Background of the study
Water leakage in underground pipelines is a pervasive problem in Makurdi LGA, leading to water loss, infrastructure damage, and significant economic burdens. Traditional leakage detection methods, which rely on manual inspections and periodic monitoring, are often inefficient and slow to respond, resulting in prolonged water wastage and delayed repairs. The advent of IoT-based smart underground water leakage monitoring systems offers a proactive solution that utilizes an array of sensors, real-time data analytics, and wireless communication to detect and report leaks immediately. These systems integrate pressure sensors, flow meters, and acoustic sensors installed along pipelines to continuously monitor water movement and identify anomalies indicative of leaks (Olawale, 2023). The real-time data collected is transmitted to centralized control centers, where advanced analytics pinpoint the exact location and severity of leaks, thereby enabling swift remedial action (Ibrahim, 2024). This technological innovation not only reduces water loss but also minimizes repair costs and disruptions to water supply. In addition, the integration of predictive maintenance algorithms helps in forecasting potential pipeline failures, ensuring that preventative measures can be implemented before catastrophic failures occur. Despite the promising benefits, several challenges such as high installation costs, sensor durability in harsh underground environments, and data security issues pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of these systems (Olawale, 2023). This study seeks to design and evaluate an IoT-based smart underground water leakage monitoring system tailored for Makurdi LGA, focusing on its operational effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and potential to enhance water management practices.
Statement of the problem
Makurdi LGA faces chronic water loss and infrastructure degradation due to undetected underground water leakages. Traditional detection methods are labor-intensive, slow, and often fail to provide accurate data on leak locations, leading to significant delays in repair and escalating water wastage (Ibrahim, 2024). The inefficiencies in current systems not only result in financial losses but also compromise the reliability of water supply to residents and industries. Although IoT-based leakage monitoring systems offer real-time detection and rapid response capabilities, their deployment is constrained by high initial investment costs, technical challenges in harsh underground conditions, and concerns regarding data security (Olawale, 2023). Moreover, integrating sensor data with existing water management infrastructures remains a significant hurdle. The absence of a robust, scalable, and secure monitoring system has left water utilities unable to effectively manage pipeline integrity, resulting in ongoing resource depletion and maintenance challenges. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing an IoT-based smart water leakage monitoring system in Makurdi LGA, identifying the critical technical and operational barriers and proposing solutions to overcome them. By addressing these issues, the research seeks to contribute to more sustainable water management practices and a reduction in the economic and environmental impacts associated with water loss (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
To design a prototype IoT-based underground water leakage monitoring system.
To evaluate the system’s accuracy and responsiveness in detecting leaks.
To identify and propose solutions for technical and operational challenges.
Research questions
How effectively does the IoT-based system detect underground water leaks?
What technical challenges are encountered during system deployment?
How can integration with existing water management systems be optimized?
Significance of the study
This study is significant in that it addresses critical water management issues in Makurdi LGA by leveraging IoT-based monitoring technology. The findings will assist water utilities and policymakers in reducing water loss, minimizing infrastructure damage, and optimizing maintenance strategies, thereby contributing to sustainable resource management (Olawale, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to IoT-based underground water leakage monitoring systems in Makurdi LGA. Limitations include installation costs and sensor durability issues.
Definitions of terms
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that automatically share data.
Water Leakage Monitoring: The process of detecting and locating leaks in water pipelines.
Predictive Maintenance: Techniques used to forecast and prevent equipment failures before they occur.
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