ESPiezometer: ESP32-based field tool for installation and validation of piezometric sensors for groundwater level monitoring
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Field installation of piezometric sensors often involves uncertainty regarding correct placement, sensor response, and agreement with manually measured static water levels. Commercial dataloggers provide high-resolution monitoring but do not offer installation-stage validation or open access to communication protocols. To address this gap, the ESPiezometer was developed as a low-cost, open-source device based on an ESP32-C3 microcontroller with RS485 Modbus communication, on-board water level calculation, temperature-based density correction, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) integration for field data logging via an Android application. The hardware enables real-time verification of raw and corrected water level readings during deployment and allows immediate comparison with manual measurements. A custom PCB and 3D-printed enclosure were designed to facilitate reproducible assembly and portability. Field validation in a groundwater observation well (30-90 m depth range) demonstrated consistent communication integrity via CRC checks and measurement repeatability with a standard deviation below 0.03 m. After density correction, measurement error was reduced by 35-50% relative to manual reference levels. The obtained results demonstrate that the ESPiezometer can serve as a reliable companion instrument, reducing uncertainty during deployment and improving confidence in long-term groundwater monitoring campaigns.
Source: HardwareX
Language: English
Topic: Arduino and IoT Applications
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $610
OpenAlex ID: W7153807203