PurposeThe paper aims to introduce an efficient routing algorithm for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It proposes an improved evaporation rate water cycle (improved ER-WC) algorithm and outlining the systems performance in improving the energy efficiency of WSNs. The proposed technique mainly analyzes the clustering problem of WSNs when huge tasks are performed.Design/methodology/approachThis proposed improved ER-WC algorithm is used for analyzing various factors such as network cluster-head (CH) energy, CH location and CH density in improved ER-WCA. The proposed study will solve the energy efficiency and improve network throughput in WSNs.FindingsThis proposed work provides optimal clustering method for Fuzzy C-means (FCM) where efficiency is improved in WSNs. Empirical evaluations are conducted to find network lifespan, network throughput, total network residual energy and network stabilization.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed improved ER-WC algorithm has some implications when different energy levels of node are used in WSNs.Practical implicationsThis research work analyzes the nodes’ energy and throughput by selecting correct CHs in intra-cluster communication. It can possibly analyze the factors such as CH location, network CH energy and CH density.Originality/valueThis proposed research work proves to be performing better for improving the network throughput and increases energy efficiency for WSNs.