Fluid flow sensing is inevitable at numerous key nodes in a water distribution system. This includes bulk fluid flows in open channels and inside closed pipes. Even though highly sophisticated water flow sensors exist, most of the existing flow sensors are expensive and limited in their capabilities for sensing bidirectional flow. Low-cost and accurate flow sensors with bidirectional sensing capability have numerous applications in various sectors. Cantilever-based flow sensors have been reported, mainly for microfluidic applications. But, its potential use as a flow sensor in large diameter pipes is yet to be explored. Evaluating cantilever-based sensors in large diameter pipes under turbulent flow is very important to explore the potential application of such sensors. An experimental study was conducted to develop a low-cost, cantilever-based sensor suitable for measuring flow rates under turbulent flow conditions. The findings, as well as the comparison with existing sensors, will be discussed in detail.