Timberborn: Contamination Sensor Guide
The Contamination Sensor in Timberborn is an automation building used to detect polluted water and trigger automated systems. Once unlocked, it becomes one of the most useful tools for managing badwater and protecting your colony’s clean water supply. When set up correctly, it can automatically switch valves, pumps, and other automation structures based on contamination levels.
This guide explains how the Timberborn Contamination Sensor works, how to place it correctly, and how players commonly use it to control badtides and water systems.
How The Contamination Sensor Works In Timberborn
The Contamination Sensor measures the contamination level of water below its arm and sends an automation signal when it reaches the threshold you set.
The sensor constantly checks the water underneath it. If the contamination level matches the conditions you configured, the building activates and sends a signal through connected automation parts.
Players can choose different comparison settings for the sensor.
Greater than
Less than
Greater than or equal to
Less than or equal to
Equal to
Not equal to
After selecting the comparison type, you set the contamination percentage that triggers the signal.
When the condition is met, the sensor turns its signal on. When the condition is no longer true, the signal turns off.
Contamination Sensor Unlock And Cost
The Contamination Sensor is unlocked through the science system once your colony reaches mid game automation.
Building requirements:
400 Science to unlock
8 Gears
8 Metal Blocks
The structure has a footprint of 1 by 2 tiles and a height of 2.
Where To Place The Contamination Sensor
Placement matters because the sensor reads the water directly beneath its arm.
The building should be positioned so the sensor arm sits above the water you want to monitor. The contamination level below the arm is what determines the signal output.
Many players install the sensor above canals, reservoirs, or badwater diversion systems so the automation network can react instantly when contaminated water appears.
Using The Contamination Sensor For Badtide Automation
One of the most common strategies is using the sensor to separate fresh water from badwater during badtides.
The idea is simple. When contamination rises, your clean water valves close and the badwater route opens automatically.
A typical setup works like this:
Place a Contamination Sensor above the water channel
Set the threshold to greater than 5 percent contamination
Connect the sensor to the badwater output valves
Connect a Relay set to NOT between the sensor and the fresh water valves
When contamination increases, the badwater valves open and the fresh water valves close. Once the water becomes clean again, the system switches back automatically.
This setup prevents polluted water from entering your storage reservoirs.
Contamination Sensor Automation Tips
The sensor becomes much more powerful when combined with other automation parts.
Connect it to Relays to reverse signals when needed
Use it with valves to redirect contaminated water
Combine it with pumps to shut down water intake during badtides
These small automation networks can protect your colony without requiring manual adjustments.
Final Blurb
The Contamination Sensor in Timberborn is a powerful automation tool that detects polluted water and sends signals to connected buildings. By setting a contamination threshold, players can automatically control valves, pumps, and other automation parts when badwater appears. Proper placement above water sources and smart automation connections allow colonies to manage badtides without constant manual intervention.
FAQ
What does the Contamination Sensor do in Timberborn
The Contamination Sensor measures the contamination level of the water below it and sends an automation signal when the configured threshold is reached.
How do you unlock the Contamination Sensor
The building unlocks for 400 Science and requires 8 Gears and 8 Metal Blocks to construct.
Where should the Contamination Sensor be placed
The sensor should be placed above the water you want to monitor so its arm can read the contamination level beneath it.
What contamination level should you use for badtides
Many players set the sensor to activate when contamination rises above around 5 percent so automation systems can redirect badwater immediately.
