An IoT-Based Smart Water Theft Detection and Auto-Shutoff System with Offline Logging for Rural Water Networks

Computer Engineering

Water theft is a danger to water supply pipelines, particularly in rural areas where control and monitoring infrastructure is weak, and internet connectivity is typically unstable. In this paper, the design and implementation of an IoT-empowered Smart Water Theft Detection and Auto-Shutoff System with Offline Logging are proposed to facilitate water security for rural water supply networks. The system integrates flow and pressure sensors and a microcontroller unit to detect anomalies in water usage that can result in potential theft. If the abnormalities are identified, the system triggers an automated shutoff valve that instantly closes the water supply, thereby discontinuing any additional unauthorized use. For the purpose of addressing the issue of volatile network connectivity in rural areas, the system employs offline logging of data in local storage devices such as SD cards. This enables round-the-clock data recording at the level of water usage and theft incidents, which can then be retrieved and processed by authorized people in the future. The solution must be affordable, energy-efficient, and deployable in remote locations. Experimental results confirm that the system recognizes water theft conditions with high reliability and uninterrupted logging of data in offline operation modes. The proposed method is a prospective solution for water resource management to ensure equal distribution and loss minimization due to unauthorized consumption in rural regions.

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