may calibrate the water sensor to ensure precise measurements regularly. Implementing a calibration
routine at predetermined intervals will help maintain consistency and reliability in detecting flood levels. To
enhance flood risk management efforts, the Local Government Unit (LGU) may consider expanding the
deployment of automated flood water level sensors and alarm systems to more locations prone to flooding. The
LGU may integrate remote monitoring features into the system to enable real-time monitoring of water levels
from a centralized location. This will facilitate swift response actions and coordination during flood events,
improving overall responsiveness and managing flood risks. It is recommended that future researchers continue
5. References