A Nephelometric Turbidity System for Monitoring Residential Drinking Water Quality

In this paper the design and development of a turbidity system for monitoring drinking water quality in households is presented. Its operation is based on the principle that the intensity of the light scattered by the suspended matter is proportional to its concentration. Unlike the commercially available turbidity meters, which are relatively expensive and bulky, the proposed device is small-sized, low power, lightweight, easy to use and inexpensive. Laboratory tests of the device have yielded satisfactory repeatability and precision. This sensor can be used as a part of a low cost sensor network consisting of different types of sensors (pH, temperature, chloride, etc) to provide water quality information to consumers. Fusing on-line multi sensor measurements, the system can provide useful information regarding hazardous agents and waterborne pathogens contaminants of household drinking water raising awareness and encourage better water-handling.