Background of the study:
Access to clean water is fundamental to public health, particularly in academic institutions where reliable water sources are essential for drinking, sanitation, and laboratory research. In Lokoja LGA, many universities depend on boreholes for their water supply; however, the quality of underground water can be compromised by contaminants that are difficult to detect with traditional, periodic testing methods. The implementation of an IoT‐based smart underground water quality detection system offers a transformative solution by continuously monitoring key parameters such as pH, turbidity, and contaminant levels. This system utilizes a network of sensors installed within boreholes that relay real‐time data to centralized platforms via wireless communication (Ibrahim, 2023). By providing continuous surveillance, the system can detect even subtle changes in water quality, triggering immediate alerts when parameters fall outside acceptable ranges (Adeniyi, 2024). In addition, the integration of data analytics and machine learning allows for the prediction of potential contamination events based on historical trends and environmental conditions (Udo, 2025). The real‐time monitoring capability not only ensures the safety of water for consumption and academic purposes but also minimizes the risk of prolonged exposure to harmful contaminants. Furthermore, remote monitoring reduces the need for frequent manual sampling, thereby saving time and resources while ensuring consistent data collection. This proactive approach to water quality management supports the sustainability of university water systems and aligns with broader public health initiatives aimed at ensuring safe water for all campus activities.
Statement of the problem:
University boreholes in Lokoja LGA face significant challenges in ensuring consistent water quality due to reliance on infrequent manual testing methods. Traditional water quality assessments are time‐consuming and often fail to capture real‐time fluctuations, leading to delayed detection of contaminants such as heavy metals, pathogens, or chemical pollutants (Ibrahim, 2023). This reactive approach compromises the health and safety of students and staff who depend on borehole water for drinking and laboratory use. The lack of continuous monitoring results in prolonged periods during which contaminated water may go undetected, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and negatively impacting academic activities. Financial and technical limitations further exacerbate these challenges, preventing regular, comprehensive water quality assessments. Inadequate data collection also hinders the ability of university administrators to make informed decisions regarding water treatment and maintenance, thereby compromising overall water management strategies (Adeniyi, 2024). Without an automated, IoT‐based system that provides real‐time alerts and continuous data, the university remains vulnerable to water quality crises that could jeopardize campus health and operational efficiency. Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring a reliable and safe water supply in university settings (Udo, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To design an IoT‐based system for continuous monitoring of underground water quality in university boreholes.
To evaluate the system’s effectiveness in detecting contaminants in real time.
To recommend strategies for integrating the system with existing water management practices in universities.
Research questions:
How effective is the IoT‐based system in continuously monitoring water quality parameters?
What improvements in contamination detection and response times are observed after implementation?
How can the system be integrated with current water management protocols to enhance safety?
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it provides a proactive solution for ensuring water safety in university boreholes through continuous, real‐time monitoring. The IoT‐based system reduces reliance on manual testing, enables early detection of contaminants, and supports informed decision‐making, thereby safeguarding public health and enhancing campus water management.
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the implementation and evaluation of an IoT‐based smart underground water quality detection system for university boreholes in Lokoja LGA. It does not extend to surface water sources or other water quality monitoring applications.
Definitions of terms:
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that exchange real‐time data.
Water Quality Detection: The process of monitoring and analyzing water for contaminants.
Borehole: A deep, narrow well used to extract water from underground sources.
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