Digital Water Quality Sensor for Water Monitoring

Water quality sensors are precision instruments designed for the real-time detection of physical, chemical, and biological parameters within water bodies. Key sensor types encompass a diverse range of specialized probes, including those for conductivity, salinity, ammonia nitrogen, ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential), residual chlorine, suspended solids, fluoride ions, calcium ions, and chloride ions. Characterized by real-time continuous response, ease of maintenance, infrequent calibration requirements (particularly for optical types), and support for remote data transmission via the Internet of Things (IoT), these sensors are widely deployed across various sectors. These include early warning systems for drinking water safety, water quality regulation in aquaculture, monitoring of industrial wastewater treatment and discharge, environmental surveillance of surface waters, and water quality assessment for agricultural irrigation—thereby providing critical data support for water resource conservation and smart water management.

  • Output Signal: RS485, Modbus/RTU Protocol
  • Power Supply: 12 or 24V DC ±10%
  • Calibration: Two-point calibration
  • Temperature Compensation: Automatic (Pt100 / Pt1000 / NTC)
  • Protection Rating: IP68
  • Cable Length: 10 meters (default), customizable

Introducción

A water quality sensor is a device used to monitor the physical, chemical, and biological parameters of water bodies in real time. It is widely applied in the fields of environmental protection, water treatment, agriculture, industry, and scientific research. By continuously collecting water quality data and transmission for system-based analysis, it enables the intelligent management of aquatic environments.

water quality sensor working principle

Core Operating Principle: The Integration of Three Major Disciplines—Optics, Electronics, and Chemistry

  • Electrochemical Methods: Primarily used to measure pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. The principle involves an electrochemical reaction between the electrodes inside the sensor and the substance being measured, generating a current or potential difference that is proportional to the concentration. For example, a pH meter determines acidity or alkalinity by measuring the potential difference between the glass electrode and the reference electrode.
  • Optical Methods: This is the core technology of current high-end sensors, offering the advantages of requiring no reagents and low maintenance. It utilizes the absorption or scattering of light at specific wavelengths by substances to perform measurements:
    1. Turbidity: Measures the intensity of light scattered by suspended particles in water.
    2. Fluorescence-based dissolved oxygen: Utilizes the “quenching” effect of oxygen molecules on fluorescent substances to precisely calculate dissolved oxygen concentration by detecting fluorescence lifetime; this method does not consume oxygen and offers excellent long-term stability.
    3. COD: Utilizes the absorption characteristics of organic matter under 254 nm ultraviolet light (SAC254 principle) to achieve real-time monitoring with no reagents and sub-second response times.
  • Ion-selective electrode method: A form of potentiometric analysis. The sensor’s sensitive membrane responds only to specific ions (such as ammonia, nitrogen, or fluoride ions), generating a membrane potential that enables quantitative analysis of those specific ions.

Water Quality Sensor Structure

  • Elemento sensor: The core component that detects specific water parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, or turbidity with high precision.
  • Electrode / Probe: Directly contacts the water sample to ensure accurate and stable measurement performance.
  • Signal Processing Unit: Converts raw sensor signals into stable and reliable electrical outputs for further analysis.
  • Temperature Compensation Module: Automatically adjusts readings based on temperature variations to improve measurement accuracy.
  • Digital Output Interface: Supports RS485 and MODBUS protocols for seamless integration with monitoring systems.
  • Protective Housing: Corrosion-resistant and waterproof design, suitable for harsh environmental conditions.
  • Cable & Connector System: Ensures stable data transmission and easy installation in field applications.
Water Suspended Solids Sensor

Types and Selection Guide

We offer a wide range of water quality sensors to meet the monitoring needs of various aquatic environments. Whether for drinking water safety alerts, industrial wastewater discharge monitoring, aquaculture water quality control, or surface water ecological assessments, you can select the sensor configuration that best suits your project requirements.

Water Quality pH Sensor

WCD3411 Water Quality
pH Sensor

Industrial online replaceable spherical pH electrode, fast response with automatic temperature compensation.

Optical dissolved oxygen sensor

WCD3412 Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

Optical dissolved oxygen sensor, fluorescence quenching principle, built-in temperature and pressure compensation.

Stainless Steel Turbidity Sensor

WAD3413 Stainless Steel Turbidity Sensor

Stainless steel turbidity sensor, 90° scattered light principle, anti-interference with automatic temperature compensation.

Electromagnetic Conductivity Sensor

WCD3414A Electromagnetic Conductivity Sensor

Electrodeless inductive conductivity sensor, alternating magnetic field measurement, automatic temperature compensation.

Water Conductivity Sensor

WCD3414 Water Conductivity Sensor

2-electrode graphite planar conductivity sensor, easy to clean, fast response, automatic temperature compensation.

Water Salinity Sensor

WCD3415 Water
Salinity Sensor

Electrodeless inductive salinity sensor, alternating magnetic field measurement, automatic temperature compensation.

Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor for Water Quality

WCD3416 Ammonia Nitrogen Sensor for Water Quality

Industrial online ammonium ion selective electrode for ammonia nitrogen,with automatic temperature compensation.

Residual Chlorine Sensor for Water Quality

WCD3418 Residual Chlorine Sensor for Water Quality

Membrane-free constant voltage residual chlorine sensor, reagent-free maintenance, fast and accurate response.

Online Self-Cleaning Chlorophyll Sensor

WCD3419 Online Self-Cleaning Chlorophyll Sensor

Self-cleaning optical chlorophyll sensor, maintenance-free for long-term online monitoring.

Online Self-Cleaning Cyanobacteria Sensor

WCD3420 Online Self-Cleaning Cyanobacteria Sensor

Fluorescence-based blue-green algae sensor with automatic cleaning brush, providing early warning of algae proliferation.

Self-Cleaning COD Sensor

WCD3422 Self-Cleaning COD Sensor (Stainless Steel)

UV absorption COD sensor, reagent-free with self-cleaning, dual light source compensation.

Water Suspended Solids Sensor

WCD3421 Water Suspended Solids Sensor

Suspended solid sensor with obtuse scattered light principle, anti-interference and automatic temperature compensation.

Multi-Parameter Self-Cleaning Sensor

WCD3423 Multi-Parameter Self-Cleaning Sensor

Multi-parameter water quality sensor, interchangeable probes, self-cleaning, quick-connect for easy maintenance.

Water Fluoride Sensor

WCD3424 Water Fluoride
Sensor

Industrial online fluoride ion selective electrode, fast response with automatic temperature compensation.

Water Quality Calcium Ion Sensor

WCD3425 Water Quality
Calcium Ion Sensor

Industrial online calcium ion selective electrode, fast response with automatic temperature compensation.

Water Quality Chloride Sensor

WCD3427 Water Quality Chloride Sensor

ndustrial online chloride ion selective electrode, fast response with automatic temperature compensation.

Nitrate Sensor

WCD3428 Nitrate Sensor

Industrial online nitrate selective electrode, fast response with automatic temperature compensation.

Nitrite Sensor

WCD3429 Nitrite Sensor

The nitrite sensor uses an industrial online electrode, specifically an ion-selective electrode with a PVC membrane.

Detalles

A water quality sensor typically includes sensing elements, electrodes, signal processing units, and digital output interfaces. Below is a detailed introduction to each component for the rwater quality sensor:

Especificaciones

We offer a comprehensive range of water quality monitoring sensors, covering pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, salinity, ammonia nitrogen, ORP, residual chlorine, chlorophyll, cyanobacteria, suspended solids, COD, various ions, and multi-parameter integrated sensors. You can select the configuration that best meets your project requirements based on measurement principles, measurement range, and accuracy. Below are the water quality monitoring sensors specifications:

Parámetros

ModeloSensor TypeMeasuring PrincipleGamaPrecisiónResoluciónTiempo de respuestaTemp. CompensationProtection RatingFeatures/Remarks
WCD3411pH SensorIon Selective Method0~14 pH±0.1 pH0.01 pH10 sec T90Auto (NTC)IP68 (20m)Spherical replaceable electrode, POM housing
WCD3412Optical DO SensorFluorescence Quenching0~20 mg/L (0~200% Sat.)±3% FS, ±0.5℃0.01 mg/L, 0.1℃90 sec T90Auto (Pt1000)IP68 (20m)POM/Ti housing, membrane cap life ≥1 year
WAD3413Turbidity Sensor90° Scattered Light0~1000/200 NTU±5% reading or ±3NTU (0~1000); ±3% reading or ±2NTU (0~200); ±0.5℃0.1 NTU, 0.1℃30 sec T90Auto (Pt1000)IP68 (20m)316L SS housing, anti-ambient light interference
WCD3414Conductivity Sensor2-Electrode Contact0~2000/5000 µS/cm±1.5% FS1 µS/cm10 sec T90Auto (Pt1000)IP68 (60m)POM/PEEK housing, Φ30×170mm
WCD3414AInductive Conductivity SensorNon-Contact Electromagnetic0~200 mS/cm (customizable within 600)±1.5% FS0.1 mS/cm10 sec T90Auto (Pt1000)IP68 (20m)POM/PEEK housing, Φ30×185.5mm
WCD3415Salinity SensorNon-Contact Electromagnetic0~70 PSU±1% FS or ±0.2PSU (<10PSU)0.1 PSU10 sec T90Auto (Pt1000)IP68 (20m)POM/PEEK housing, Φ30×185.5mm
WCD3416Ammonia Nitrogen SensorMembrane Ion Selective0~10.0/100.0 mg/L (pH4~10)±5% FS or ±3mg/L0.01/0.1 mg/L30 sec T90Auto (Pt100)IP68 (20m)POM housing, membrane cap life 6 months
WCD3417ORP SensorIndustrial Online Electrode-1999~1999 mV±5 mV1 mVAutoIP68Oxidation-reduction potential monitoring
WCD3418Residual Chlorine SensorConstant Voltage Method0~5.00/20.00 mg/L (HClO)±3% FS0.001/0.01 mg/L<30 secAuto (NTC)IP68 (20m)POM housing, flow rate 10~30cm³/s
WCD3419Chlorophyll SensorFluorescence Method0~500 µg/L or 0~100 RFU±5% FS0.1 µg/L30 sec T90AutoIP68 (10m)316L SS housing, self-cleaning wiper
WCD3420Blue-Green Algae SensorFluorescence Method0~200.0 kcells/mL±5% FS0.1 kcells/mL30 sec T90AutoIP68 (10m)316L SS housing, self-cleaning wiper
WCD3421Suspended Solid Sensor135° Scattered Light0~5000 mg/L±5% FS, ±0.5℃0.1 mg/L, 0.1℃30 sec T90Auto (Pt1000)IP68 (20m)316L SS housing
WCD3422Self-Cleaning COD SensorUV254 Dual-Wavelength AbsorptionCOD:0.3~370 mg/L; Turbidity:0~100 NTU±5% FSCOD:0.1/0.01 mg/L10 sec T90IP68 (10m)316L SS + quartz glass, self-cleaning wiper
WCD3423Multi-Parameter SensorIntegratedUp to 7 parameters (see sub-table)Per parameterPer parameterAutoInterchangeable probes, self-cleaning, quick-connect
WCD3424Fluoride Ion SensorMembrane Ion Selective0~10.0/100.0 mg/L±5% FS or ±3mg/L0.01/0.1 mg/L30 sec T90Auto (Pt100)IP68 (20m)POM housing, membrane cap life 6 months
WCD3425Calcium Ion SensorMembrane Ion Selective0~10.0/100.0 mg/L±5% FS or ±3mg/L0.01/0.1 mg/L30 sec T90Auto (Pt100)IP68 (20m)POM housing, membrane cap life 6 months
WCD3427Chloride Ion SensorMembrane Ion Selective0~10.0/100.0 mg/L (pH4~10)±5% FS or ±3mg/L0.01/0.1 mg/L30 sec T90Auto (Pt100)IP68 (20m)POM housing, membrane cap life 6 months
WCD3428Nitrate SensorMembrane Ion Selective0~10.0/100.0 mg/L (pH4~10)±5% FS or ±3mg/L0.01/0.1 mg/L30 sec T90Auto (Pt100)IP68 (20m)POM housing, membrane cap life 6 months
WCD3429Nitrite SensorMembrane Ion Selective0~10.0/100.0 mg/L (pH4~10)±5% FS or ±3mg/L0.01/0.1 mg/L30 sec T90Auto (Pt100)IP68 (20m)POM housing, membrane cap life 6 months

Features water quality sensor

Applications water quality sensor

Water quality sensors are widely used in fields such as drinking water safety, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. By providing real-time online monitoring of pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, ammonia nitrogen, residual chlorine, chlorophyll, cyanobacteria, COD, and various ionic parameters, they offer critical data support for water resource conservation, water quality early warning systems, and smart water management.

Water Quality Sensor

Real-time monitoring of parameters such as residual chlorine, pH, and turbidity at water sources, water treatment plants, and the end points of distribution networks to ensure drinking water safety from source to tap.

Wastewater Treatment and Discharge

Online monitoring of parameters such as COD, ammonia nitrogen, suspended solids, and pH to ensure that industrial and municipal wastewater is discharged in compliance with standards.

Water Quality Sensor

Aquaculture Water Quality Control

Continuously monitor key indicators such as dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia nitrogen, and salinity, and automatically control aeration equipment to ensure the healthy growth of aquatic products.

Water Quality Sensor

Applied in industries such as power generation, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals to monitor parameters like the conductivity of purified water and the pH of cooling water, ensuring stable production processes.

water quality sensor for irrigation

Agricultural Irrigation

Monitors parameters such as salinity, pH, and heavy metal ions in irrigation water sources to prevent soil degradation and crop contamination.

Water Quality Sensor

Monitors parameters such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature to support marine ecological research and groundwater resource assessments.

custom water quality sensor

We offer flexible customization services for water quality sensors. Based on different application scenarios and on-site conditions, we can tailor the sensor’s measurement range, material, cable length, protection rating, and integration method to ensure stable and reliable operation even in complex environments, thereby meeting your specific monitoring needs.

Opciones de personalización

  • Rango de medición personalizable: The measurement range for each parameter can be adjusted based on actual water quality conditions (e.g., conductivity can be customized up to 600 mS/cm).
  • Sensor Housing Material: Available in POM, PEEK, 316L stainless steel, or titanium alloy to suit various corrosive water environments.
  • Cable Length: Default 10 meters; longer cables can be customized based on installation depth and on-site requirements.
  • Grado de protección: Standard IP68 (water depth 20 meters); higher waterproof ratings (e.g., 60 meters) can be customized.
  • Operating Temperature Range: Standard 0–50°C; special temperature ranges (e.g., high-temperature conductivity) can be customized.
  • Output Protocol: Standard RS485 Modbus/RTU; other communication protocols can be customized.
  • Multi-parameter Combination: Freely select the required parameter types and integrate them into a single multi-parameter sensor (up to 7 parameters).
  • Installation Methods: Customizable flow-through channel, submersible, or pipe mounting accessories based on site conditions.
  • Cleaning System Configuration: Optional automatic cleaning brush available, suitable for long-term monitoring in highly turbid or fouling-prone water bodies.
Water Suspended Solids Sensor

water quality sensor manufacturer and supplier

Yantai Sensor is a professional water quality sensor manufacturer and supplier, specializing in high-precision water quality measurement solutions for environmental monitoring and aquatic applications. Our water quality sensors are designed to provide accurate, stable, and reliable monitoring data for parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, salinity, ammonia nitrogen, residual chlorine, chlorophyll, blue-green algae, COD, and various ions (F⁻, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻), widely used in drinking water safety, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, surface water monitoring, and smart water management systems.

With strong in-house R&D capabilities, advanced manufacturing facilities, and dedicated testing laboratories, each water quality sensor undergoes strict quality control, including calibration accuracy, environmental durability, and long-term stability testing. Certified with CE, ISO, and RoHS, we offer flexible OEM/ODM services as a trusted water quality sensor supplier. Our experienced technical team delivers customized solutions—from sensor housing materials (POM, PEEK, 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy) to measurement ranges, cable lengths, protection ratings (IP68 up to 60m depth), and multi-parameter integration—to meet diverse project needs. Póngase en contacto con us for professional support.

Certificados

We have CNAS, ISO, CE, and RoHS certifications, and all weather monitoring systems meet rigorous international standards.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is a water quality sensor?

A water quality sensor is a device used to measure key parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature, helping monitor water conditions in real time.

What parameters can a water quality sensor measure?

Most water quality sensors can measure:

  • pH (acidity/alkalinity)
  • Electrical conductivity (EC)
  • Dissolved oxygen (DO)
  • Turbidity
  • Temperature
  • Optional: salinity, ORP, TDS

What is the difference between single-parameter and multi-parameter sensors?

Single-parameter sensors measure one specific indicator (e.g., pH), while multi-parameter sensors integrate multiple measurements into one device, reducing installation complexity and cost.

Can water quality sensors be customized?

Yes, we provide full customization services, including parameter selection, measurement range, housing design, communication protocols, and OEM branding.

How often should a water quality sensor be calibrated?

Calibration frequency depends on usage and environment. Generally, it is recommended to calibrate every 1–3 months to maintain measurement accuracy.

What applications are water quality sensors used for?

They are widely used in:

  • Control medioambiental
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Aquaculture
  • Drinking water systems
  • Agriculture irrigation
  • Industrial processes