How to Choose an IoT Water Monitoring Device
Compare IoT hardware for South African projects.
Which products can monitor water-related applications?
Choose from 61 products for water flow, water quality and leak detection. Start with the application, then compare connectivity, specification and price.
Start with the water question
What should I measure?
Choose the measurement question before comparing hardware. Flow is about movement through a stated flow-sensor arrangement. Level or distance needs a distance-measurement arrangement. Water quality needs the required probe parameter. Leak detection is a separate condition.
These product groups are not interchangeable. Select the measurement type first, then compare the exact product details and connectivity.
When flow sensing fits
SW3L models are water-flow sensors. Their product details state flow-sensor variants with different connection and pulse details, so confirm the exact selected SKU rather than assuming one variant fits every installation.
Selected SW3L models show LoRaWAN or LTE CAT 1 connectivity. Check the connectivity shown for the exact model and the network path available at the site.
When distance or level sensing fits
If the question is liquid level through a container or distance to a target, use the dedicated DDS comparison before selecting a water-flow product. DDS20 is presented for non-contact liquid-level measurement through a container, while DDS45 and DDS75 measure distance to a flat object.
When water-quality instrumentation fits
WQS main units support one to three stated water-quality probes. The supported probe types shown include EC, pH, dissolved oxygen, ORP and turbidity. Confirm the required parameter and exact probe arrangement before selecting a model.
Decision table
| Need to measure | Likely product area | What to confirm next |
|---|---|---|
| Water flow | SW3L flow-sensor models | Exact flow-sensor details, connectivity and SKU |
| Liquid level through a container | DDS20 comparison | Container arrangement, stated range and connectivity |
| Distance to a flat target | DDS45 or DDS75 comparison | Required distance, target arrangement and connectivity |
| Water-quality parameter | WQS main unit and stated probes | Required probe type, probe count and connectivity |
| Water leak | Water-leak detection products | Contact or rope arrangement, connectivity and exact SKU |
Common questions
When is a flow sensor appropriate?
Use a flow-sensor product when the requirement is to measure flow through the stated sensor arrangement. Check the exact SW3L model's connection, pulse and connectivity details before selecting it.
When is a distance sensor more appropriate?
Use the DDS comparison when the question is liquid level through a container or distance to a target rather than flow. Select only a model whose stated measurement arrangement matches the project.
What role does a LoRaWAN node or gateway play?
A LoRaWAN product uses a suitable LoRaWAN network and gateway. Confirm that network path and the selected product's stated connectivity before ordering.
What should I include in a water-monitoring quote request?
Include the measurement type, the required parameter or arrangement, the intended connectivity, and the exact SKU if known. This helps confirm the product details that matter for the deployment.
What should I compare?
- Choose between water flow, water quality and water leak detection first.
- Compare only the measurement or interface details explicitly stated for each SKU.
- Check the connectivity shown for each product against the deployment network.
- Contact us if you need help confirming range or compatibility.
How do the options differ?
Water-flow, water-quality and water-leak products answer different measurement questions. SW3L models are for flow sensing, DDS products cover selected distance and level questions, WQS models work with stated water-quality probes, and leak-detection products identify a separate condition. Compare the exact model, connectivity and price only after choosing the measurement type.
A practical decision path
- State whether the project needs flow, level or distance, water-quality parameters, or leak detection.
- For flow, compare SW3L sensor and connectivity details. For level or distance, compare the relevant DDS measurement arrangement. For water quality, identify the required stated probe type.
- Confirm whether the exact product uses LoRaWAN or LTE CAT 1, and whether the deployment can support that connection.
- Use the exact SKU when requesting a quote, including the measurement requirement and deployment details.
Compare products
View up to 16 products for this guide.
| Compare | LWL02 | LWL04 | SW3L-004 | SW3L-006 | SW3L-010 | SW3L-020 | SW3L-LB-004 | SW3L-LB2-004 | SW3L-LB-006 | SW3L-LB2-006 | SW3L-LB-010 | SW3L-LB2-010 | SW3L-LB-020 | SW3L-LB2-020 | SW3L-LS-004 | SW3L-LS-006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Water Leak Detection | Water Leak Detection | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor | Water Flow Sensor |
| Connectivity | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN |
| Power | Not stated | 1500 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 19000 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 19000 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 19000 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | 19000 mAh battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery |
| Sensor or probe arrangement | Not stated | Not stated | a G1/2” / DN15 flow sensor | a G3/4” / DN20 flow sensor | a G 1” / DN25 flow sensor | a G2" / DN50 flow sensor | a G1/2” / DN15 flow sensor | a G1/2” / DN15 flow sensor | a G3/4” / DN20 flow sensor | a G3/4” / DN20 flow sensor | a G 1” / DN25 flow sensor | a G 1” / DN25 flow sensor | a G2" / DN50 flow sensor | a G2" / DN50 flow sensor | a G1/2” / DN15 flow sensor | a G3/4” / DN20 flow sensor |
| Price | R 490,34 | R 618,14 | R 1 641,50 | R 1 641,50 | R 1 791,58 | R 1 876,00 | R 1 641,50 | R 1 805,65 | R 1 641,50 | R 1 805,65 | R 1 791,58 | R 1 955,73 | R 1 876,00 | R 2 040,15 | R 1 812,69 | R 1 812,69 |
What should I do next?
Move from this decision guide to the most relevant application, family, comparison or enquiry path.