How to Make a Water Level Sensor

In order to check water level, whether a home swimming pool or a well system or something smaller, a sensor is useful. There are level-sensor products that you can purchase to complete this task, but for simply checking the depth of a water reservoir, a quick trip to the hardware store may be all you need. While ancient Egyptians used a simple float system with a rod to indicate the depth, we can be a bit more precise with the use of electronic currents.

Things You'll Need

• Ammeter
• 1/4-inch diameter aluminum tubing or insulated wire
• Weight
• Series circuit (9V battery)
• Alligator clips

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Connect the ammeter input to the positive end of the battery using the alligator clips. Connect the ammeter output to the insulated wire.

   • 2

     Set the ammeter to detect current levels flowing through.

   • 3

     Drop the weighted insulated wire or aluminum tubing slowly into the water. Mark the tubing or wire at the point when voltage changes on ammeter.

   • 4

     Remove the wire or tubing and measure distance between the weight and the mark made on wire or tubing to determine your water depth.