THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH

WATER LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE FLOOD

PRONE RIVERS IN DAVAO CITY
Liberty L. Cabad, Jhon Donnald M. Canonoy, Jeffrey B. Terez,
and Juvie Pauline L. Relacion

ABSTRACT

This project aimed to design a system which can provide protection

and avoid the risk of unusual and sudden flooding in order to save the
life. The highlighted objectives of this system are: (a) It can detect 4
Levels of water: Level1- Normal, Level2- Warning, Level3- Pre-Emptive
Evacuation and Level4- Critical (b) will alarm for unusual raise of water
(c) will alarm for unusual velocity and flow rate speed (c) has real-
time data (d) will SMS the activity of the river (water level, velocity
and flow rate). The Experimental Development method was used in
the study. The development of a prototype device was necessary for the
demonstration and validation purposes. Results revealed that both the
evaluators rating and the functionality test data agreed that the device
works well and it always exhibits all the features being stated. The
results of this study indicate that the device is effective in giving people
an early warning whenever a flood is coming. The information given
through text message was reliable and is dependable. It also supports
the idea that the device can be installed in flood prone rivers provided
that good quality materials and tools will be used for lifetime purposes.

Keywords: Water level, flood prone river, Davao city, Philippines, water
velocity

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INTRODUCTION

Flooding occurs when the water level in a creek, river, lake or the
sea rises and covers land that is usually dry (Southwark Council, 2013).
While some floods occur without problem, others are devastating,
causing large-scale destruction, and significant loss of life. Thus it is
experienced all over the world.

According to Kwok (2013), almost 70 percent of cities and towns

in the country are susceptible to flooding. In the Philippines, Metro
Manila is composed of 16 cities and 1 municipality situated atop wide
flood plain. He also added that a flood plain is an expanse of flat, level
land situated among streams or rivers that naturally overflow during
sustained rainfall. Kwok (2013) also agreed that due to its location
in the case of Metro Manila, the main river (Pasig River) is filled with
tributaries and canals that branch out in various cities and towns. There
are two major tributaries, namely, the Marikina and San Juan Rivers
that cause Metro Manila be prone to flooding. As heavy rainfall occurs
along the escarpment, runoff reaches the creeks very quickly, giving
local residents little time to prepare just like what happened in the
cases of the typhoon “Ondoy” and “Sendong”.

In Davao City, people does not normally experience heavy rain and
typhoon but due to several continuous heavy rainfalls the flooding from
far provinces reaches the rivers of the city, which eventually overflow
and caused the flooding. As reported by Philippine Daily Inquirer
(2013), squatters attracted by economic opportunities in the city, often
build shanties on river banks, storm drains and canals, dumping garbage
and impeding the flow of waterways. In fact, squatter communities in
danger zones had grown since 2009. “With the increasing number of
people occupying danger zones, it is inevitable there are a lot people who
are endangered when these things happen,” Urban planner Nathaniel
Einseidel said. He blamed the phenomenon on poor enforcement of
regulations banning building along creeks and floodways, with local
politicians often wanting to keep squatters in their communities to
secure their votes during election time. Solutions to the flooding will

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require massive efforts such as re-planting in natural drainage basins,

building low-cost housing for the squatters and clearing man-made
drainage systems, the experts said. “It cost billions of pesos, but we lose
billions anyway every time it floods,” architect Paulo Alcazaren said.

Recently, according to ABS-CBNnews.com (2013), major roads

in Davao City were hit by floods following strong rains. Davao City
officials said among the roads flooded were Quimpo Blvd., R. Castillo
and the Marfori and Matina highway. The floodwaters reached knee-
deep, which caused motorists and commuters to become stranded.
Power interruption also occurred in several areas due to lightning.

Thus, the researchers came up with this study which aims to develop
a water level monitoring system for the flood prone rivers in Davao
City. It is a device that has four (4) water levels, alarms for unusual
rise of water and flow rate and will SMS to whom the water level and
water velocity to give the citizens of the nearby rivers a warning in a
form of a siren whenever that the water level has reached its critical
level with the accordance of real-time data. A Global System for Mobile
Communication (GSM) is provided to inform the government officials
of the neighboring village about the status of the river so that people
will be warned ahead of time.

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Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

The data will be

SMS
Water Level transformed
Sensor into its other Siren Sound
Flow Rate state through
7-Segment
Sensor programming by
Display
the use of PIC.

Figure 1. Framework of the study

Figure 1 shows the framework of the study. The input comprises

two different kinds of data that is to be fed in the system. These are the
water level, which is gathered from the activity of the water, and the
flow rate that is to be collected from the current activity of the river in a
given amount of time. The second part of the framework is the process,
this stage accepts the inputs and performs some type of operation on
it which transforms into some other state. It also serves as the storage,
retrieval, and modification of data. The last part is the output. This
stage serves as the result after the inputs has been processed so that the
system has a link back into its external environment.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study was to make a water level

monitoring system for the flood prone rivers in Davao City that can
lessen the worries of the resident about the immediate rise of water in the
rivers and streams. The design of the flood monitoring system consists of
sensors, monitoring display and Short Messaging Services (SMS). Real-
time monitoring system was developed to monitor the changes of water
level and sent an alert to user via a GSM cellular network immediately

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whenever a system defined alert condition occurred. The system was

targeted to be implemented and marketed as a flood warning tool to
respective local authorities such as in Barangay and City.

METHOD

Experimental development method was used in this study. As

defined by InnoviScop (2013), experimental development means
the acquiring, combining, shaping, and using of existing scientific,
technological, business, and other relevant knowledge and skills for
the purpose of producing plans and arrangements or designs for new,
altered or improved products, processes or services. In this study, the
development of a prototype device was necessary for the demonstration
and validation purposes. The experimental production and testing of
the device, the processes it undergone and services were also eligible,
provided that these cannot be used or transformed to be used in
industrial or commercial applications.

The project was made at the University of the Immaculate Conception

in Davao City and was installed at Ma-a Bridge. This academic institution
was founded in 1905 by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). It started
as a parochial school, “St. Peter’s Parochial School” with only the primary
and intermediate courses offered. At present, it has three campuses; the
Fr. Selga campus (houses programs such as Information Technology,
Nursing, Medical Technology, Music, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy
and Graduate School), the Bonifacio campus (houses programs such as
Business and Governance, Engineering, Education, Liberal Arts), and
lastly Bajada campus (houses the grade school and high school units,
respectively). The Engineering program of UIC has three subfields
namely, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electronics and
Communications Engineering. Engineering is about designing processes
and making products to solved real-world problems. The course enables
them to develop their engineering knowledge, skills, imagination, and
experience to the highest level in readiness for their future career. All these
subfields undergo project design, which gives the students the chance to

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innovate and create solutions to the existing environmental issues such

as air, land and water pollution. As regards to being environmentalist and
being concerned with the growing flooding problem here in Davao City,
the school has a big area with its complete laboratory facilities where the
researchers can do their project.

Purposive sampling was used in this study. The evaluators were

purposively chosen to evaluate the study because of their knowledge,
expertise and competence with this field including the functionality,
reliability and the construction of the project design. The researchers
invited 35 people to assess the project. Five (5) from the DDRRMO
(Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office), five (5)
from the Public Safety Office, five (5) each from USAR - 911, Ma-a
Cares Member (a local group in Davao city where the device will be
installed), CENRO Davao (City Environment and Natural Resources
Office), Engineers, and from the UIC Engineering Faculty.

Figure 2. Technical flowchart

As shown in figure 2, the water level monitoring system was

controlled with the help of different kinds of sensors, including
Peripheral Interface Controllers (PIC), and other helpful devices such as
siren and GSM module. The water level sensor was used to measure the
level of the free-flowing substances such as water and it will determine
the level of the water. Flow rate sensor measured the velocity of water.
GSM, a digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice

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and data services. Thus, it is a specialized type of modem which accepts

a SIM card, and operates over a subscription to a mobile operator, just
like a mobile phone. The PIC microcontroller is an electronic circuit
that can be programmed to carry out a vast range of tasks. It can be
programmed to timers or to control a production line and much more.
From this, the control circuit will process the received signal from the
data input and convert it to other state. Since the PIC or the control unit
is the one responsible for the storage and modification of the gathered
data, it is the one which decides whether what signal is to be sent in the
output. If the control unit detects an unusual rise to the level of water
or unusual current activity of it, both the siren and the GSM will be
activated. The siren will sound to inform and to warn people living in
the vicinity of the river, and a text message is provided in order to inform
the concerned government officials. Whenever the sensor detects any
unusual data the output will produce a higher voltage which is needed
to power the alarm and when it detects nothing, the output devices
will remain at rest and no reaction is expected, and the output will
produce a lower amount of voltage. The 7-segment display served as an
indicator of the water level and showed the level from 1 to 4. 1 means
the water level is normal, 2 is warning, 3 is pre-emptive evacuation and
4 is critical or in the state of evacuation. To test the functionality of the
device, the researchers will look for an applicable community where
the device can be installed to test both the water level and the flow-rate
sensor simultaneously. A video will be taken and will be shown to the
non-UIC evaluators.

The researchers provided questionnaires pertaining to the level of

functionality and accuracy of the device. In this case, Likert scale was
used to measure the average scale given by the evaluators during the
assessment of the device. The scale varies from 1 to 5; Rating of 1 for
Very Low, 2 for Low, 3 for Moderately High, 4 which means High and
lastly 5 for Very High. Each statement in the evaluation instrument was
rated according to the evaluators’ perceptions on the device. Mean was
used to analyze the data obtained from the evaluation sheets during
the testing of the device. The researchers were able to determine the
respondents’ remarks as to how efficient the device functioned.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The features of this device are the following; it measures four

levels of water, which follows the standard leveling as prescribed by
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, displays real
time data, alarms for unusual rise of water and flow rate, sends SMS
messages containing the water level, water velocity, and flow rate to
the people concern.

Functionality Test Data

Table 1. Time span before a message is successfully delivered to a user

Trial No. Time(seconds)

1 4
2 4
3 3
4 4
5 3
6 4
7 4
8 3
9 4
10 4
11 4
12 3
13 4
14 4
15 3
Mean 3.67
Standard Deviation 0.49
Acceptable Time Gap 5 seconds
t-value -10.58
p-value .00
Decision Significantly different since p-value <.05

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As shown in table 1, time span is significantly shorter compared to

the acceptable time gap. Thus, the water level monitoring system is fast
in delivering or sending the message.

Table 2. Time span before a siren alarms particularly in critical level

Trial No. Time(seconds)

1 2
2 2
3 3
4 2
5 3
6 2
7 2
8 2
9 2
10 3
11 2
12 2
13 2
14 3
15 2
Mean 2.27
Standard Deviation 0.46
Acceptable Time Gap 5 seconds
t-value -23.13
p-value .00
Decision Significantly different since p-value <.05

As reflected in table 2, time span is significantly shorter compared

to the acceptable time gap which implies that the siren of the water
level monitoring system is quick to warn the people about the reaching
of the critical level.

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Table 3. Time span before it displays the reading of the water level

Trial No. Time(seconds)

1 0.6
2 1.2
3 1.3
4 1.9
5 1.3
6 0.7
7 1.2
8 2
9 1.2
10 0.7
11 1.3
12 0.7
13 1.3
14 0.7
15 1.3
Mean 0.7
Standard Deviation 1.17
Acceptable Time Gap 2
t-value -7.95
p-value .00
Decision Significantly different since p-value <0.05

Table 3 shows the time span before it displays the reading of the
water level and it is significantly shorter compared to the acceptable
time gap. Thus, the water level display is quick to display the reading
of the water level. After the data have been gathered, the proponents
came up in describing the features of the water level monitoring system
in terms of the functionality and accuracy of the device.

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Table 4. Level of functionality

Functionality Mean Description

1. The water level sensors respond quickly 4.66 Very High

when triggered
2. The velocity sensor only gives data when 4.46 Very High
the propeller starts to rotate or move.
3. Immediately delivers the SMS when 4.56 Very High
there is a change of water level.

Overall Mean 4.57 Very High

As shown in Table 4, it shows the mean levels of the system in

terms of the functionality as evaluated by 35 evaluators. The first item
got the highest mean of 4.66 which is equivalent to a descriptive rating
of very high. This means that the sensors for detecting water always
respond quickly when it is triggered. On the second item, a mean of 4.46
was computed and it is equivalent to a descriptive rating of very high
which implies that the sensor for determining the velocity and flow rate
always provide correct data when a propeller rotate or move regardless
on its speed. The last item got a mean of 4.56 which is equivalent to
a descriptive rating of very high. This means that the SMS is delivered
immediately to an individual when there is a change of water level.
Based on the rating, it implies that the functionality always works well
on what is expected from the device.

Table 5. Accuracy Level of the output in terms of GSM

GSM Mean Description

1. Sends messages containing the water level 4.57 Very High

2. Sends messages containing the flow rate 4.43 High
3. Uses simple words or text which can be 4.40 High
easily understood by user

Overall Mean 4.45 Very High

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Table 5 shows the mean levels of the system in terms of GSM. The
first item got a mean of 4.57 which has a descriptive rating of Very
High. This means that the GSM always sends a message containing
the correct water level. On the other hand, second item got a mean
of 4.43 which means High. This implies that the GSM often sends a
message containing the flow rate as well as the velocity. The last item
got the lowest mean of 4.40 which is equivalent to a descriptive rating
of High, and it implies that an individual can often understands the
content of the message. Based on the rating, it implies that the GSM
always perform on what is expected from the device.

Table 6. Accuracy level of the output in terms of the siren

Siren Mean Description

1. Alarms when unusual rise of water occur 4.60 Very High

2. Alarms when reaches the critical level 4.66 Very High
3. The sound can be heard by people 4.17 High
nearby the river

Overall Mean 4.46 Very High

As reflected in table 6, it shows the accuracy level of the output in

terms of the siren. The item 1 got, a mean of 4.60, and it is equivalent to
a descriptive rating of Very High which implies that the device always
alarms when it happens to have an unusual rise of the water level. The
second item yielded to mean of 4.66 which means Very High. Thus, this
means that the device always alarms when the level is in critical or in
the stage wherein people must evacuate right away and to find a safer
place. The last item got the lowest mean of 4.17 which means High. It
implies that the sound of a siren can often be heard by people living
nearby the river. Based on the rating, it further implies that the siren
always execute on what is expected from the device.

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Table 7. Accuracy level of the output in terms of water level display

Water Level Display Mean Description

1. Displays the indicator of water level 4.54 Very High

from 1 to 4. (1-normal, 2-warning,
3-pre-emptive evacuation, 4-critical)
2. Displays the indicator of water level clearly. 4.57 Very High
3. Displays accurately the water level. 4.51 Very High

Overall Mean 4.53 Very High

Table 7 shows the accuracy level of the output in terms of water

level display. Item 1 got a mean of 4.54 which means Very High. This
implies that the device works well and displays the indicator of the
water level from 1 to 4. The second item yielded to a mean of 4.57
which is equivalent to a descriptive rating of Very High. This means that
the indicator of water level displays clearly. The last item got a mean
of 4.51 which means Very High. This implies that the device is always
accurate on displaying the water level. As to the rating, it implies that
the water level display always execute on what is expected from the
device.

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Cost Benefit

Table 8. Costing of the working device

Material Quantity Amount

Solar Panel 1 P850.00

Battery 2 P1,700.00
PVC Pipe 1 P280.00
UTP Wire 10 meters P200.00
Siren 1 P250.00
GSM Module 1 P1,800.00
Propeller 1 P10,000.00
Sim Pack 1 P 50.00
PIC 1 P280.00
LM324 1 P30.00
LED 4 P10.00
PN100 Transistor 1 P5.00
PN200 Transistor 8 P40.00
Resistor 19 P20.00
Relay 1 P25.00
Crystal Oscillator 1 P25.00
LM7805 1 P20.00
7448 IC 1 P25.00
7 Segment Display 1 P850.00
Capacitor 1 P10.00
PCB P250.00
Casing 3 P900.00
Wire Adapter 2 P160.00
Battery Post 8 P24.00
Soldering LED 5 meters P25.00
Electrical Tape 3 P100.00
Screw with Bolt 1 Pack P40.00
VHS Motor 1 P1500.00
Paint 4 P60.00
Brush 2 P20.00
Speaker Wire 10 meters P80.00

TOTAL P19,629.00

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Table 8 shows the costing of the working device, and the total price
is Php19,629.00. It can be seen that the overall amount of the project
is much cheaper than other devices which costs millions of Pesos. Also,
the benefit will be enjoyed for a year or more especially when the
materials used will be replaced for a permanent installation purposes.
The benefit of the device cannot be quantified. Its use gives the idea of
warning people about the possible flooding. It also provide information
to both residence near the bridge and the concerned individuals on the
rivers’ usual and unusual activities. In the end, the best value of the
device is to save a life.

LITERATURE CITED

ABS-CBNnews.com (2013).

InnoviSCOP. (2013). Experimental development – Definition.

Retrieved July 10, 2013 from http://www.innoviscop.com/
en/definitions/experimental-development

Kwok, Abigail. (2012, April 26). 70% of Philippine towns, cities

flood-prone – DILG. Interaksyon Beta. Retrieved March 18,
2013 from http://www.interaksyon.com/article/30364/70-
of-philippine-towns-cities-flood-prone----dilg

Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2013, January 21). Nonstop rain floods

Davao, other areas. Inquirer News. Retrieved March 18, 2013
from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/343923/nonstop-rain-
floods-davao-other-areas

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