A robust sensing node for wireless monitoring of drinking water quality

In this work a low-cost and credit-card-sized electronic platform for continuous monitoring of water quality is presented. It performs a measurement of pH, temperature, conductivity, flow rate, pressure and a novel sensor for the thickness of surface fouling, either of chemical and biological nature. The system includes a GSM transceiver that allows the creation of a wireless sensors network for real-time monitoring of these parameters, enabling increased safety and, in perspective, automation and predictive maintenance of the water network. An external watchdog timer increases the robustness and the complete self-diagnostic ability of the solution. Preliminary results from field validation will be reported.