FMCW Radar Water Level Sensor for River, Reservoir & Flood Monitoring
Non-Contact High-Precision Water Level Measurement Solution for Hydrological Monitoring, Urban Flood Warning and IoT Water Management Systems
Product Manual (pdf)
Product Introduction
The KH.WLX FMCW Radar Water Level Sensor is a high-precision non-contact hydrological monitoring device designed for continuous real-time water level measurement in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals, and urban drainage systems.
Using advanced FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar technology, the sensor measures water level by detecting the distance between the radar antenna and the water surface without direct contact.
This non-contact measurement method provides excellent reliability for long-term deployment in harsh environments, including flood-prone rivers, stormwater channels, urban drainage networks, and remote hydrological monitoring stations.
The KH.WLX radar water level sensor is widely applied in:
- River water level monitoring
- Reservoir and dam safety monitoring
- Flood early warning systems
- Urban waterlogging monitoring
- Smart city drainage management
- Water resource management platforms
The sensor provides stable and accurate real-time water level data for IoT-based hydrological monitoring networks and intelligent water management systems.
How It Works
The KH.WLX uses FMCW radar technology to measure water level through non-contact distance measurement.
The radar sensor continuously transmits frequency-modulated electromagnetic waves toward the water surface. When the signal reflects back, the system analyzes the frequency difference between transmitted and received signals to calculate the distance and determine the current water level.
This non-contact measurement principle provides:
- No direct contact with water
- No corrosion or sensor fouling
- Reduced impact from sediment, algae, and floating debris
- Stable performance in complex environmental conditions
Key Features
FMCW Radar Non-Contact Measurement
Advanced FMCW radar technology enables accurate water level measurement without immersion, eliminating common maintenance issues associated with traditional contact-based sensors.
High Accuracy and Fast Response
The KH.WLX provides high-resolution water level measurement with fast response performance, making it suitable for real-time flood monitoring and hydrological observation applications.
Reliable Operation in Harsh Environments
The radar water level sensor maintains stable performance under challenging conditions, including:
- Heavy rainfall
- Fog and high humidity
- Strong waves and turbulent water
- Floating debris and sediment
- Polluted urban drainage environments
Flexible Installation Options
The compact design supports installation in various locations, including:
- Bridges and riverbanks
- Urban drainage channels
- Culverts and stormwater outlets
- Remote or difficult-to-access monitoring sites
Industrial-Grade Protection Design
The IP68-rated housing provides protection against water ingress and outdoor environmental exposure. Anti-condensation design, lightning protection, and durable construction support long-term unattended operation.
Low Power Consumption for Remote IoT Monitoring
Optimized for solar-powered hydrological monitoring stations, the sensor supports low-power operation and remote telemetry applications.
Strong Anti-Interference Capability
The radar technology provides reliable measurement performance in complex electromagnetic environments, including urban infrastructure and industrial areas.
Flexible Communication Interfaces
Supports integration with monitoring systems through:
- RS485 Modbus RTU/ASCII
- IoT telemetry systems
- SCADA platforms
- Remote hydrological monitoring stations
Multiple Frequency Options
Available frequency configurations include:
- 24 GHz radar
- 60 GHz radar
- 80 GHz radar
Different frequency options support various measurement ranges, installation heights, and application requirements.
Application Scenarios
River and Reservoir Hydrological Monitoring
Provides continuous water level observation for rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and watershed monitoring networks.
Urban Flood Monitor and Smart City Drainage
Supports urban waterlogging monitoring, sponge city drainage systems, and flood prevention networks.
Stormwater and Drainage System Monitoring
Used for monitoring drainage channels, underground pipelines, and stormwater facilities to improve flood risk management.
Mountain Flood Early Warning Systems
Provides rapid-response water level data for flash flood detection, emergency monitoring, and disaster prevention.
Water Infrastructure and Utility Monitoring
Supports pumping stations, water supply systems, wastewater facilities, and other water infrastructure applications.
IoT Water Management Platforms
Compatible with telemetry stations, cloud monitoring platforms, SCADA systems, and intelligent water management solutions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Distance Measurement Range | 0.15–10 m or 0.15–40 m optional |
| Measuring Accuracy | ±2 mm |
| Resolution | 1 mm |
| Startup Time | 100 ms |
| Working Voltage | 9–24 VDC (typical 12 V) |
| Working Current | 20 mA |
| Output | RS485 communication, default baud rate 9600 bps, ASCII / Modbus protocol switching |
| Transmitting Frequency | 24 GHz / 60 GHz / 80 GHz optional, bandwidth 4G |
| Output Power | 13–20 dBm |
| Beam Width | 14° (horizontal), 10° (vertical) |
| Operating Temperature | -45 ℃ to +85 ℃ |
| Protection Level | IP68 |
| Installation | Non-contact, compact, and maintenance-free |


