A Review Paper on Automatic Water Shutoff System

Abstract

Water is vital for all living beings, and not just for immediate survival. It is necessary to grow the food we sustain ourselves using, to maintain hygiene, even in architecture. Water wastage is a common problem in today\'s day and age. 71% of the earth\'s surface is water, out of which only a small fraction is drinkable water. Water wastage happens through many means, for example, overuse in homes and industries, improper treatment of industrial waste and sewer management, and leakages through household pipes. Especially in India, water wastage is a major issue. With a population of around 1.45 billion people as of 2025, India runs the risk of being unable to provide its people with clean, safe water resources. India is one of the largest extractors globally of groundwater resources. 62% of irrigation is done using groundwater, and most of rural water supply is as well. Even India\'s rivers face constant pollution. Needless to say, management of water resources needs to be focused on. In this paper, we overview the different technologies used to create automatic water shut-off tap systems. We consolidate research on classic water shut-off systems using microcontrollers, and IR sensors.

Introduction

The automatic water shutoff system is designed to improve hygiene, reduce water wastage, and lower economic and environmental strain by allowing water to flow only when a user’s hands are detected and shutting it off automatically when they are removed. Such systems are especially valuable in public and high-hygiene spaces like hospitals, airports, hotels, and kitchens, as they prevent recontamination from touching taps and promote efficient water use.

The paper reviews and compares two main technologies used in automatic water shutoff systems: Arduino-based microcontroller systems and infrared (IR) sensor–based systems. Microcontrollers are compact, low-cost, and well suited for real-time decision-making and automation, while IR sensors enable fast, contactless detection of hand movement. Both systems typically operate solenoid valves, which serve as the core mechanism for controlling water flow due to their reliability, fast response, and compact design.

The literature review explains the working principles, advantages, and applications of microcontrollers, solenoid valves, and IR sensors, highlighting their widespread use in automation, smart devices, and industrial systems. The system methodologies outline hardware components, circuit logic, and flow control processes for both Arduino- and IR-based designs.

Finally, the paper identifies significant scope for future improvements, including data logging of water usage, mobile app integration, AI-based leak detection, solar power support, centralized monitoring for large buildings, advanced sensing accuracy, voice control, and adaptive flow regulation. Overall, the automatic water shutoff system has strong potential to evolve into a smart, energy-efficient, and intelligent water management solution for both households and large public infrastructures.

Conclusion

Based on our research, microcontrollers are better suited for timed systems, whereas IR sensors are better suited for random use.

References

[1] Hareendran, T. K. -Automatic Water Tap (FaucetNalve) Controller - Embedded Systems Application (Hareendran, T. K. - 2015) [2] Dingle, D. I.; Pahalson, C. A. D. - Design and Implementation of an Automatic Sensor Water Tap for Hand Washing – Global Scientific Journal (Dingle & Pahalson - July 2019)3.) [3] Vinothini, E.; Suganya, N. -Automatic Water Distribution and Performance Monitoring System - International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT) (Vinothini & Suganya- February 2014) [4] Chen, J. S. -Automatic Flow Control Water Tap with Manual Control Function - United States Patent (Chen - 1992) [5] Feit, C. - Sanitary Tap for Automatic Water Delivery -Chinese Patent Office (Feit - 1993) [6] Soyer, E. M. - Pyroelectric Infrared (PIR) Sensor Based Object Detection - Technical Research Report (Soyer - 2009) [7] Microchip Technology Inc. - PIC16F627A/628A Flash-Based Microcontroller Architecture - Microchip Datasheet (Microchip Technology Inc. - 2010) [8] Micropit - D263B Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor Characteristics - Manufacturer Datasheet (Micropit- 2013) [9] Global Cooperation NT - PIR 35 Infrared Sensor Operating Principles - Technical Manual (Global Cooperation NT - 2012) [10] Sharp Corporation - Infrared Distance Measurement Using GP2Y0A02YK Sensor - Sharp Electronics Datasheet (Sharp Corporation - 2011) [11] Lu, F. K.; Jensen, D.S. - Performance Analysis of Fast-Acting Micro-Solenoid Valves - AIAA Aerospace Conference Proceedings(Lu & Jensen - 2003) [12] Carullo, A.; Parvis, M. - Noise-Tolerant Ultrasonic and Infrared Measurement Techniques - Measurement Journal (Elsevier) (Carullo & Parvis - 1995) [13] Wu S., Jia Z., Yan L., Zhang R., Chen C.Y. - Development of a direct-drive servo valve with high-frequency voice coil motor and advanced digital controller - IEEE/ASME Transactions (JEEEIASME-2014) [14] Shiva Y., Lv S., Choi C., Kim J. - Shape optimization to minimize response time of direct-acting solenoid valves - Journal of Mechanical Science (J Mech. Sci. - 2015) [15] Lee G.S., Sung J.H., Kim J.C., Lee H.Y. - Flow force analysis of a variable force solenoid valve for automatic transmission - International Journal of Automotive Technology (IJAT- 2013) [16] Vinothini E., Suganya N. -Automated Water Distribution and Performance Monitoring System - International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT) (JJEIT- 2014) [17] Wani T., Raj M., Raza A., Noble K.V. - Design and Development of Automated Faucet Valve Regulating Mechanism -International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology (IJESRT- 2014) [18] Tibe D.P., Ghodke P.C., Pawar A.U., Gupte A.U. -Automatic Public Tap Control Using IR Sensor and Water Level Indication - International Journal of Advanced Research in Science and Engineering (IJARSE - 2016) [19] Vedula V.K., Bachu S., Reddy S.P. - Hygienic, Cost-Effective and Free Water Conserving Sensor Faucet - International Journal of Engineering Inventions(JJEI -2015) [20] Kumar R., Singh K.D., Sharma - Water Resources of India -Current Science (Current Science - 2005) [21] Kadia P., Shah A., Rasheed F. -Automated Water Flow Control System - National Conference on Product Design (NCPD-2016) [22] Islam M.S., Proshad R., Haque M., Sarker M.N.I. -Developing a Smart Irrigation System Using Arduino -International Journal of Research Studies in Science, Engineering and Technology (IJRSSET - 2019) [23] Chavan C.H., Karande P.V. - Wireless Monitoring of Soil Moisture, Temperature and Humidity Using ZigBee -24.) International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT-2014) [24] Gutierrez J., Villa-Medina J.F., Nieto-Garibay A. -Automated Irrigation System Using Wireless Sensor Network – IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement (IEEE-2014) [25] Sarma P.S., Sumitha R., Salim M.H. -Automatic Water Tank Filling System Controlled Using Arduino - Elsevier Engineering Physics (Elsevier - 2016)

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Falguni Bhavsar, Aatmaja Agrawal, Atharva Vichare, Tanishka Nikam, Amogh Pitake. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.